Sometimes you don’t have to travel far to feel completely away. In December I wanted to take some pictures on the coast, so I drove to one of my favorite beaches. In this blog I would like to take you to two places in the north of the Netherlands Bergen and Bergen aan Zee. Art Shops and Sea Bergen NH, this weekend tip has it all. Only a short drive from Amsterdam, but the atmosphere is entirely different. Slower. Softer.
History
Bergen is an artists’ village surrounded by forests, with the North Sea close by. It is also a popular tourist destination, especially because of its beautiful beaches.
The village developed around a chapel on the site of the present Ruïnekerk (Ruin church). This church dates back to the 15th century and was burned down during the Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648). Part of the ruins were rebuilt later, and today the church is listed as a national monument.
Architecture
Bergen has many national monuments, including numerous villas built in the early 20th century. Several of these houses were designed in the style of the “Bergense School” an artistic movement that developed in the village in the early 20th century.
The architecture reflects the same expressive character as the paintings of the Bergen School. Houses are often built with dark brick, steep roofs, and strong, sculptural shapes. Many are surrounded by lush gardens, giving the village its distinctive green and artistic atmosphere.
Walking through Bergen, the villas often appear between trees and generous gardens. You sense the architecture, but the greenery tells the first story. Next time I hope to photograph the houses themselves in more detail.
Village Charm – Shops
Take your time in Bergen, wander without a plan (It’s not very big), look up at the facades, and enjoy the details.
There are several small boutiques. One of my favorites is Sissy boy especially for the homeland collection. Warm tones, beautiful patterns, and I always buy some candles.
A few interior shops:
- Sissy Boy, Jan Oldenburglaan 3-5
- L’Etoile Store, Ruinelaan 12
- Fairtrade Wereldwinkel, Raadhuisstraat 2
- Yaya, Kerkstraat 3
- De Finse Winkel, Kerkstraat 6
- Eerste Bergensche Boekhandel, Oude Prinsweg 11
- PT Post, Oude Prinsweg 23
- Rituals, Stationsstraat 1
- Tally Ho, Stationsstraat 21 (not for interior but women’s fashion)
Art in Bergen
As mentioned before, Bergen is well known for its artists. The Bergen School (ca. 1910–1930) was an influential Dutch expressionist movement with Bergen as its centre. In the early 20th century, the village developed into a thriving artists’ colony.
The movement was influenced by Cubism and by the work of the French painter Henri Le Fauconnier. Well-known artists such as Charly Toorop and Leo van Gestel were associated with this movement.
Even today Bergen continues to attract artists, photographer Bastiaan Woudt is born in Bergen.
Museum Kranenburgh
The former mayor’s residence Kranenburgh is now a museum. Its permanent collection includes many works by painters of the Bergen School.
The museum also features a sculpture garden with works by Jan Toorop, Jan Willem Rädecker, Lucebert, and Herbert Nouwens, among others.
A few years ago I visited an exhibition of Bastiaan Woudt, presented not only inside the museum but also outdoors.
Museum Het Sterkenhuis
Museum Het Sterkenhuis is temporarily closed, but a new exhibition “Tastemakers, historical influencers of Bergen” has been announced starting April 3rd, 2026. I’ll keep you posted.
Beach Bergen aan Zee
Just a short ride away (9 minutes by car, 16 minutes by bike) is Bergen aan Zee. A perfect place to relax and enjoy nature: seagulls overhead and a wonderfully wide beach.
What more could you want than a brisk walk by the sea?
Over the years I’ve come here with children, friends, and family. The only ones still missing are the grandchildren — that visit will surely happen soon.
After a walk, it’s lovely to have a drink or a bite to eat at Paviljoen Noord.
A weekend Bergen
If you are planning a little getaway, I would combine both:
- Stay in or near Bergen village.
- Explore art and shops in the morning.
- Cycle through the dunes in the afternoon.
- End your day by the sea.
It’s not a place for rushing. It’s a place for breathing, observing, and perhaps quietly dreaming about how you want your next chapter — at home or in life — to feel.
Have you been there before? Or is this a weekend you would enjoy? 🌿 Let us know in the comments.
Enjoy Bergen
