The Netherlands, Amsterdamby Maartje

Hello heatwave, hello Amsterdam Heat Plan – these are the best swimming spots in (and near) Amsterdam

Outdoor, Out and about, Eat & Drink, Terrace
The Netherlands, Amsterdam, by Maartje

Hello heatwave, hello Amsterdam Heat Plan – these are the best swimming spots in (and near) Amsterdam

Summer is ON. And if you've scored a new bikini/swimsuit/swimming trunks (and for the kids too), you might as well get them wet... Now that the mercury in the Netherlands is rising to ridiculous heights again, and it's going to be bloody hot in the city centre of Amsterdam, we might as well opt for some wild jumping in Amsterdam's waters. Or: Hello heat wave, hello Amsterdam Heat Plan.

 

forget you sunburn not!

Right in front of the terrace of Vessel (which in turn belongs to Hotel Boat & Cois a jetty *and* a mini walk-in beach where it is just super fun and cozy on a nice day. Damn, it’s actually just like New York there with that rugged view. Plus: the water is much bigger there than at the Weesperzijde aka Crocodile Beach…

Don't forget it too Twiske not. So that 't Twiske should never be forgotten.

Swimming at the Navy train is a favorite, a unique (beautiful) place, closely followed by Java Island in the East. Like Entrepotdok en Borneo Quay.

Be sure to read this list of swimming pools in Amsterdam again! Best of Barts Booklet: Outdoor swimming pools in Amsterdam. And: the forever Tip for nice weather, just a 15-minute drive from the city: Vrijhaven Zwier naturally.

Grab your swimming pool and splash into the water Ceuvel.

On to it Noorderparkbad where it is busy, but never as busy as at the well-known Flevoparkbad in East. Or off to – because secretly even less known – the Brediusbad in West. We don't find Sloterparkbad very cozy, but all cooling is welcome.

Ouderkerkerplas is a great spot for families with children, with a large picnic area: barbecue time! Plus: free parking nearby. Note: dogs are not allowed during the summer season.

The Oak Wood is a quiet swimming spot surrounded by nature, with a large wooden deck that is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing by the water.

Don't tell anyone, but Bogor Garden is a hidden gem by the water

IJburg Beach and the Sloterstrand are the only 'real' city beach in Amsterdam, but the Gaasperplas is also nearby. There are special areas where you can go with the dog. And don't forget the Nieuwe Meer not.

Let's wrap this one up with Somerlust Park, Schinkeleiland Park, and the Great Pond in the Amsterdam Forest. Splash!

The Stone Head on the IJ, with a view of the Adam Tower and Eye film museum, is best known as a dog walking spot, and for a few months a year as the place where you can go to the outdoor cinema at its best. But nowadays (since last summer) there is a catering 'entertainment' in the small wooden shack. Easter Island. And that's really a great tip on nice days!

There are a number of official swimming places in Amsterdam, namely: IJburg Beach, the Grote Vijver in the Amsterdamse Bos, Gaasperplas in the Gaasperpark, Ouderkerkerplas (far away but nice and beautiful), De Hoge Dijk (also quite far, between the AMC and Abcoude), the beach in the Diemerpark, and the Oeverlanden at the Nieuwe Meer, near the Zuidas. 

Cross towards it young restaurant Bam Boa or the classic Hesp at the south end of the Weesperzijde and jump off the side at the Berlagebrug rowing center: it couldn't be better in the Amstel. It is not called 'Costa del Weesper' for nothing...

Talk about places that turn into something you didn't know existed on summer days... Kind of Park Schinkeleilanden heard? A green oasis behind the Olympic Stadium! From the wooden jetties you can dive straight into the Olympia Canal or the Schinkel.

Or from Park Somerlust? That is near the Amstelkwartier, where George Marina is also located (which is nice!). Here you climb into the water with steps: not deep and therefore fun with – and especially suitable for – the children. With those kids, L'Osteria (giant terrace!) is also a great tip. Read here about all the terraces where you want to stay with the kids in Amsterdam.

 

Personal favorite and on the private program: by boat (okay, the boat) towards Ouderkerk aan de Amstel where it is wonderfully quiet and beautifully beautiful and where the water of the Amstel turns out to be quite clean. At the end of the day you can enjoy a steak from Loetje or moor at tHuis on the Amstel. There is plenty to do along the Weesperzijde and you can swim anywhere.

No boat? No problem. You simply rent it extra Mokum Boat or at Canal Motorboats at the Zandhoek (near the Golden Real) in West, you can sail along the Prinsengracht to the Amstel and pick up your picnic basket along the way - for example - Bluespoon on Board pick up.

And if that isn't possible, luckily there is still the park. And so our BBQ checklist! 

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