Oostvoorne

Oostvoorne
Village
Oostvoornse molen [nl]
Oostvoornse molen [nl]
Flag of Oostvoorne
Flag
Coat of arms of Oostvoorne
Coat of arms
The town centre (dark green) and the statistical district (light green) of Oostvoorne in the former municipality of Westvoorne.
The town centre (dark green) and the statistical district (light green) of Oostvoorne in the former municipality of Westvoorne.
Coordinates: 51°54′43″N 4°6′3″E / 51.91194°N 4.10083°E / 51.91194; 4.10083
CountryNetherlands
ProvinceSouth Holland
MunicipalityVoorne aan Zee
Population
 (1 January 2005)
 • Total7,680
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
3233

Oostvoorne is a village in the Dutch province of South Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Voorne aan Zee, and lies about 9 km (6 mi) north of Hellevoetsluis.

In 2001, the town of Oostvoorne had 5,403 inhabitants, the built-up area of the town was 1.9 km2 (1 sq mi), and contained 2,274 residences.[1] The statistical area "Oostvoorne", which also can include the peripheral parts of the village, as well as the surrounding countryside, has a population of around 7,270.[2]

Oostvoorne was a separate municipality until 1980, when it became part of Westvoorne.[3]

Oostvoorne was since before World War II the only location in the Netherlands where automobiles were permitted on the beach. In 1992 it was proposed to close the beach to cars resulting in consultations and negotiations lasting many years. The provincial government finally decided to close it permanently on October 15, 2004.

In the center of Oostvoorne are the ruins of the Burcht of Voorne, one of the few Dutch castles still visibly situated on top of a motte. It was built shortly after 1200 by the Lords of Voorne. It also served as a residence for Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut (Jacoba van Beieren).

  1. ^ Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Bevolkingskernen in Nederland 2001. (Statistics are for the continuous built-up area).
  2. ^ Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Statline: Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2003-2005. As of January 1, 2005.
  3. ^ Ad van der Meer and Onno Boonstra, Repertorium van Nederlandse gemeenten, KNAW, 2011.