Location
Netherlands
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About IJmuiden Beach
IJmuiden's nude beach is on the very wide North Sea beach of IJmuiden aan Zee in the municipality of Velsen, North Holland, just south of the long piers at the mouth of the North Sea Canal. It lies inside Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, which runs south from here to Zandvoort. The naturist section is in beach zone 4 (recreation beach), between beach pole 58 and the municipal boundary with Bloemendaal, where it carries straight on into Bloemendaal's beach. NFN BlootKompas lists it as an official nude beach. The beach is huge: visitors lie against the foot of the dunes, and the walk from there to the waterline alone takes 10 to 15 minutes. From the steep dune edge the view takes in the ships queueing for the canal and the piers. Recreation in the dunes is allowed up to the fence. There are no facilities on the nude beach itself; beach pavilion Beach Inn is about 500 m away. Dogs are reportedly banned but the rule is not enforced, and in high season dogs from the clothed beach sometimes stray onto the nude section.
Getting there
Park at IJmuiderslag II (max 4 hours), about 1.2 km on foot, or at Heerenduinweg (hourly or day ticket), about 1.6 km. From the car parks walk via IJmuiderslag and the Strandvonderpad straight onto the beach, or take the path behind the dunes from the start of the Strandvonderpad. Bike parking is about 1.2 km away; the IJmuiden aan Zee bus stop is about 2.5 km. Entry is free. Long walk in sand; not wheelchair friendly.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a big, quiet and spacious beach with an impressive view from the dunes and room to shelter against them. The main complaints are the long walk from parking, the lack of facilities other than bins, and off-lead dogs from the clothed beach in summer. Parking is easy, with the large car park cheaper than street parking.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Under Dutch criminal law (art. 430a Sr) nudity is only an offence in places not suitable for it or where a municipality has banned it, so nude recreation is lawful on designated beaches and on quiet beaches judged suitable. NFN BlootKompas (2026) lists IJmuiden as an officially designated nude beach between pole 58 and the Bloemendaal boundary, though it also notes signage may be missing; check on site.
Naturism at IJmuiden Beach sits under Netherlands's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Netherlands public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 52.4517, 4.5562
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Is IJmuiden an official nude beach?
Yes, according to the Dutch naturist federation NFN: it is designated between beach pole 58 and the Bloemendaal boundary.
Where should I park?
At IJmuiderslag II (4-hour limit) or Heerenduinweg, then walk 1.2 to 1.6 km to the beach.
Are there facilities?
Not on the nude beach; Beach Inn pavilion is about 500 m away.
Who do I call about nuisance?
In an emergency call 112; for nuisance, the police non-emergency number 0900-8844.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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