Nederland - Egmond aan Zee

Egmond aan Zee is the best-known of the three ‘Egmond villages’: Egmond aan Zee, Egmond-Binnen, Egmond a/d Hoef. Egmond aan Zee was formed in the coastal dunes in 977. “The sea gives, the sea takes” is an old popular saying in the fishing community. During heavy storms houses often disappeared into the sea and in November 1741 the sea not only took away 36 houses, but also the church and its tower.

Apart from being dangerous, the sea also provided the people of Egmond food and work, as most inhabitants of Egmond were fishermen. Quite a few sights in Egmond remind one of this; for instance, the "fishermen-houses", which are tiny houses near the sea where fishermen used to live.

Since the beginning of the 20th century Egmond aan Zee has been a popular seaside resort. The village is well-known for its healthy and clear sea air. Children from big cities came to stay in one of the many “colony houses” which were sanatorium-like institutions often run by charities and churches.

Egmond has a sandy beach that stretches for about three miles. The beach of Egmond is perfect for sunbathing and swimming in summer and invites you to take a stroll in spring, autumn or even winter.

We visited Egmond aan Zee on a crisp winter's day with a freezing wind, snow-covered dunes and frozen seawater.