With the arrival of summer and the warm days, the urge to escape the heat and seek relief in nature grows. And what if we told you that just a 2-hour drive from Amsterdam lies a hidden swimming lake that looks like it came straight out of a Caribbean vacation brochure?
With its dazzling white beaches and crystal-clear water, ’t Nije Hemelriek is a destination that instantly gives you that ultimate vacation feeling. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing swim outdoors and cool off this summer.
Two unique lakes, one hidden paradise
What once began as a barren shifting dune is now a green paradise where time seems to have stood still. Hidden in the woods of the municipality of Aa en Hunze, you’ll find ’t Nije Hemelriek. An idyllic, shallow swimming pond surrounded by dense, impenetrable thickets and white sand.
But the real secret lies right next to it: the Gasselterveld, also known as the Jonkersgat. This former sand quarry reaches depths of up to fifty meters in some places. It is precisely this extreme depth and the presence of lactic acid in the soil that create a surreal natural phenomenon.
The water here has taken on a clear, turquoise hue that you’d expect to find in the Caribbean rather than in the down-to-earth north of the Netherlands. Combined with the snow-white beaches, you’ll feel as if you’re on a tropical island right here, just a two-hour drive from Amsterdam.
An oasis of tranquility on the legendary Hondsrug
Anyone who wants to get active after sunbathing and cooling off will discover that the landscape here is brimming with stories. The deciduous and pine forest surrounding the lake conceals traces dating back to the last ice age, complete with mysterious glacial potholes hidden deep within the woods.
For adventurers, the challenging Gieten-Gasselte MTB route winds its way right through the nature reserves managed by Staatsbosbeheer. This athletic ride across the Hondsrug tackles technical singletrack trails and avoids paved roads as much as possible.
High up among the treetops, just a 2-hour drive from Amsterdam
But the most special experience is just a little way from the water. Within walking distance of the swimming lake, you can literally head higher up to the Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad.
This unique hiking trail takes you high above the treetops for a magical, new perspective on the Drenthe landscape. After the hike, settle down on the terrace of Paviljoen de Woudstee for a drink in the sun, then head back to civilization with a unique local product from the shop.
A hidden paradise, free to visit
The best part of this tropical getaway right here in the Netherlands? The area was developed by Staatsbosbeheer and is completely free to visit.
When temperatures rise and the search for ways to stay cool on hot days begins, this lake offers the ultimate escape. With your feet in the sand and the shade of the pine trees within reach, you don’t need much else here.
