Egmond, Bergen

Bergen is known as an artists' colony because of the many painters who settled here since the early 20th century. Between 1915 and 1925, for instance, the Bergen School flourished in the village: an expressionist art movement with representatives such as Charley Toorop, Leo Gestel and John Rädecker. They were inspired by the natural beauty of the village by the sea, with its many woods and dunes, the special light and the idyllic centre. Museum Kranenburgh, on the edge of the forest, exhibits a large collection of works by the Bergen School.

Bergen's village centre is a painting in itself. Picturesque squares and cosy terraces define the street scene, as do the village's numerous boutiques and art galleries. At the centre of the village is the centuries-old Ruïnekerk (Ruined Church), the symbol of Bergen. Originally three times its size, this monument went up in flames during the Eighty Years' War. The characteristic relic still attracts artists from far and wide. And for more than 30 years, an extensive art market has been organised around the Ruïnekerk on Thursday evenings during the summer months.

Neighbouring village Egmond is equally enchanting. This village is loved for its tranquillity, with its beautiful dunes, wide beaches and the cosy coastal village of Egmond-Binnen. The many atmospheric monuments, such as the iconic Jan van Speyk lighthouse and Egmond's Slotkapel, also give the village its charm. No surprise, then, that the village has been regularly captured on the silver screen over the centuries.

For instance, the Alkmaar painter Claes Jacobsz van der Heck gained fame in the seventeenth century with his numerous creations of the Egmond region. From 1636, due to the huge demand for paintings, he painted a large number of views of the ruins of the abbey, the Slotkapel and the village of Egmond aan Zee. His pieces usually featured groups of well-to-do people working, walking or resting in the village. His works still hang on the wall of many inhabitants of Alkmaar and its surroundings.

This imaginative cycle route through Egmond, Bergen and a stretch of Schoorl Dunes will show you with your own eyes why the villages are so popular with painters and art lovers. Relax by the sea, be inspired by historic buildings, feast your eyes on the lively Bergen town centre and enjoy the salty air and wind through your hair in the extensive dune area around the villages. With a bit of luck you'll spot some Scottish Highlanders there!

Note: in the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, the last part of the route, a dune pass is compulsory. You can buy this online or at the ticket machine at the dune entrance.


This Premium cycle route was compiled by our editor: Dewi Hoijtink.