Schagen is located on an old mound, on the west side of the West Frisian Circular Dike. Inhabitants from the surrounding regions have been visiting this provincial town since the middle ages. The wealthy lord Willem van Beieren also felt at home here and founded Schager Slot. The two castle towers have recently been restored and the castle has been built in contemporary style with thirteen luxury hotel rooms. Romantics can even get married in the castle!Â
Convivial
The convivial atmosphere in Schagen is palpable as you walk through the narrow shopping streets or sit on one of the terraces around the charming market square, opposite the Great Church. Is the weather bad? Then Makado shopping centre around the corner is a solution. Culture lovers can visit Vreeburg Farm and Coach Museum or the Car Museum in Schagen. Moreover, in the evening hours you can enjoy theatre performances in Scagon theatre or watch a film at CineMagnus cinema.
West Frisian folklore
Every Thursday morning (from the end of June to the beginning of September) be transported back to a bygone age. During West Frisian Folklore you can marvel at a colourful procession of historical coaches and Schagen inhabitants in traditional West Frisian costume! Every market has a different theme that varies from dance, music and traditional costume to ring tilting.
Celebrating
The people of Schagen show how good they are at celebrating festivals during the Paasvee (Easter Cattle) Exhibition. For the people of Schagen and far beyond, Paasvee is the equivalent to Carnival for southerners. There is obviously a cattle market, but most of the party goers can be found in and around the pubs surrounding the central market square. Other well attended festivals in Schagen include: Popweekend Schagen, Smartlappenweekend, Jazz, Soul and Blues Weekend and the annual Slotgrachtconcert. For music lovers!