Some prefer swimming in natural water, others only dive in clear pool water. Whatever you choose, it is possible in Midden-Groningen. Here you have big and small lakes and more swimming pools than you think!
Vamos a la playa
You can enjoy the beach at Meerwijck in Kropswolde. The wide sandy beach is located on the Zuidlaardermeer, one of the two large lakes in Midden-Groningen. All kinds of play equipment have recently been added, so it has become extra fun for children. For an ice cream, tapas or a cocktail, visit Bodega Beach: they are open every day and their terrace overlooks the beach. Near the pavilion, the Bodega Boat is moored, for a cruise on the beautiful Zuidlaardermeer and subsequent dinner in the restaurant. Prefer to take the helm yourself? At various places around the lake you can rent or buy boats, such as at Allround Watersport and Paviljoen de Rietzoom.
The Schildmeer also has a nice beach for a refreshing dip and for sunbathing. Besides swimming, you can also kayak, canoe, windsurf and supp here. Stap your own sup or canoe at the kayak pier or rent one from Mooi Schildmeer or Surfcenter.nl. For the appetite, you will find Strandtent Schildmeer right on the beach. From pavilion Boei12 and restaurant Kaap Steendam you have a good view over the lake: one towards sunrise and at the other you can watch the sunset in the evening.
Besides the two large lakes, Midden-Groningen has even more natural swimming water. Hidden behind the trees in the woods of Kolham is Zwaneveldsgat. The small lake was once created by digging up sand for the Woldjerspoor, the railway line between Groningen and Delfzijl. The Harkstederplas in Harkstede was also created by excavating sand and is quite deep, and therefore fresh: ideal for tropical temperatures.
