Frequently asked questions about beach in Scheveningen

As far as we know it is permitted to search the beach of Scheveningen with a metal detector.

General information
Generally it is allowed to search the Dutch beaches using a metal detector at amateur level. Metal detection is a search method for finding metal objects in the ground. Beach searchers use a metal detector to find lost items (jewelry and coins) of bathers.

Of course, Dutch laws and regulations also apply on the beach. This means that you, also when searching on beach, need to take the following into account: Law on Archaeological Heritage, the Monuments law, the weapons and ammunition law, the local General Local Regulation (APV), Lost and Found items according to the civil law etc. Aside from that you should always leave behind your search location the way you found it. In other words, neatly close any dug holes.

A local municipality may decide to prohibit the use of a metal detector (detection ban) via the General Local Regulation. Therefore always check the General Local Regulation and/or contact the municipality where you wish to search. Scheveningen is subject to the municipality of Den Haag. Here you will find contact information about this municipality: https://www.denhaag.nl/

Dunes
Note: Searching in the Dutch dunes is generally strictly prohibited. This is due to the protection of nature.

Most shops, beach clubs, bars, terraces and restaurants remain open during the weekends in the low season. Many are also open throughout the week.

Each year the low season in Scheveningen begins after the autumn holidays till the beginning of the spring holidays. Several shops, beach clubs and restaurants use this period to rebuild, renew or for vacation. As a result, during this low season period, not all stores are opened every day.

Furthermore there is no general period when all the restaurants, bars and shops are closed. All entrepreneurs determine the temporary closure individually. Therefore is there are, also in the low season, enough shops and restaurants opened for you to enjoy.

All local surf information (including surfing schools) can you find on our special page: https://scheveningen.com/en/surfing.php

Access to and use of the beaches of Scheveningen is (of course) free.

Scheveningen beach pavilions are always built starting early March. They stay open until late October.

It's best to contact the individual beach pavilions for the exact opening date.

With regard to the public security fire (including a campfire, fire pit, grill or barbecue) is prohibited at all times on the beach of Scheveningen.

Barbecues inside or on the terrace of a beach restaurant, are not covered by this prohibition.

The Blue Flag is an international environmental award, granted annually to beaches and marinas that participate in the campaign and have proven to be clean and safe.

The goal of the Blue Flag programme is to continuously involve governments, entrepreneurs, and recreational users in the care for clean and safe water, beautiful nature, and a healthy environment. Holding a Blue Flag is a recognition of the efforts made by the beach municipality or marina operator in this area. For tourists, the Blue Flag is internationally the recognition and quality symbol for good beaches and marinas.

What are the criteria for the beaches?

• The bathing water is of excellent quality.
• The beach is kept clean.
• There are enough toilets and waste bins on the beach.
• Rescue materials and a first aid post are available on the beach.
• Information activities are organized to protect the natural environment of the sea, beach, and dunes.

More information: https://www.blauwevlag.nl/

All information about horse riding on the beach or in the environment (including local riding schools) can be found on the riding page: https://scheveningen.com/en/horseback-riding.php

During the long beach season (June, July, August and September) there are some beach wheelchairs available.

A telephone reservation is recommended. The beach wheelchair is only for use on the beach and into the sea. All beach wheelchairs need someone to push.  
Below are the lending locations with phone numbers:

Fietsenstalling Biesieklette
Strandweg 10, Scheveningen
tel. +31 70-3942211
web. https://www.biesieklette.nl/stallingen/haven/

Fietsenstalling Biesieklette
Deltaplein 168, Kijkduin
tel. +31 70-3942211
https://www.biesieklette.nl/stallingen/deltaplein/

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No, you may not enter the dunes of Scheveningen. This is to prevent damage. The main function of the dunes is to provide natural protection for the coast against the sea. Without the dunes a large part of the Netherlands would be under water.

In addition, almost all the dunes in the Netherlands is part of a nature reserve. They are an important part of biodiversity. In the dunes live many animals such as rabbits, foxes, deer, lizards and many species of birds. It's official forbidden to pick the plants and to chase animals in the Dutch dunes.

Furthermore you are (of course) allowed to walk on the created hiking paths.

Sport fishing from the beach of Scheveningen in the North Sea is all year and throughout the day allowed. Be careful when inserting your rod to the other beach and sea users.

To sport fishing in the sea from the beach you will not need a license. To fish in lakes (and other waterways) is a license and a fishing license required. These are available in the tourist office.

So even though sport fishing from the beach is allowed throughout the year, one thing remains; keep account of each other!

As far as we know, there are no lockers near the beach of Scheveningen.

• Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Scheveningen during the period 15 May till 1 October.
• Outside of the above mentioned period are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Scheveningen.

Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).

Nearest beach for dogs at Scheveningen

Dogs are allowed all year from beach Noorderstrand 34 in the direction Katwijk.

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You can rent chairs, windbreakers and umbrellas at various beach pavilions in Scheveningen.

With regard to the public security fire (including a campfire, fire pit, grill or barbecue) is prohibited at all times on the beach of Scheveningen.

Barbecues inside or on the terrace of a beach restaurant, are not covered by this prohibition.

[Answer in Dutch]

Scheveningen en Kijkduin hebben ruimte voor nudisten:

1) Zwarte Pad (paal 96.5 - 98.0), Noorderstrand Scheveningen, tussen strandslagen Zwarte Pad en Meijendelseslag.
https://www.nfn.nl/.../scheveningen/

2) Westduinpark (tussen paal 104.0 - 105.0).
https://www.nfn.nl/../westduinpark/

3) Kijkduin (vanaf paal 108.0 richting Monster), opgang strandslag Kijkerduin.
https://www.nfn.nl/../kijkduin/

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There are free showers at various beaches in Scheveningen.
Inter alia:
- https://scheveningen.com/en/beach/317/noorderstrand-17.html

These beach showers are placed annually in early May and again removed from the beach at the end of September.

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On this website you will always find the latest information on the quality of bathing water in Scheveningen: https://www.zwemwater.nl/

Possible messages are:
- Good: There are no reports for this swimming spot. You can safely swim.
- Warning: Swimming allowed, however there is a potential health risk.
- Advice against bathing: Not swimming, health risk.
- Swim Ban: Swimming prohibited, great health risk.

During the bathing season (May 1 to October 1) local provinces will inform you about the quality of the water of the official bathing sites. The measuring point is the place where most bathers are expected either where the risk of pollution is greatest.

Outside the bathing season, the bathing water is not investigated. If you go into the water off season, you must decide for yourself whether it is justified.

All information about horse riding on the beach or in the environment (including local riding schools) can be found on the riding page: https://scheveningen.com/en/horseback-riding.php