As soon as the thermometer in the Netherlands passes the magic 20-degree mark, something changes in the capital. Amsterdammers flock to their bikes in search of the ultimate spot to swim.
Fortunately, the city is bursting with clean outdoor water. Whether you choose a lively swimming pier, a laid-back city beach, or a vast recreational lake: your ideal oasis is just around the corner. We’ve neatly listed our favorites for you, scattered throughout the city.
Please note that not every spot on this list is an official swimming location. So before you go, always do a quick check on Zwemwater for the current water quality.
Nieuwe Meer
For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner canal quays, Het Nieuwe Meer is the undisputed king of Amsterdam’s natural waters. Because this enormous recreational lake is so incredibly vast, you’ll find a diverse collection of different swimming spots there.
On one bank, you’ll find sheltered city beaches and rolling sunbathing areas that are perfect for families; on the other side, characteristic wooden platforms are tucked away in the greenery, where locals dive straight into the deep, refreshing water.
Tip: Rent a SUP board to truly explore the large lake. From the water, you can paddle right to the most hidden, peaceful coves.
- Neighborhood: Nieuw-West / Zuid
- Accessibility: About a 20-minute bike ride from Vondelpark or take the metro to Amstelveenseweg station.
Het Twiske
Just north of the ring road lies Het Twiske. This isn’t just any large lake, but a protected Natura 2000 area where you can swim amidst unspoiled nature.
Due to the fragile flora and fauna, you may only swim here at specially designated beaches and green shores. The clear water and expansive surroundings make this the ultimate escape from the daily hustle and bustle of the city.
Tip: Bring your own charcoal and end your summer day with a barbecue at one of the specially designated picnic areas.
- Neighborhood: Landsmeer/Oostzaan (just north of Amsterdam-Noord)
- Accessibility: About a 30-minute bike ride from Amsterdam Central Station via the free Buiksloterweg ferry, or a 40-minute trip by public transportation.
Marineterrein
The Marineterrein is the ultimate favorite for anyone who wants to swim outdoors without leaving the city center. Here you’ll find a surprisingly green oasis with a vast grassy meadow and sleek wooden swimming piers where you can jump straight into the deep end. The atmosphere at this popular swimming spot is always wonderfully laid-back, lively, and quintessentially Amsterdam.
Tip: Warm up after your swim in the wooden sauna on the grounds or head straight to the terrace at Pension Homeland for a nice beer.
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Accessibility: About a 25-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station or take bus 22 to the Kattenburgerplein stop.
Eastern Harbor Area
The Eastern Docklands is a paradise for lovers of a raw, maritime atmosphere. Around the Borneokade, Levantkade, and the green Bogortuin, you’ll find numerous wooden piers and steps leading straight into the deep water. Although the city doesn’t officially designate these spots as safe swimming areas, Amsterdammers don’t let that stop them from taking a quick dip.
Be extra cautious around the Steltloper neighborhood. The local government advises against swimming here due to fluctuating water quality, though the wide quay often makes the temptation irresistible for local residents.
Tip: After your swim, grab an artisanal ice cream at the hidden ice cream shop on the adjacent KNSM Island.
- Neighborhood: East (Eastern Docklands)
- Accessibility: About a 15-minute bike ride from Amsterdam Central Station, or take tram 7 to the Azartplein stop.
Gaasperplas
The Gaasperplas is a sprawling oasis in Southeast Amsterdam and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This official lake boasts pristine natural water, wide sunbathing areas, and fine sandy beaches that slope gently into the water. Because the park is so enormous, you’ll have no trouble finding a quiet spot to lay out your towel here, even on the hottest summer days.
Tip: Walk to the south side of the lake for the quietest, hidden sunbathing spots surrounded by greenery.
- Neighborhood: Southeast
- Accessibility: Take metro line 53 from Central Station directly to the Gaasperplas terminus and walk five minutes to the water’s edge.
Somerlust Park
Park Somerlust is the ultimate summer living room of the Amstelkwartier. This modern park on the Amstel is the hotspot in Oost for anyone who wants to swim in a lively, urban setting.
You won’t find a traditional beach here, but a beautifully maintained sunbathing area with wide steps leading straight down to the river. On warm summer afternoons, the park quickly fills up with locals who want to catch some sun and take a refreshing dip after work.
Tip: Due to the busy waterway, be sure to watch out for passing boats, and after your swim, head straight to one of the cozy outdoor cafes nearby for a cold drink.
- Neighborhood: East (Amstelkwartier)
- Accessibility: About a 5- to 10-minute walk from the Spaklerweg metro station or a 15-minute bike ride from downtown
Amsterdamse Bos (Grote Vijver)
De Grote Vijver is a green classic just outside the city limits. This official swimming spot offers strictly monitored water quality, a fine sandy beach, and large sunbathing areas where you can completely unwind surrounded by trees. It’s the ideal spot for families and those seeking peace and quiet who want to swap the dynamic quays of the city center for pure nature.
Tip: After a dip, be sure to walk over to the nearby Riddammerhoeve Goat Farm for an organic goat milk ice cream, or rent a canoe on the spot to explore the rest of the pond.
- Neighborhood: Zuid / Amstelveen
- Accessibility: About a 25-minute bike ride from Museumplein, or take bus 357 from the Elandsgracht bus station to the Kalfjeslaan stop.
Entrepotdok
For those who want to swim outdoors amidst historic warehouses, the Entrepotdok in the Plantagebuurt is an absolute must-visit. Although it’s not an official swimming spot, a refreshing dip from the wooden swimming piers has been tolerated here for years. It’s the ideal spot for a quick dip and to lounge on the quay, right next to a local brewery.
Tip: Combine your swim with a visit to the unique Micropia museum just around the corner. Always keep a close eye on passing boat traffic while in the water.
- Neighborhood: City Center (Plantagebuurt)
- Accessibility: About a 10-minute bike ride from Amsterdam Central Station, or take tram 14 to the Artis stop and walk two minutes to the water.
Ijburg Beach
IJburg Beach is the undisputed queen of Amsterdam’s city beaches. This wide sandy beach on the IJmeer offers a sweeping horizon and that authentic coastal vibe, right within the city limits. It’s the ultimate spot for sunbathing, exercising, or splashing around in the open water with a lively, summery beach vibe.
Tip: Bring a windbreaker or an extra sweater, because due to its open location on the IJmeer, it can get quite windy here as soon as the sun goes down.
- Neighborhood: East (Ijburg)
- Accessibility: About a 35-minute bike ride from Amsterdam Central Station, or take tram 26 to the Pampuslaan stop and walk 10 minutes from there to the beach.
Sloterplas
The Sloterplas is the ultimate blue oasis of Amsterdam-West. This large recreational lake is an official swimming spot, which means that the water quality here is strictly and closely monitored.
On the north side lies Sloterstrand, a lively city beach where young and old come together, while the surrounding grassy areas and wooden piers are perfect for jumping right into the deep water.
Tip: After your swim, grab a cold craft beer on the terrace of Hotel Buiten, right on the water.
- Neighborhood: Nieuw-West
- Accessibility: About a 20-minute bike ride from the Jordaan/City Center, or take tram 13 to the Slotermeerlaan stop.
