Netherlands

Visas

The Netherlands and Belgium are signed up to the Schengen and Benelux agreements. No visa required for citizens of most EU countries, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the relevant consulate in their home country.

Getting There

Schiphol airport (AMS) in Amsterdam is a global international hub. Rotterdam (RTM) and Eindhoven (EIN) also receive European flights. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have a very bad reputation for carrying surfboards – avoid if possible. Try British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair and Delta from the US.

Ferries ply the North Sea from Rotterdam (the 2nd largest harbour in the world), Hook of Holland and Amsterdam to the UK, with onward links to Germany, Denmark and Scandinavia. All the big operators have routes including P&O, Stena, DFDS, etc.

Eurostar operates a direct rail service from London while Stenaline operate a rail and sail package from London via its Harwich to Hoek van Holland service.

Eurolines and Flixbus operate international coaches.

Eurotunnel links the UK to mainland Europe at Calais, from where it takes 4h to get to Amsterdam. Netherlands has toll free motorways which are rigorously enforced by radar and hefty on the spot fines. The limits are 50/80/120km/h for town, open road and motorway respectively.

Getting Around

There are no domestic flights in the Netherlands.

Public transport consists of a mixture of regional bus and intercity train services. Main operators are Connexxion and ArrivaGetting around in town is easy with efficient buses trams and local ferries. The easiest way to pay is to use a OV-chipkaart.

Ferries to the Wadden Islands run from various small ports and there are island hopper routes in high summer only. Den Helder to Texel is the main surf route where the main ferry operator is Tesoand Harlingen to Terschelling (Doeksen) and Vlieland.

On town and city beaches parking is one of the biggest hassles and free parking is rare while wheel clamping is not. A rented bike with a board rack could be the way to go – no hills! A car will be helpful to travel to the northern islands.

Rental cars are moderately priced. Trams always have right of way.

Accommodation

Expensive by European standards as it’s a wealthy area. Freecamping is difficult so campsites should be used to avoid fines. Scheveningen has the widest range of accommodation from deluxe Kurhaus Hotel sea view rooms to the campsite in the woods near Scheveningen. $20 should buy a decent meal.

Activities

Beach cafés and coffee shops are central to the vibe! There is a Flowrider at De Eemhof.

Hazards & hassles

Summer brings surfing bans and lifeguards giving out tickets. Pollution is a problem from rivermouths and harbours. Expensive parking, wheel clamping and no overnight parking is enforced.

Handy Hints

Dutch, Belgian and German surfers mostly frequent this surf zone. Surfboards are available for rent ($10/h) at the Hart Beach Shop. Multiple surf schools fr $15/2hr lesson.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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