To the west of Alkmaar, across the former Egmonder Meer, which was drained in 1556, is Egmond aan den Hoef, the ancestral seat of the Counts of Egmond, who later established themselves in the southern Netherlands. The remains of their castle, destroyed by the Spaniards in 1573, can still be seen.
Situated 2km/1-.25mi west of Egmond aan den Hoef is Egmond aan Zee, a popular seaside resort with a good beach.
There are quite a few places of interest that remind visitors of the impact fishing had on this village - the small houses near the sea, the fishing monument and the "Prins Hendrik Stichting", previously housed retired fisherman.
Just 3km/2mi south of Egmond an den Hoef, on the road to Castricum, is Egmond-Binnen, once famed for its Benedictine abbey, which was destroyed in 1573 (rebuilt 1935). The abbey church was the last resting place of many Counts of Holland.
The village of Egmon-Binnen is noted for the beautiful blooms in Spring and the beach that is ideal for sailing and surfing.
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Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands
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