Discover the Most Beautiful and Safest Outdoor Swimming Spots in Groningen and Northern Netherlands

Outdoor Swimming in and around Groningen

Nothing beats a refreshing dip in natural outdoor water on a warm summer day. In the province of Groningen, you'll find numerous beautiful and safe natural swimming locations, from recreational lakes to beaches at Lauwersmeer. It’s not only wonderfully refreshing but also a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors and tranquility of the northern Netherlands. In this blog we write about the best spots to go for a swim in the nature or natural pools. Also we have recommend some restaurants or a lovely accommodation nearby. 

Always pay attention to safety when swimming in outdoor water: swim only at designated locations where water quality is monitored. Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall or when blue-green algae are suspected. Be aware of currents, water depth, and possible aquatic plants. And of course, always supervise your children.

Would you rather go to an indoor pool? Check our blog about ‘the best pools in Groningen’.
 

• Zijlkade Park Meerstad
  Location: Zijlkade Meerstad 1, Meerstad, Groningen
  Recommended: Restaurant Strandhuis Meerstad, Camperplek Meerstad
   
•  Stadsstrand bij DOT in Groningen
  Location: Oosterhamrikkade, Groningen
  Recommended: Restaurant Salmagundi's, Accommodation: Hotel  Lab050 en Hostel Simplon
   
• Stadspark Zwemvijver
  Location: Stadspark Paviljoen, Groningen
  Recommended: Eethuys Stadspark, Paviljoen Ni Hao andCamping Stadspark
   Latest news: Heueuj! We kunnen eindelijk zwemmen in Stadspark. Precies op tijd voor de tropische dagen - Sikkom
  
   

• Zoutwaterbad K.P. Zijl
  Location: Loppersum
  Recommended: Restaurant Café Spoorzicht, Accommodation: Hotel Spoorzicht & SPA
   
• Hoornseplas Zuid
  Location: Achterom, Groningen
  Recommended: Restaurant Kaap Hoorn, Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Groningen-Hoogkerk
• Outdoor Pool De Papiermolen
  Location: Papiermolenlaan 3, Groningen
  Recommended: Paviljoen Sterrebos, Accommodation: Flonk Hotel Groningen  Zuid BW Signature Collection
• Recreatieplas Kardinge
  Location: Kardingerplein, Groningen
• Hoornseplas
  Locatie: Veenweg, Groningen
  Aanbevolen: Restaurant De Rietschans, Accommodation: Fletcher Familiehotel Paterswolde
• Beach Zoutkamp
  Location: Zoutkamp
  Recommended: Fish Restaurant De Oude Sluis
   
• Meeroevers
  Location: Waterviolier, Groningen
  Recommended: Café Meerstad, Accommodation: Camperplek Meerstad
   
• Lauwersmeer Beach Zeearend
  Location: Lauwersoog
  Recommended: Restaurant Het Booze Wijf, Accommodation: LauwersmeerPlezier Camping
   
• Beach Kleine Zwaan
  Location: Lauwersoog
  Recommended: Restaurant Toxopeus, Accommodation: B&B Lauwersmeerplezier
   
• Lauwersmeer Beach Brilduiker
  Location: Lauwersoog
  Recommended: Restaurant Het Raadsel van de Wadden, Accommodation: Logement Doosje
   
• Ruskenveen
  Location: Bangeweer, Hoogkerk
  Recommended: Restaurant Noor, Accommodation: Camperplaats Hoogkerk
   
• Beach Meerkoet
  Location:  Lauwersoog
  Recommended:  Waddenpaviljoen de Voormalige Noorman, Accommodation: Casa Gera Lauwersoog
   
• Schildmeer
  Location: Steendam, Groningen
  Recommended: Kaap Steendam, Pavilion Boei12, Groningse Golfclub Duurswold
   
• Beaches Nieuwe Robbengat
  Location: Lauwersoog, Groningen
  Recommended: Restaurant Het Booze Wijf, Accommodation: Schierzicht Logement
   
• Zuidlaardermeer
  Location: Kropswolde
  Recommended: Restaurant Bodega Beach,  Restaurant Borage, Accommodation Camping Meerwijck, Camperplaats Meerwijck
  
   

• Zwaneveldsgat
  Location: Kolham
  Recommended: Accommodation Camping de Veenborg 
   
• De Vledders
  Location: Schipborg
  Recommended: Restaurant De Drentsche Aa, Camping De Vledders,  Accommodation Fletcher Hotel de Zeegser Duinen, Dutchen De Zeegser Duinen
   

• 't Nije Hemelriek
  Location: Gasselte
  Recommended: Strand 34, Villa Linde at holiday park De Kremmer
   Last News: Staatsbosbeheer zet oude bekende aan het roer van tijdelijke strandtent 't Nije Hemelriek - RTV Drenthe
   
• Natural Pool Engelbert
  Location: Engelbert, Groningen
  Recommended: Restaurant Engelberter Riet, Camping Engelbert, Van der Valk Exclusief Hotel Groningen - Westerbroek
   
• Lettelberter Lake
  Location: Lettelbert, Groningen
   
• Grunostrand
  Location: Harkstede
   
• 't Veenmeer
  Location: Tynaarlo
  Recommended: Grand Café Centraal, Accommodation CampingVeenmeer
   
• Natural Pool Tynaarlo
  Location: Tynaarlo
  Recommended: Restaurant Perron 3
   
• De Groenlanden
  Location: Annen
  Recommended: Accommodation Naturist Camping De Groenlanden, Annense Pracht
   
• Natural pool/ lake Ruitershorn
  Location: Muntendam, check link
  Recommended: Accommodation Camping De Heemtuin 
   
• Koetshuis (Borgerswold)
  Location: Veendam
  Recommended:  The Ranch, Restaurant Van Heijningen Bosch, Accommodation Camperplaats Veendam

Great Camper Van / Mobile Home Spots Near Swimming Water in or Around Groningen

• Camper Van Spot Stadspark Groningen
  Location: Campinglaan 6, Groningen
  Facilities: Electricity, water, sanitary facilities, within walking distance of the city center.
• Camper Van Spot Lauwersmeer
  Location: Strandweg 5, Lauwersoog
  Facilities: Located right on the Lauwersmeer lake, beautiful nature, spacious pitches.
• Camper Van Spot Meerwijck
  Location: Strandweg 1, Kropswolde
  Facilities: Close to the Zuidlaardermeer lake, with a swimming beach and a restaurant.
• Camper Van Spot Meerstad
  Location: Meeroevers, Meerstad
  Facilities: Quiet area by the water, ideal for walking and cycling.

Where to Find Current Swimming Water Information?

You can find the current status of swimming water locations in Groningen (such as 'good', 'excellent', or 'negative swimming advice') on the following websites:

• www.zwemwater.nl – Official information from Rijkswaterstaat and the provinces about swimming water quality in the Netherlands.
• www.rivm.nl/zwemwater – Information from the RIVM on health and swimming water.
• www.groningen.nl/zwemlocaties – Local information about swimming and recreation in the province of Groningen.

Whether you're looking to cool off on a summer day, enjoy a relaxing weekend by the water, or take a camper trip around the lakes of Groningen – the province has plenty to offer. Combine nature, recreation, and comfort and enjoy the best that Groningen has to offer. Don’t forget your sunscreen, and dive into the adventure!