IJmuiden is a seaside town situated at the sea end of the Amsterdam to North Sea Canal . The town combines wide beaches and dunes with the hustle and bustle of port and industry. With its unique location, IJmuiden has much to offer residents and visitors alike.
The immense piers and locks of IJmuiden are the gateway to Amsterdam . From here, ships of all sizes can make the short journey right into the heart of the Dutch Capital. IJmuiden is also the premier fishing port of the Netherlands , and is the site of the vast Corus steel works. In the 1980s, the offshore supply industry made the port of IJmuiden its home, and in the 1990s, a cruise ferry service was opened to Newcastle in North East England. In recent years, the new Felison Cruise Ship Terminal was built in a stunning location at the entrance to the canal. Here cruise ships from Scotland, the Norwegian Fjords and The Baltic dock to allow passengers to enjoy the delights of Amsterdam and beyond. As a result of these developments, the port of IJmuiden has forged close links with nearby Amsterdam .
With its shipping companies, traders, and support services for the fishing industry, IJmuiden has become one of the leading fishing ports of north-west Europe . Thanks to the growth of the international fish trade, the variety of seafood on offer in shops and restaurants has greatly expanded, which makes a visit to IJmuiden an attractive proposition. Eating fish in one of the seafood restaurants, watching ships at the mouth of the harbour, driving alongside the vast locks or visiting the Sea and Harbour Museum are all part of the enjoyment of a visit to the port of IJmuiden.
IJmuiden has superb wide sandy beaches backed by the dunes. There is plenty of parking and several sea pavilions with their great views and family restaurants open throughout the year. Behind the dunes are walking trails and a nature reserve. The Blue Flag for water quality has been awarded to the beach of IJmuiden aan Zee.
The Seaport Marina provides direct boat access to the sea. If you don’t have a boat, you can still visit the promenade which offers many facilities including a hotel, a camp site, restaurants, and cafés. The beach at IJmuiden ’s northern pier is perfect for surfers, thanks to the unique wind and wave conditions found there.
The IJmuiden area (‘ Holland at its narrowest’) is blessed with a rich history which is reflected in landscape and architecture. There are many places of cultural and historical interest, such as the ruins of Brederode (one of the oldest castles in Holland), the estates of Beeckestijn, Waterland and Velserbeek, old industrial plants by the North Sea Canal and the old village of Velsen . There are also some very interesting relics of military history such as the Fortress Island, a most attractive forward part of the Amsterdam Defence Line from the 19th century and the Festung IJmuiden, a vast complex of bunkers along the coast and around the port, part of the German Atlantic Wall of the 2nd World War.
For further information please visit our website: www.toerismevelsen.nl (in Dutch, English and German)
Contact Ms. Debby Kostandy
Address PO Box 465
Zipcode 1970 AL
City IJmuiden
Country The Netherlands
Telephone +31 255 567311
Fax +31 255 567762
Email dkostandy@velsen.nl