IJmuiden is a port town located in the Dutch province of North Holland. It serves as the primary town within the municipality of Velsen, which is situated mainly to its southeast. The town is geographically positioned such that it straddles the mouth of the North Sea Canal leading to Amsterdam, featuring large sea locks.
The area surrounding IJmuiden is characterized by diverse landscapes and industrial sites. To the south, the town abuts a large reserve of plant-covered dunes known as the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Conversely, the north bank of the canal consists of a steel plant and the district of Velsen-Noord.