Who Heemskerk suits
Heemskerk is a residential town north of Beverwijk with two castles (Slot Assumburg, now a hostel, and Slot Marquette) and quick access to the dunes and beach at Heemskerkerduin. It suits travellers who want a very quiet base with easy Amsterdam trains via Beverwijk, and cyclists exploring the coastal strip between Wijk aan Zee and Castricum. Prices are lower than the more famous beach villages.
It doesn’t suit anyone looking for a lively town centre or restaurant scene — this is a place to sleep and use, not to hang around in. If atmosphere matters, choose Castricum, Bergen or Haarlem instead.
Where and how
Options are limited — a hostel in Slot Assumburg, a couple of small hotels and B&Bs. Anywhere in town works because the town is small. Wijk aan Zee, 8 km west, is the actual coastal village with more beach-side atmosphere if that's the priority.
Questions answered
Can you stay in Slot Assumburg?
Yes — it operates as a Stayokay hostel, offering dorm and private rooms inside the moated castle. Book well ahead in summer.
How do I reach the coast?
Bus or bike to Wijk aan Zee (10-15 minutes) or Heemskerkerduin. No direct train to the coast from here.
Every stay booked through Stay Noord-Holland funds one verified tonne of carbon removal — same room, same price, the climate action already built into checkout.
You're not charged more and the hotel isn't paid less. It's just what happens when you tap Reserve.