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Pier of Scheveningen, The Hague, Province of South Holland, Netherlands. Photo by Zairon. .

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Scheveningen Piers & Boardwalks

Scheveningen is one of the eight districts of The Hague, Netherlands, as well as a subdistrict of that city. Scheveningen is a modern seaside resort with a long, sandy beach, an esplanade, a pier, and a lighthouse. The beach is popular for water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding. The harbour is used for both fishing and tourism.

The first inhabitants may have been Anglo-Saxons. Other historians favour a Scandinavian origin. Fishing was the main source of food and income. Today, Scheveningen is the most visited beach resort in The Netherlands.

The Scheveningen Pier is a pleasure pier in the Dutch resort town of Scheveningen near The Hague. Opened in 1959, the current pier is the second in the town, the first being lost just after, and as a result of, the Second World War. Here are the Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Scheveningen Piers & Boardwalks.

1. The first pier of Scheveningen, named Wandelhoofd Koningin Wilhelmina

Scheveningen-Pier. Photo by Bruxelles5. .

Stroll Main Queen Wilhelmina opened on 6 May 1901 and was designed by the Dutch architect Wilhelmus Bernardus van Liefland and W. Wyhowski. The wooden structure was built on a steel foundation directly in front of the Kurhaus hotel.

On March 26, 1943 the pavilion burned out completely. After the fire, the Germans demolished the pier by removing the wooden upper structure from its foundation. This was likely due to fears that the pier could be used by the Allied forces in an assault.

2. This pier was an important part of World War Two

During the Second World War Scheveningen was part of the Atlantikwall with the Germans using the pavilion as a storage facility as well as placing arms ammunition on the pier. To complicate an invasion by the Allies, the 30 meter promenade was removed and fitted with a suspension bridge.

3. The current pier was opened in 1959

On 17 September 1959 the current structure, designed by Dutch architects Hugh Maaskant and Dick Apon from Rotterdam, was opened by the then mayor of The Hague, Hans Kolfschoten.

After a period of decay the pier was purchased in 1991 by the Van der Valk group for one Dutch guilder. The company invested about 20 million euros in the pier, refurbishing the main span and one island, constructing a restaurant and casino.

4. The pier has a Ferris wheel

The pier in Scheveningen (The Hague, Netherlands). Photo by Vincent van Zeijst.

One of the Pier’s latest tourist attractions is a Ferris wheel constructed over the sea. The Ferris wheel is over forty meters high and has 36 closed gondolas with air conditioning, including one luxury VIP gondola with a glass bottom.

All gondolas have comfortable seats and each gondola offers room for up to six people. During the construction the most extreme weather conditions have been taken into account. From the Ferris wheel visitors have a panoramic view of the sea, the beach and The Hague’s skyline.

On average, a ride on the Ferris wheel lasts around 20 minutes. Lunch, dinner or high tea at a high altitude over the sea are also possible. A unique attraction not to be missed if you are in The Hague!

5. You can go zip lining at the pier!

Visitors can zip line down the 55 meter high Bungy Tower on the Pier reaching a speed of 60-80 kilometers per hour. The total distance is 350 meters. The Zipline is suited for daredevils of all ages, but you have to weigh at least 30 kg. Zipping can be carried out alone, but it is also possible to go on it with two people at the same time. In Spring, the Zipline is opened during the weekends and holidays.

6. The pier has many events through the year

Scheveningen 1962. Photo by Olavtenbroek. .

Throughout the year the Pier offers festivals, cultural events, markets, kids’ afternoons, educational activities and musical performances. Moreover, several events take place around The Pier, like the Firework Festival and the Scheveningen Kite Festival.

Food & drinks, shopping, sports & adventure, culture & music and inspiration & education make The Pier a unique attraction for young and old alike during all four seasons!

7. You can spend the night on the pier

There are five new hotel suites at the end of Holland’s most famous attraction on the Dutch coast offer a stunning view of the North Sea. The luxury boutique-style rooms are equipped with their own terrace, a whirlpool bath and a kingsize bed. If you want to visit the Netherlands, this is a unique place to sleep!

8. There is a Bungy Site on the Pier in Scheveningen

Bungy Jump Holland was founded in 1991 and is therefore one of the oldest Bungy Jumping companies in the world and a pioneer in The Netherlands. Apart from going to many mobile events, festivals and fairs there has been a Bungy Site in the center of Amsterdam from 1996 – 2005.

In August 2001 the second Bungy Site on the Pier in Scheveningen was opened, allowing people to jump from a crane that was placed on top of the tower. After that, it has been renowned as the Bungy Tower by many people. You can jump from approximately 60 meters above sea level and about 300 meters away from the shore.

9. Entry to the pier is free of charge

The Pier is open daily and all year round from 10.00 and admission  is free of charge. The famous Pier in Scheveningen is an icon on the Dutch coast. Visitors can fully enjoy a comprehensive range of food, drinks and various shopping concepts are on offer at the beach resort of Scheveningen’s attraction, combined with the sun, sea and beach.

With its light, broad thoroughfares, industrial décor, traditional food trucks, a Ferris wheel, a zip line, hotel suites and relaxed beach atmosphere, The Pier offers visitors a unique experience in a historical location.

10. The boardwalk is lined with restaurants and cafe’s

Scheveningen by night. Photo by E v Schoonhoven. .

If you don’t feel like getting your feet sandy, then a great way to enjoy unparalleled ocean views it to walk along the Scheveningen boardwalk. The path is also lined with a wide array of cafés and bars, meaning that you can easily stop for a snack or quick drink if you feel like it along the route.