9 km
Callantsoog beach
Callantsoog has one of the whitest beaches in the Netherlands, and getting there is part of the charm. From the village square, a broad staircase takes you straight down onto the sand, a rare sight along the Dutch coast. Once you’re there, six beach pavilions give you plenty of choice for coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner by the sea.
How to get there
From Strand49, simply head north by car or bike. Don’t have a bike with you? You can hire a bike or e-bike from us.
Parking is free throughout Callantsoog, unlike in better-known seaside resorts such as Schoorl and Bergen aan Zee. On sunny days, the most popular beach entrances can get busy, so it’s worth arriving early or choosing one of the quieter access points. Callantsoog has five numbered beach access points, each with its own character. Most visitors don’t realise how different they are, but choosing the right one can make a real difference to your day at the beach. Beach pavilion A good middle ground, quieter than the central beach entrances Beach access 10 at Abbestee is the easiest option. The route is paved all the way to the beach, with the car park directly opposite, so there’s very little walking involved. If you need to drive right down to the sand, Sint Maartenszee and Petten both have beach access points where visitors with reduced mobility can apply for a permit.Which beach access point should you choose?
Beach access What to expect 9, Voordijk The quietest option, with a wide beach and usually the best chance of finding a parking space None 10, Abbestee Wide and peaceful, with a paved route all the way to the beach and a large car park directly opposite De Stern, immediately to the right 11, Seinpost None 12, Dorpsplein The most popular entrance, with the broad staircase leading straight down from the village square De Toko 13, Kiefteglop Livelier and close to the centre De Strandtent If walking is difficult
The six beach pavilions
From north to south, each one has its own atmosphere.
- De Stern, by beach access 10 at Abbestee
The northernmost pavilion and a local favourite since 1983. Relaxed and unpretentious, with a friendly atmosphere. You only need to book if you’re coming with a large group. Best known for its toasted sandwiches and Dutch-style open sandwiches topped with fried eggs. Closed in winter. - Strandpaviljoen Vos, one of the oldest traditional wooden beach pavilions on the Dutch coast, now run by the fourth generation of the same family. Cosy and welcoming, with plenty of homemade dishes on the menu.
- De Toko, by beach access 12 at Dorpsplein. A laid-back spot with a surfer feel, serving fresh fish and vegetarian options. The glass-screened terrace keeps out the wind while still letting you make the most of the sunshine.
- Woest, Open all year round, with a varied menu featuring local produce, a large terrace and a modern interior.
- De Strandtent, by beach access 13 at Kiefteglop
Relaxed and slightly bohemian, with freshly prepared dishes made largely from organic and locally sourced ingredients. - Zilte Zucht, A small pavilion at the southern end of the beach, close to the naturist section. Here, it’s mostly just the sound of the sea, the wind and the gulls.
Facilities and safety
In July and August, Callantsoog’s Paal 13 lifeguard service patrols the beach seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm. The service has been keeping watch here since 1962. You’ll also find toilets, places to eat and drink, first aid facilities, litter bins and bicycle parking. Water quality at all five beach access points is regularly monitored and is generally rated as good. You can find the latest information on the Municipality of Schagen website.
Visiting with your dog
It’s easy to see why Callantsoog is so popular with dog owners. From 1 October to 1 April, dogs can be off the lead anywhere on the beach. Between 1 April and 1 October, they need to be kept on a lead between 9 am and 7 pm, both on the beach and along the access paths. Leads may be no longer than 1.5 metres.
There are also four stretches of beach where dogs can be off the lead all year round. On the eastern edge of the village, Luttickduin is another year-round off-lead area. The neighbouring Kooibosch, however, is closed throughout the year to preserve its peaceful surroundings. You can check the latest off-lead areas on the Municipality of Schagen website.
Planning a walk through the dunes with your dog? Bear in mind that dogs are not allowed in Zwanenwater, just south of Callantsoog.
Discover more beaches
- Strand Sint Maartenszee
- Strand Hargen aan Zee
- Strand Petten aan Zee
- Strand Schoorl
- Strand Camperduin
- Strand Bergen aan Zee