Museum

Kamp Schoorl

Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

Kamp Schoorl, located in the dunes near Alkmaar, was originally built as a refugee camp in the 1930s and later used by the Nazis as an internment camp for Jews, political prisoners, and resistance members. Today, it serves as a memorial and museum dedicated to preserving the memory of those who suffered there. Visitors can explore the reconstructed barracks, view exhibits of personal artifacts and photographs, and walk the grounds where prisoners once lived. The site is intentionally stark and contemplative, with interpretive panels providing context. A small museum building houses rotating exhibitions on WWII history in the region. The surrounding dune landscape adds to the atmosphere of isolation and reflection. Kamp Schoorl is distinctive for its focus on local history and the personal stories of detainees, making it a poignant stop for those interested in the human impact of war.

Don't miss

  • Reconstructed barracks with period furnishings and exhibits
  • Memorial monument and symbolic graveyard
  • Personal stories and photographs of former prisoners
  • Rotating exhibitions on WWII resistance and persecution
  • Guided tours available by appointment

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Kamp Schoorl

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Alkmaar

Planning your trip to Alkmaar? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Alkmaar itinerary.