Zandvoort: from fishing village to seaside resort
The name Zandvoort was already mentioned in the year 1100 as Sandevoerde. This name combined two words: sand and voorde (ford). In the first centuries of its existence, the village lived off fishing. When sea bathing started spreading from the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century, Zandvoort gradually became more and more of a seaside resort. The accelerator of that development was the opening of the Groot Badhuis in 1828. Just over half a century later, there was a second catalyst: the arrival of a train station, as the terminus of the railway line from Haarlem. International trains also stopped in Zandvoort, often carrying prominent, wealthy foreign travelers. While the train brought the elite to Zandvoort, at the beginning of the twentieth century it was the new electric tram that stimulated popular beach tourism.
Dozens of bunkers
The war caused massive destruction. All buildings right along the coast – such as bathhouses and hotels – had to make way for the construction of the German Atlantic Wall. Dozens of these bunkers still remain today. After the war, the tourists returned, along with the hotels, beach pavilions, and other accommodations.
Vast dune landscapes, forests and lakes
The nature around Zandvoort is impressive. The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, which borders Zandvoort, offers vast dune landscapes, forests, and lakes, perfect for walking and cycling tours.
Casino, cinema, gameland, restaurants and cozy "sloppies"
The village itself is also worth visiting, if only for the contrasts. For example, between the striking Circus Zandvoort (an entertainment complex with a casino, cinema, and game arcade) and the narrow alleys ('sloppies') from the old fishing village days. Of course, you can have great meals in Zandvoort, and especially in the summer, there are numerous events.
Dutch Grand Prix Zandvoort
The biggest event is of course Formula 1, which has been held annually at the Circuit Zandvoort again since 2021. The Dutch Grand Prix Zandvoort has put the village firmly back on the international map.
New construction in Zandvoort
New construction is taking place in various locations in Zandvoort. On this page you will find information about the projects that have been registered with us. An overview of the new construction offerings in the region (Metropolitan Region Amsterdam) can be found at the supply page on this website.
