Netherlands · South Holland · The Hague
Visit Scheveningen
Scheveningen, a famous district of The Hague in the Netherlands, is famous for its picturesque beach, vibrant cultural scene and rich history. Originally a humble fishing village, Scheveningen has evolved into one of the country's finest seaside resorts while retaining its maritime charm.
Tourist attractions in Scheveningen
- Scheveningen Beach: this vast sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and practicing many water sports. It is a center of activity with many beach pavilions, cafes and restaurants.
- Scheveningen Pier: a historic site with a Ferris wheel, bungee jumping, zip lines and various restaurants. The pier offers great views of the North Sea and the coast.
- Sea Life Scheveningen: an aquarium offering an immersive underwater experience where you can observe marine life from around the world, including sharks, rays and turtles.
- Madurodam: although not located in Scheveningen itself, this miniature park in The Hague is nearby and features detailed models of famous Dutch historical monuments and scenes.
- Beelden aan Zee Museum: a unique museum dedicated to contemporary sculpture, located in the dunes of Scheveningen. It presents a diverse collection of works by domestic and foreign artists.
- Kurhaus: this magnificent hotel and spa complex, built in 1884–1885, is an architectural gem and a symbol of Scheveningen's rich past. Even if you don't stay there, it's worth a visit for its historical significance and beautiful interior.
See the full guided tours page to book a tour, or read the history of Scheveningen for the story behind the Kurhaus and the pier.
Accommodations in and near Scheveningen
Scheveningen is the Netherlands' most famous seaside resort, combining natural beauty with entertainment and culture. Many hotels feature spa and sauna facilities, while others are designed with families in mind or provide quick access to public transport and parking. Each name below opens a live Expedia availability search for Scheveningen rather than that hotel's own page directly; search for the name once there to find it.
- Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus – a historic and luxurious landmark right on the beach, with spa, fine dining and sea views.
- Bilderberg Europa Hotel Scheveningen – stylish rooms, wellness facilities, and close to both the pier and boulevard.
- Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Scheveningen – a modern hotel with dining options, only steps from the sandy beach.
- Carlton Beach Hotel – comfortable rooms, wellness services, and stunning views of the North Sea.
- The Hague Marriott Hotel – a short drive from Scheveningen, with first-class facilities and spacious rooms.
See all 10 recommended hotels in Scheveningen, including budget-friendly options.
Related websites
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Frequently asked questions
What is Scheveningen known for?
Scheveningen is known as the Netherlands' best-known seaside resort, built around its wide North Sea beach, the historic Pier and the 19th-century Kurhaus hotel and spa. It grew from a fishing village into a resort town, and that fishing heritage still shows in its harbour and the annual Vlaggetjesdag herring festival. Sea Life Scheveningen, Museum Beelden aan Zee and the boulevard's restaurants and hotels round out its appeal.
Is Scheveningen part of The Hague?
Yes, Scheveningen is a district of the city of The Hague (Den Haag) in the Netherlands, not a separate municipality. It sits on the North Sea coast at the western edge of the city, a short tram ride from The Hague's city centre. Locally, “Scheveningen” usually refers to the beach and boulevard area, known in Dutch as Scheveningen-Bad.
Is Scheveningen worth visiting?
Scheveningen is worth visiting for its combination of a wide sandy beach, a historic pier and a 19th-century seaside architecture rarely found in one place on the Dutch coast. It works well as a half-day or full-day trip from The Hague, or as a base for a longer coastal stay. Families, couples and day-trippers all find something to do, from the aquarium and Ferris wheel to quiet dune walks nearby.
How do you get to Scheveningen from Amsterdam, Schiphol or Rotterdam?
Scheveningen is around 60 km by road from Amsterdam and about 45 km from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, both roughly 40 to 50 minutes by car depending on traffic. From Rotterdam it is closer, around 25 to 28 km, about 30 minutes by car. All three cities also connect by train to Den Haag Centraal or Den Haag HS, from where a tram reaches the Scheveningen boulevard in about 15 minutes.