Schagen: A Hidden Gem in the Netherlands

Located in the province of North Holland, Schagen is a charming and historic city that's often overlooked by tourists. With its picturesque streets, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural landscapes, Schagen is truly a hidden gem in the Netherlands. Here's a guide to the top tourist attractions in Schagen:

Museums

If you're a history buff or just looking to learn more about the local culture, Schagen has plenty of museums to explore:

• Automuseum Schagen (Lagedijk, Lagedijkerweg 1a): This museum showcases classic cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles from the early 20th century to the present day. Visitors can take a trip down memory lane as they admire the vintage cars on display. (www.automuseumschagen.nl/)
• Boerderij- en Rijtuigmuseum Vreeburg (Loet 14): This museum gives visitors a glimpse of life on a Dutch farm in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibits include antique farm tools, equipment, and horse-drawn carriages. (museumvreeburg.nl/)
• Museum Slag van de Somme 1914- 1918 (Slotplein 2): This museum takes visitors back in time to World War I, when Dutch soldiers fought alongside the British in the Battle of the Somme. The exhibits include artifacts, photos, and personal stories from the soldiers who served in the war. (slagvandesomme.nl/)
• Zijper Museum (Schagerweg 97D): This museum showcases the history of the Zijpe region, including its agriculture, fishing, and water management. The exhibits include antique artifacts, photos, and documents. (www.zijpermuseum.nl/)
• Van Blanckendaell Park (Veilingweg 9): This cozy zoo showcases exotic animals and a museum. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, a playground, and an aviary. (www.blanckendaellpark.nl/)
• Museum BroekerVeiling (Museumweg 2): This floating 1878 auction house and boat ride offers visitors a chance to learn about the local history of Schagen. Exhibits feature a 19th-century sail-in auction house, boat tours, and a cafe. (broekerveiling.nl/)

Nature and Parks

Schagen is home to many scenic natural landscapes and parks that are worth exploring:

• Zwanenwater (Zuidschinkeldijk): This bird-rich reserve with lakeside trails is a nature reserve anchored by two natural dune lakes. It's popular for birdwatching and gentle walks. (www.natuurmonumenten.nl/nat...)
• Het Wildrijk (Belkmerweg): This nature reserve features a variety of flowers and trees, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and beeches. (www.landschapnoordholland.n...)
• Nollenland van Abbestede (Abbestede 4): This nature reserve is home to sand dunes, grasslands, and a lake. It offers visitors a chance to see rare bird species and other wildlife. (www.landschapnoordholland.n...)
• Petten aan Zee (Belkmerweg 65): This beach community features a landmark seawall and wooden beachfront promenades. It's a great spot for walks and scenic views. (www.facebook.com/pettenaanzee/)
• Balgzand (Balgzanddijk): This nature reserve features mudflats, salt marshes, and sandbanks. It's a popular spot for birdwatching and guided tours. (www.landschapnoordholland.n...)
• Mariëndal (Jan Verfailleweg 622): This nature reserve features dunes, forests, and grasslands. It offers visitors a chance to see rare bird species and other wildlife. (www.landschapnoordholland.n...)

Attractions for Kids

If you're traveling with kids, Schagen has plenty of family-friendly attractions to explore:

• Land van Fluwel Avonturenparadijs (Belkmerweg 65): This adventure park features a variety of activities for kids, including a ropes course, playground, and petting zoo. (www.landvanfluwel.nl/)
• De Holle Bolle Boom (Bongerdlaan 3): This indoor and outdoor play park is perfect for pre-teens. It features three indoor play areas and an open-air playground with a huge trampoline, climbing tower, and bouncy castle. (www.hollebolleboom.nl/)
• Amusement Park De Goudvis (Zeeweg 91): This indoor and outdoor play park offers a variety of activities for kids, including a huge trampoline, climbing tower, and bouncy castle. (www.degoudvis.nl/)
• Speelpark de Swaan (Wagenweg 2A): This outdoor play park features a variety of activities for kids, including a playground, petting zoo, and maze. (www.speelparkdeswaan.nl/)
• Indoor Adventure Minigolf (Smeetsweg 12, a): This indoor adventure park features a mini-golf course, laser tag, and other games. (www.indooradventureminigolf...)
• Monkey Town Schagen (Groeneweg 1): This indoor playground features a variety of activities for kids, including a ball pit, slides, and climbing structures. (www.monkeytown.eu/schagen?u...)

Outdoor Activities

If you're looking for some outdoor fun, Schagen has plenty of options:

• Wandelstartpunt Slot Schagen (Unnamed Road): This hiking area offers scenic trails through forests and fields. (www.wandelnetwerknoordholla...)
• Wandelstartpunt Tolke (Tolkervaartpad 1742): This hiking area offers scenic trails through forests and along canals.
• Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen (Oorsprongweg 1): This visitor center offers trails through dunes and pine forest, leading to a beach. It's a great spot for hiking or biking. (www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/naar...)
• Klimduin (Duinvoetweg 1): This high sand dune and recreational area is great for hiking and winter sledging.
• Disc Golf Parcour (Oosttangent 4): This frisbee golf course features varied terrain, including a sand pit, forest, and views from a high mound. (www.discgolfschoorl.nl/)
• Vogelkijkpost Camperduim (Zeevogelkijkpunt Camperduin, Heereweg 411): This birdwatching spot offers stunning views of the North Sea coast.
• Uitzichtpunt Zwarte Blink op 31 meter - View point (Unnamed Road): This scenic viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Centrum Mitte: This charming city center offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

Other Attractions

If you're looking for something unique, Schagen has plenty of quirky attractions to discover:

• Regenboogbank Schagen (Slotplein): This rainbow-colored bench is a symbol of inclusivity and diversity. It's a great spot for a photo op. (regioonline.nl/regio-den-he...)
• Great Church Schagen (Markt 23a): This historic church features stunning Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. It's a great spot for a quiet moment of reflection. (pgschagen.nl/)
• Avitorium (Van Ewijckskade 1): This wildlife park and rehabilitation center offers a chance to see big cats rehabilitation, a lemur island, and bird of prey demonstrations. (www.hoenderdaell.nl/avitorium/)
• Kunstgras Schagen (Park Grote Sloot 248): This art installation features a miniature soccer pitch made entirely of grass. It's a great spot for a quick game or photo op. (www.kunstgrasschagen.nl/)
• Nic Veldboerpark (Park Snevert 1A): This spacious park features a playground, sports fields, and picnic area. It's a great spot for a family outing.
• JL Senior (Strandweg 2): This quirky art installation features a series of sculptures made entirely of recycled materials. It's a great spot for a photo op.

Whether you're interested in history, nature, outdoor activities, or family-friendly attractions, Schagen has something for everyone. So why not add this charming city to your Netherlands travel itinerary?