Not everyone wants to bake in the scorching sun on a tropical beach. Maybe you aren’t a fan of hot weather. Perhaps a beach walk with air that feels like it’s made of maple syrup just isn’t your thing. Northern European countries may be just what the doctor ordered in terms of your perfect beach vacation. Though many of us don’t immediately think of a northern beach when we conjure an image of sun and sand, there is a whole lot of shoreline in the world that doesn’t sit that close to the equator. That’s a lot of untapped vacation potential. Plus, you’re probably not going to find these beaches full of wall-to-wall tourists seeking the perfect tan.
There is a quaint and pretty seaside resort town on Voorne Island in the Netherlands that is the perfect spot for a cooler beach day, with lots of things to do in the water as well as on land. You’ll find hiking and biking trails aplenty, a North Sea beach given the Blue Flag designation (for the 16th time in 2023) for exceptionally clean water and environmental practices, and an unusual museum. This place is Rockanje, Netherlands, and it’s the perfect place to put on your cool summer getaway list.
The beach in Rockanje
Rockanje Beach is about 5.3 miles long and sits south of Oostvoorne. The beach faces south, which means sunshine on clear days. Ocean sandbanks create calm waters, making this a perfect spot for families. There are four sections. Badstrand is best for swimming. Stille Strand is a quiet beach, so if you’re looking for a place to write the next great novel, this is the right one for you. There is Groene Punt, which features the ruins of a WWII bunker, often visible at low tide. There is also a nudist beach, so if that isn’t for you (or it is for you), just know that it’s there.
The stunning beach is also great for kids because of the safety measures. There are lifeguards during the summer, and a first aid station. You will also find playgrounds. If you want to take the family dog with you, note that they are denied entry from April through October, but for the rest of the year, they can frolic to their hearts’ desires. Leashes are not required. There are also plenty of nearby snack places and restaurants to fuel your fun.
If you enjoy water sports, this beach is great for water scooters, parasailing, scuba, kayaking, and surfing. A wetsuit is probably a good idea, though. The average high in July and August is around 69 degrees Fahrenheit, so the water is going to be pretty cool. Of course, that may be exactly what you’re looking for.
What to do in the village of Rockanje
YouTube / Polychronis Drone
There is lots to do on land as well. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and marked bike paths in the area if you like to do your own exploring. You can also join a horseback riding tour. Don’t miss the recreation area Oostvoornse Meer, an artificial lake with lots of areas to hike and bike.
If you want to check out a unique museum, visit De Duinhuisjes, an open-air museum of four dune houses restored to look like they did from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. You can tour them and learn about how people lived day to day. There are even some cooking demonstrations and theme days. If you like ruins, you can check out De Heren van Voorne in Oostvorne, an old fort built in the 1100s. Jacoba van Beiren (1401 to 1436), aka the Duchess of Bavaria, lived there near the end of her life.
If you visit on the second weekend in May, you can check out National Mill Day, which lets you see the wind and water mills the Netherlands is famous for. If you’re there in early August, check out the Funfair in Oostvoorne, a great spot for kids.
