One of the most well-known coastal towns in the Netherlands, this town is renowned for its down-to-earth residents who remain closely connected to their traditions. It boasts a charming town centre and what many consider to be the most beautiful boulevard in the entire country. Dominating the skyline along this boulevard are two iconic landmarks: the White Church, also known as the Old Church, and the lighthouse called the Vuurbaak. The Vuurbaak is the second-oldest lighthouse still standing in the Netherlands.
Tradition plays a significant role in the rich culture of Katwijk. Key aspects include its fishing heritage, Protestant faith, the Katwijk dialect, and a strong passion for football.
In the town of Katwijk, people don’t talk about Ajax or Feyenoord. The conversation instead centres around Quick Boys, VV Katwijk, or Rijnsburgse Boys. These three clubs compete in the third tier of Dutch football which, due to the lack of promotion to the second division, represents the highest level of the amateur league. Among them, Quick Boys is the most successful and the largest club, making it the most widely supported team in the town. The club is also known for having one of the most unique stadiums in the world, nestled in the middle of the dunes near the coast.
Drinking is another pastime that Katwijkers thoroughly enjoy. The town even has its own whisky brand called ‘Vierboet’, which is also an alternative name for the lighthouse.
We could talk endlessly about the rich culture and history of Katwijk aan Zee, but now it is time to explore the town’s pubs. We hope that you enjoy the FREE pub crawl and let us know what you think via our social media channels.