Bergen
Bergen is at about 50 kilometres northwest of Amsterdam. The village has attracted visitors for centuries due to its location on the edge of dunes and nature. Bergen aan Zee was founded around the turn of the 19th Century and lies in the heart of the natural beauty of the Schoorl Forestry Area and the North-Holland Dune Reserve. The two villages are separated by dunes criss-crossed by an extensive network of cycle paths and walking routes. To the north of Bergen lies woody Schoorl and to the east a bird-sanctuary.
Bergen is well over 1000 years old and built around the Ruined Church, which dates from the 15th century. For many years, Bergen has been a hiding place for artists who regard the peace and space as a source of inspiration; broad avenues with plenty of greenery and large residences hard up against nature. Works of the "Bergen School", the artistic movement named after the village, can be seen, among other things, in the Kranenburg Museum. There are still a great many artists in residence, exhibiting their work in the galleries and the artists' centre, where you can buy modern art, too. The Holland Music Sessions take place during the summer, with many evening concerts by talented young international musicians. During the summer there are art and craft markets and in October there is an event known as the Ten Days of Art (October). The centre of Bergen is teeming with terraces, cafes and restaurants - and, most importantly for the shopping enthusiast, small shops boutiques.
Bergen aan Zee is primarily a bathing resort with a freely accessible beach with a variety of facilities and a naturist area to the north. The village is recommended not only for bathing, but also for surfing and catamaran sailing. It also boasts marine aquarium, which presents a picture of the denizens of the sea throughout the world.