Hotel 't Zwaantje
What to do in Callantsoog and the surrounding area?
Callantsoog is small, but there is surprisingly much to experience. From blowing away the cobwebs on the beach to cycling through the dunes, from a museum visit in Den Helder to a day on Texel. On this page we have listed the best activities and sights in Callantsoog and the surrounding area — handy when you are planning your stay.
Beach and dunes
The beach at Callantsoog is wide, clean and easy to reach. In summer you will find beach pavilions and lifeguard supervision; outside the season you have all the space you need for walking and cycling. Head towards Groote Keeten and it grows quieter with every step.
Walking in the Zwanenwater
Right beside Callantsoog lies the Zwanenwater nature reserve: a unique dune area with two large dune lakes, reed beds and remarkable flora and fauna. In spring, wild orchids bloom there and spoonbills nest. There are waymarked routes of roughly 2 to 10 kilometres.
Cycling along the North Holland coast
The area is ideal for cyclists. Popular routes:
- Along the coast to Julianadorp and Den Helder (about 15 km one way)
- South to Sint Maartenszee and Petten, taking in the Hondsbossche Duinen
- Inland through the polders of the Zijpe, past the bulb fields in spring
- A circular route via Schagen for a lunch stop in the town centre
Shops and restaurants in Callantsoog
The village centre is within walking distance of Hotel ’t Zwaantje and offers everything you need: a supermarket, lovely shops, one of the best ice cream parlours in the Netherlands and a wide choice of restaurants and terraces. Perfect for a drink after the beach or a relaxed dinner.
Outings with children
- De Goudvis indoor and outdoor play park in Sint Maartenszee
- Hoenderdaell Zoo in Anna Paulowna
- Fort Kijkduin in Den Helder, with its sea aquarium
- Various swimming pools in the area
Take a look at our page Staying with children in Callantsoog too.
Visiting Den Helder and Schagen
- Den Helder (approx. 15 km) —> Navy Museum, Willemsoord, Fort Kijkduin and the ferry port for Texel
- Schagen (approx. 15 km) —> historic town centre and, in summer, the West Frisian Market on Thursdays
Museums and sights in the region
- Hoenderdaell Zoo, Anna Paulowna
- Navy Museum, Den Helder
- Fort Kijkduin, Den Helder
- Lange Jaap lighthouse, Den Helder
- Museum Vreeburg, Schagen
- Alkmaar cheese market
Read more on our page about the Den Helder – Schagen area.
Activities in bad weather
Rain in the forecast? No need to worry. On the page Callantsoog in bad weather you will find all the indoor outings and activities in one place.
Planning your visit from Hotel ’t Zwaantje
From our hotel you can reach the beach, the dunes and the village centre on foot, and the rest of the Noordkop within half an hour. We are happy to help you put together a programme that suits your stay.
Planning a short stay? Then take a look at a weekend break in Callantsoog. Staying longer? You will find more on our page about a holiday in Callantsoog.