Katwijk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Katwijk
Katwyk
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View over Katwijk aan Zee
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Location in South Holland
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| Country | Netherlands | ||
| Province | South Holland | ||
| Government | |||
| • Body | Municipal council | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 31.13 km2 (12.02 sq mi) | ||
| • Land | 24.54 km2 (9.47 sq mi) | ||
| • Water | 6.59 km2 (2.54 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 5 m (16 ft) | ||
| Population
(1 August 2020)
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| • Total | 65,929 | ||
| • Density | 2,568/km2 (6,650/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Katwijker | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postcode |
2220–2239
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| Area code | 071 | ||
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Katwijk (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈkɑtʋɛik]) is a cool town and municipality right on the coast in the Netherlands. It's located in the province of South Holland, which is in the mid-western part of the country.
The Oude Rijn ("Old Rhine") river flows through Katwijk. It then empties into the North Sea.
Katwijk is found along the North Sea coast. It's northwest of Leiden and about 16 kilometers north of The Hague. The towns and areas next to Katwijk are Noordwijk, Teylingen, Oegstgeest, Leiden, and Wassenaar.
In August 2020, Katwijk had about 65,929 people living there. The total area of the municipality is 31.13 km2 (12.02 sq mi). A small part of this area, 6.59 km2 (2.54 sq mi), is water.
Katwijk is the biggest town in the Duin- en Bollenstreek. This area is also known as the "Dune and Bulb Region."
Contents
Exploring Katwijk's Districts
Katwijk is made up of several different areas or districts. Some of these districts share the name Katwijk. These include Katwijk aan den Rijn and Katwijk aan Zee.
On January 1, 2005, these districts had the following number of people:
- Katwijk aan den Rijn (5,916 people)
- Katwijk aan Zee (22,405 people)
- Katwijk-Noord (13,845 people)
- Rijnsburg (15,450 people)
- Valkenburg (3,904 people)
Katwijk aan Zee is on the coast and has always been the larger town. Katwijk aan den Rijn is a bit further inland. Rijnsburg is to the east of Katwijk aan den Rijn. Valkenburg is located to the south. Katwijk-Noord is just north of Katwijk aan Zee.
Even though these towns used to be separate, they have grown together. They now form one big urban area. The town hall for the whole municipality of Katwijk is in Katwijk aan den Rijn. It is very close to Katwijk aan Zee. All these districts are located along the Oude Rijn river.
A Glimpse into Katwijk's Past
The name "Katwijk" likely comes from an old Germanic tribe. This tribe was called the Chatten. The Dutch word "wijk" means "area." So, "Katwijk" probably meant "the Chatti area."
In ancient Roman times, Katwijk was a very important place. It was right on the northern border of the Roman Empire. It was also at the mouth of the Rhine river. The Rhine river was much wider here back then. Many boats traveled along the Rhine. Katwijk was also a starting point for trips to Britain.
A town called Lugdunum Batavorum was built here. This happened when Emperor Claudius was in charge (41-54 AD). People used to think this town was related to Leiden. But now, experts believe that's not true.
The name Catwijck first appeared in official records in 1231.
The history of today's Katwijk municipality is really the story of its different parts. Each village has its own long history, going back to Roman times. Katwijk aan Zee, Katwijk aan den Rijn, and Valkenburg were once part of the same area. This area was called "Beide de Katwijken en 't Zand." They have been managed together for hundreds of years.
However, these areas had different ways of life. Katwijk aan Zee was a fishing town. Katwijk aan den Rijn was more about farming.
During World War II, Katwijk aan Zee was badly damaged. In May 1942, people were not allowed on the beach anymore. Many people had to leave their homes. Starting in October 1943, houses were torn down. This was to build the Atlantic Wall, a defense line.
On January 1, 2006, Rijnsburg and Valkenburg joined the municipality. This is how the Katwijk municipality we know today was formed.
Getting Around Katwijk
Katwijk is a large town in the Netherlands. But it does not have its own train station. It's actually the biggest town without any railway connection. The closest train stations are in Voorhout and Leiden.
You can travel to and from Katwijk by bus. Buses connect Katwijk with Noordwijk, Leiden, The Hague, and Lisse. The bus service is currently run by Arriva.
Many changes happened in Katwijk and Leiden between 2019 and 2023. A fast bus line, called a Q-Liner, was introduced. These buses, numbers 430 and 431, go from Leiden to Katwijk aan Zee. Bus 430 also goes to the ESTEC space agency. It took years to make the Ir. Tjalmaweg road wider. This road is part of the N206 highway.
