20/07/2016
The sun is out and so are we! Here are our top swimming/lounging spots to take a dip an cool off:
1 - Nieuwe Meer lake, located next to Amsterdamse BosOriginally De Nieuwe Meer was a simple lake, but since the 1960s the body of water has increased dramatically in size as its precious sands were dredged to create the foundations for the surrounding neighbourhoods. De Nieuwe Meer is located between Amsterdam and Schiphol and is connected to the canals and streams of Amsterdam via other lakes. When the weather's good it's also a great spot for a refreshing
swim.
2 - Stenen Hoofd at the IJ.
Het Stenen Hoofd (‘The Stone Head’) is located close to the Central Station, but feels like an oasis at the heart of town. This city beach is exactly what a city beach
should be like; the roughness of the concrete combined with the quietness of the beach is a perfect city combination. Where: Westerdoksdijk
3 - The beach of IJburg. Amsterdam’s main city beach is located to the east of the city, on the man-made island of IJburg. Head here on sunny days to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the bohemian beach bar vibes. In the evening there’s live music and DJs to be enjoyed while you cosy up around a campfire.
4 - Roest. Everybody probably already knows about the beach at Roest, but it’s impossible to compile a list without including it. The beach chairs in the sand, special Roest beer and the BBQ food makes Roest an all time favorite city beach.
5 - Blijburg aan Zee, Amsterdam Oost. Blijburg beach is the best-known urban beach in Amsterdam. It is a real beach, with real sand along water where you can swim (you are only allowed to swim in the designated area). It is located on the Centrum Island, which is part of IJburg, the newly created islands in the East of Amsterdam.
6- Sloterplas. De Sloterplas is located in Nieuw West and is a large park surrounding a lake with a separated area used as a swimming pond. Bicycle or jog around the lake circuit and then take a refreshing dip.
7- Oude Kerk aan de Amstel. You can easily acces Oude Kerk aan de Amstel by bike, simply following the Amstel river heading south for about 10 km. On the way there you’ll be able to see the scenery that inspired Rembrandt in his landscape paintings, such as windmills, pretty skies, but also animals. Moreover, you can spot the statue of the great Dutch painter.
When you reach the destination, you will discover that Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is a small village with historic sites, such as Beth Haim of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, the oldest Jewish cemetery in the Netherlands. You can also spend your day at the Ouderkerkerplas (The Lake of Ouderkerk) which is suitable for sunbathing and swimming, but also for windsurfing and diving.
8- De Ceuvel. The Ceuvel is perhaps the most idyllic part of Amsterdam Noord. This green spot is not only extremely durable, it also looks wonderfully cozy. You can stay here just fine on the terrace, but also jump in the water from the wooden scaffolds.
9- Amsterdamse Bos has several swimming areas, both official and unofficial, which you can check on their website: httpa//www.amsterdamsebos.nl/:::http://www.amsterdamsebos.nl/