those dutch and belgian beaches are the bathtub for 50 million people during summer (roughly estimated population in 300 km radius) :-)

Gladly these don't go swimming all at the same time. But the locals said the contractor is in a hurry to get the job done before peak season.

This one is really a beautiful beach with a southern exposition which is rare in northern continental europe. The sand dunes in the background are also magnificient in the year 2016.

In 1944-45 they were place of terrible fights of US troops for the liberation of the Netherlands from nazi Germany. Long since again, the locals welcome german visitors and also invite to  a "Bunker Museum"...

The tourism facilities are most all run by locals and the international travel industry was not allowed to take over, what makes individual travelling really nice.