Heemskerk is a residential town of 40,000 between Beverwijk and Castricum, notable for two things: Slot Assumburg, a fine turreted brick castle now operating as a Stayokay youth hostel, and Kasteel Marquette, a moated country house also convertible for events. The town itself is undramatic postwar suburbia with a small older core around the Sint-Laurentiuskerk. This is a functional Dutch place, not a destination.
This suits budget travellers who want to sleep in an actual medieval castle at hostel prices ($35-$70 for a Stayokay bed), or families using it as a cheap base for the North Sea beaches. It does not suit anyone looking for atmosphere in the town itself. The train to Amsterdam is 30 minutes, to the coast (via bus) is 15. If you are doing Noord-Holland on a budget and want a quirky castle-sleep story, Slot Assumburg is your move.
Where to stay in Heemskerk
Slot Assumburg Stayokay hostel is the interesting option — $35 for a dorm bed, $75-$110 for a private room in a real castle. Otherwise a few small hotels and B&Bs around the town centre, $75-$110. Kasteel Marquette is a hotel-restaurant on the moated castle grounds, $150-$220 for the special-occasion room. Nothing else stands out — this is not a hotel-driven area.
Hotels in Heemskerk
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Things to do in Heemskerk
- Sleep in Slot Assumburg castleTolweg 9, functioning Stayokay hostel in a 15th-century castle with round towers and a moat. Book direct — dorms and private rooms available. Even if you sleep elsewhere, you can visit the courtyard and grounds for free.
- Kasteel Marquette groundsMarquettelaan 34, moated country-house castle with formal gardens. The restaurant is fine dining and expensive; the grounds are free to walk. Occasionally hosts open days with interior tours ($12) — check the website.
- Cycle to the beach at Wijk aan Zee8 km west, marked cycle path across the polder and through the dunes. Wijk aan Zee is a low-key beach village with a few pavilions. OV-fiets from Heemskerk station, $5 a day. Combine with the industrial silhouette of Tata Steel just south — bizarre and photogenic.
- Duin en Kruidberg estateDuin en Kruidbergerweg 60, Santpoort — 10 km south. Wooded country estate with a small manor house restaurant. Free parkland, marked walks. Bus from Heemskerk or bike. Combines with the Zuid-Kennemerland national park.
Getting there & around
From the town centre, walk east to Slot Assumburg through the Assumburg park, around the castle moat, then across the polder path to Kasteel Marquette (about 1.5 km through the fields), around the Marquette moat and gardens, and back into town via the Marquettelaan tree-lined avenue.
Trains from Amsterdam Centraal every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, $7. From Alkmaar, 12 minutes. From Schiphol, 40 minutes with change at Sloterdijk. Bus 74 connects Heemskerk with Beverwijk and Wijk aan Zee beach. The train station is 15 minutes' walk from the town centre — closer to Slot Assumburg. Bike rental at OV-fiets, $5 a day, essential if you plan to reach the beach or Kasteel Marquette efficiently.
Questions answered
Is Slot Assumburg actually a real castle experience?
Yes — it is a genuine 15th-century castle with towers, moat, and thick walls, and you sleep inside it. Rooms have been modernised (functional Stayokay standard, not luxury) but the atmosphere is real. Dorms are standard hostel; private castle rooms are basic but characterful. Great for families and budget travellers.
Is there any reason to visit Heemskerk otherwise?
Not really. The castles are the only reason. Beverwijk (5 km south) has the big Bazaar market, Castricum (5 km north) has the national park, both are better day-trip targets. Heemskerk is a stayover, not a destination.
Nearby areas
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