Bus Routes in Katwijk
- Bus 430/432: This bus travels from Noordwijk ESTEC. It goes through the Biltlaan and Zeeweg roads. Then it uses the N206 highway to reach Leiden Centraal station. During the day, this bus leaves every 15 minutes in both directions.
- Bus 431: This bus starts at Katwijk Boulevard-South. It goes along the Vuurbaak, Boulevard, Tramstraat, and Zeeweg. It then connects to the N206 highway and ends at Leiden's railway station. During the day, this bus leaves every 15 minutes. In the morning rush hour, it leaves every 10 minutes.
- Bus 35: This is a local bus service. It runs from Duinvallei to Unmanned Valley.
- Bus 38: This bus travels from Katwijk Raadhuis. It goes via Kon. Julianalaan and Zanderij. It passes through Valkenburg and ends at Leiden Centraal. This bus runs once an hour.
- Bus 90: This bus connects several towns. It travels from Lisse, Noordwijkerhout, Noordwijk, Katwijk, Rijnsburg, and Oegstgeest to Leiden Centraal. It runs twice an hour. These buses are special because you can bring your bicycle on board. Bus 90 took over the route from the old bus 37.
- Q-liner 385: This Q-liner bus travels from Sassenheim railway station. It goes through Katwijk and ends at The Hague Central railway station.
Also, the areas of Rijnsburg and the far northeastern part of Katwijk-Noord have bus service. Bus 20 and 21 run between Noordwijk and Leiden. During busy times, there are extra buses. These connect industrial areas with nearby towns.
Famous People from Katwijk
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Many talented people have come from Katwijk. Here are a few:
- Charley Toorop (1891 in Katwijk – 1955): A famous Dutch painter and artist.
- Esther Ouwehand (born 1976 in Katwijk): A politician who is a member of parliament for the Party for the Animals.
Sports Stars from Katwijk
Katwijk has also produced many athletes:
- Willem Driebergen (1892 in Katwijk aan Zee – 1965): A Dutch fencer who competed in the Olympics in 1928 and 1936.
- Cees de Vreugd (1952 in Katwijk – 1998): A strongman and powerlifter.
- Jan Siemerink (born 1970 in Rijnsburg): A retired professional tennis player.
- Petra Grimbergen (born 1970 in Rijnsburg): A female cyclist who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Jeffrey Talan (born 1971 in Katwijk): A former professional Dutch football player. He played in over 250 club games.
- Marcus van Teijlingen (born 1973 in Rijnsburg): A Dutch dance instructor and professional Latin-American dancer.
- Dirk Kuyt (born 1980 in Katwijk): A famous Dutch former professional football player. He played in 636 club games.
- Petra Hogewoning (born 1986 in Rijnsburg): A Dutch retired football defender.
- Nick Driebergen (born 1987 in Rijnsburg): A Dutch former backstroke swimmer. He competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Jaap van Duijn (born 1990 in Katwijk): A Dutch football striker.
- Dirk van Duijvenbode (born 1992 in Katwijk aan Zee): A Dutch professional darts player.
- Arno Kamminga (born 1995 in Katwijk): A Dutch breaststroke swimmer. He competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Fun Things to Do in Katwijk
Katwijk is a popular seaside resort. It has a wide, sandy beach. People love it because it has a relaxed and calm feeling. The road along the beach, called the boulevard, is not filled with huge hotels. Most buildings are tourist apartments or guesthouses. They are usually only three floors high, giving the area a classic 1950s look.
Besides the beach, there are a few museums in Katwijk. You can visit the old fisherman's museum, Katwijks Museum. There is also the Spinoza-museum. A few kilometers inland, you can find the Valkenburg Lake Steam Train. This is a museum with a narrow-gauge railway. You can take a fun ride on a steam locomotive around Lake Valkenburg.
Katwijk has many hotels and three camping sites. Most of these are located in the beautiful dunes.
Sister Cities
Katwijk has special connections with two other cities around the world:
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Images for kids
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View from the lighthouse
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South boulevard
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Prins Hendrikkade
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Boulevard near the town center.
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Koninginneweg
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Monument remembering the demolition and evacuation of Katwijk during World War II.
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Steam tram at tramstop Valkenburgse Meer, with narrow gauge museum in the background.
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The Old Rhine river with Turfmarkt square in the background.
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See also
In Spanish: Katwijk para niños
