Where to stay in Schagen

Schagen is a city and municipality in the northwestern Netherlands. It is located between Alkmaar and Den Helder, in the region of West Friesland and the province of North Holland.

Schagen is first mentioned in a 989 document that acknowledges the transfer of six farms owned by count Dirk II and his wife to the abbey of Egmond. It is not known whether the town has been founded at this point. What is known, is that Schagen got its city rights in 1415, but these rights were nullified not long after in 1426. One of the rights was re-granted the year after, and a keep was built. All city rights were re-granted in 1456, after which a church was built. The church and keep have given Schagen regional importance.

Getting in

From Amsterdam, take the A9 heading for Haarlem, staying on the A9 until the road ends nearby Alkmaar. At this point, follow the signs to Heerhugowaard, staying on the N242. From here on, follow the signs to Schagen, which will get you onto the N508, followed by a right turn after a while onto the N245, which will take you directly to Schagen. From Friesland, head for the Afsluitdijk via either Harlingen (N31) or Bolsward (A7). Go across the Afsluitdijk (A7) into North Holland, using exit 13 of the A7 (Wieringerwerf), followed by a right turn onto the N240.

Getting around

The surrounding area is very much flat, and if the weather allows for it, when you should definitely get hold of a bike. You can also get an OV-Fiets at the train station, though this is discouraged for longer usage than a day.

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.