NETHERLANDS GUIDE

Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2019 | The Ultimate Destination
HEEMSKERK
An undiscovered pearl of the North Sea
TEXT: PAOLA WESTBEEK | PHOTOS: GEMEENTE HEEMSKERK (RONALD GOEDHEER) + JELENA SIMIDZIJA
Conveniently situated in the province
of North Holland, Heemskerk is an attractive
coastal town with plenty to offer.
Whether you are looking to explore
surroundings replete with history, recharge
your batteries amidst peaceful
and green landscapes, or spend a day
breathing in a good dose of healthy
sea air, this undiscovered pearl of the
North Sea does not disappoint.
The next time you visit the Netherlands,
you may want to escape the hustle and
bustle of its major cities and head to
Heemskerk. What started out as a small
agricultural/horticultural village in the Middle
Kennemerland region, mainly existing
from the cultivation of strawberries and
flower bulbs during the 19th century and
early 20th century, has blossomed into a
town that delights without overwhelming.
Multifaceted and easily accessible
A visit to Heemskerk means wandering
through its cosy centre and stopping
along the way to savour a local
‘Ezelsbok’ beer or a bite at one of its inviting
restaurants and cafés. Those seeking
retail therapy, will find plenty of shops
in the town centre.
Fascinated by history? Heemskerk
boasts medieval castles, ancient churches
and monuments that attest to the
town’s rich past. Not to be missed is
Château Marquette, which dates to
the 13th century and proudly stands
on a sprawling, lush estate. Also worth
checking out are the Reformed Church,
known as the Dorpskerk (Village Church)
and dating to the 11th century, and the
Marieke van Dijk.
50 | Issue 62 | February 2019