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Noordwijk Binnen

The charming streets of Noordwijk Binnen are drenched in history. A beautiful story lurks behind every facade and every door. In the 18th century, Noordwijk Binnen became the herbs and spices hub of the Netherlands. The inhabitants embrace their vibrant past wholeheartedly, reflected both in their mentality and by preserving the historic center in all its loveliness. All walks of life share a sense of belonging, choosing to live in harmony and respect.

Discover Noordwijk Binnen

If you want to do relaxed groceries and shopping, visit a fashion boutique or go to the hairdresser, then you'll love Noordwijk Binnen. The many herbal shops from the past lay the foundation for a quality and diverse selection. From a characteristic bookshop to a unique cheese specialist, from a traditional butcher to well-stocked supermarkets, and everything in between.

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“ Experience the Golden Age in Noordwijk Binnen ”

Coziness

Noordwijk Binnen has its own charm in every season. Spring is the perfect time to wander around the village and witness its blossoming. During summer, it's delightful to stroll in the cool shade of the hundreds of Linden trees. In autumn, the monumental buildings provide shelter as they face the storms. And when a winter shower comes, the Voorstraat and the Lindenplein transform into a nostalgic and picturesque Anton Pieck atmosphere, perfect for capturing beautiful photos.

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Experience the Middle Ages

Discover the unique Gothic stone house from the Middle Ages in Noordwijk Binnen. In cities like Amsterdam and Leiden, one would search in vain for such a rare old house. But the stepped gables from the Dutch Golden Age and the stately 18th-century patrician houses in rich Louis styles also give a bit of a city vibe. And let's not forget about the village pumps; they remind us of a time when there was no water supply. In Noordwijk, all three pumps have survived the centuries of renewal.

Usually, there are many opportunities to explore these historical buildings from the inside during one of the various events, such as "Markt onder de Linden," "Muziek in Jeroen," "Verborgen Klanken," "Schrijvers Binnen," and more.

The history of Noordwijk dates back to the landing of Jeroen in the ninth century. He tried to Christianize the population but had to renounce his faith due to the Norsemen. He refused and was beheaded. In 1429, Noordwijk was elevated to a place of pilgrimage by the bishop of Utrecht, marking a period of great prosperity for the town. The impressive Oude Jeroenskerk and R.K. Sint Jeroenskerk bear witness to this. Noordwijk has the oldest and fully functional civic guard in the Netherlands. The founding act from 1477 is kept in the vault, but it turns out that the Sint Jorisgilde is at least 100 years older. For many centuries, the guild brothers have been shooting their bows every Friday evening on the shooting range. The goal is to hit the Gaay with the eggs on top of the 26-meter-high pole.

Historical Tour Noordwijk Binnen

Experience the Golden Age

The traces of the Golden Age are visible in many places in Noordwijk. In the seventeenth century, rope-making workshops were established in dozens of locations in the village to supply ropes for the fleet of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and local fishing vessels. The last rope-making workshop disappeared from Douzastraat in the twentieth century, but the entrance gate to the former company still serves as a reminder of this era. Additionally, wealthy merchants and administrators built their homes along Voorstraat.

The Golden Age also left its mark in the church. For example, the church tower houses a bell dating back to 1672, crafted by the Hemony brothers from Amsterdam. During that time, they produced the finest and most expensive bells in the world. Many famous churches still feature their bells, like the Westerkerk in Amsterdam.

The Drowned Bell

The famous Hemony bell came close to disappearing during World War II when the German occupiers intended to melt it down to use it for war purposes. Curious about the bizarre story of how this bell survived the war? Climb the tower, usually on Saturday afternoons (from April to October), guided by one of the local guides. They will share this intriguing tale and many other interesting facts during the exciting journey with views stretching up to Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Orange On Top

In 2005, the impressive Oude Jeroenskerk served as the backdrop for a royal wedding. In the Golden Age, Princes Maurits and Frederik Hendrik also left their "signature" in the church. Curious to learn more? Normally, the church is open on Saturday afternoons (from April to September), and the guides will gladly point out the memorabilia left behind by the sons of William of Orange.

Climb the tower

  • Het onderduikadres van Alfred Heineken

    Het onderduikadres van Alfred Heineken

    Alfred Heineken, renowned beer brewer, lived in Noordwijk as a young man. He found shelter behind a four-centuries-old façade in the old town centre, where he could stay out of reach of the occupying forces. The cupboard in which he hid, with the secret beer recipe, is still in place, right to this very day. Find out where on one of the historical walks starting at the town hall in Voorstraat every Tuesday evening in summer.

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  • Meet Jeroen

    Following in the footsteps of Willibrord and Boniface, Jeroen brought the Christian faith to Noordwijk. His relics are still kept in the R.K. St. Jeroenskerk. Curious? The church is open every Saturday afternoon in the summer months. Experts will tell you all about the church’s history and that of Jeroen.

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