Socio-Economics    
14. Cultural Heritage    

Noordwijk consists of two parts: Noordwijk Binnen and Noordwijk aan Zee. In Noordwijk Binnen the inhabitants were mainly flower bulb farmers while Noordwijk at Sea is a former fishing town. Now that fishing as a business has disappeared from the town, tourism has taken its place. The bulb flower fields are present in abundance in the area and the region is famous for it. Visitors are able to see the lovely flower fields from approximately April to June and a visit to the world famous Keukenhof is a must for visitors during this period. Noordwijk also has the Atlanticwall museum, which shows the Atlanticwall and the history of Noordwijk in the second world war. The museum is constantly growing, by emptying new parts of the bunker complex in the dunes. This attracts more and more visitors

 

  

     
     
15. Territory and Tradition    

Noordwijk’s cultural heritage is not only seen as something from the past. The town centre of Noordwijk with its monumental houses is unique in its kind, therefore the town centre is protected and a number of these buildings are national monuments.
Tradition is also shown in events, such as the annual Bloemencorso, which shows the flowers in the region. More information (in Dutch) can be found at:
www.bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl

  
But also the coastal defence system is of importance as well as the bunker complex dating back to the second World War. All worthwhile visiting!
     
     
16. Local Identity    

Noordwijk is known to many tourists as a beach town in the bulb field area of Holland. However, Noordwijk has a second function as the second conference town of the Netherlands, just behind Amsterdam. This gives Noordwijk a generally quiet and distinctive atmosphere.

  
 
     
17. Leisure and Recreation    

Noordwijk offers a great variety of activities: cycling, walking and horseback riding on the beaches and in the dunes have already been mentioned. Golf, tennis, (wind and wave) surfing, sailing, kite surfing and other water sports are also possible. Fitness equipment and relaxation like health and beauty spas are available in one of many hotels. Furthermore there is a theatre called the Muze and there are many bars and restaurants where evenings can be spent. Additionally there are museums and many shopping facilities. Noordwijk is also the location of the headquarters for the European Space Research and Technology Centra (ESTEC).

  
The visitors' centre Space Expo is a permanent space exhibition. Another famous tourist attraction is the Keukenhof. The Keukenhof Gardens is a 70-acre showcase for the Dutch flower industry. For nine weeks every spring, these famous gardens draw an estimated 800,000 visitors in April and May. In April the Bulb Area flower parade, Noordwijk – Haarlem is famous and the same goes for the Rijnsburg flower parade held in Rijnsburg, Katwijk, Noordwijk in August.

 
 
     
18. Community Participation    

Because of the connection that local inhabitants feel to their village, the level of public participation in the municipality is high. Participation is a key point in the current council and there are several special municipal participation plans
and procedures.

  

 
 
     
19. Satisfaction    

A large number of inhabitants of Noordwijk feel connected to their village and are proud of their identity. Participation in local politics and the high turnout during joint decision making events are good examples. Visitors see Noordwijk as an attractive beach village for day- and long term tourism, with a positive image. Key words are friendly, cosy, clean and easily accessible.

    
     
     
20. Health and Safety    

Noordwijk Municipality is a healthy, safe, and above all a pleasant place to stay. To ensure this on the beach there are three stations of the Rescue Brigade of Noordwijk (NRB) present which are manned with lifeguards during the season. These stations are located on the Badstrand and at the beach exits at Duindamseslag and Langevelderslag. The beach towards Katwijk has no NRB station but this beach is not officially marked as a swimming beach. Lifeguards present are all certified and dressed in a easily recognizable uniform. The stations also have the necessary rescue resources and first aid materials.

  

The KNRM (the Royal Dutch Rescue Association) also has a rescue station in Noordwijk and whenever there is assistance needed at sea this organization has a boat ready to assist in emergencies. Furthermore a police station is located on the beach, here the police raises the warning flags and informs the public. In the village there is a fire brigade and a police station with the necessary resources present. The nearest hospital is in Leiden. which is about 14 kilometres from Noordwijk.