Swimming in the city

When the mercury has passed the 20-degree mark, you can get a huge appetite for a refreshing dip. But let's face it, when you're in the city, you don't always feel like sitting in a car or steaming bus for half an hour or more beforehand. Where in the city should you be if you suddenly feel like a splash? We picked a few nice swimming spots for you, all within walking or cycling distance from the centre of Groningen. Zwemse!

Hoornse Plas | Swimming water in the 'garden' of Groningen

Kaapse Baan 1, Groningen - Many Groningers spend their hot summer days there: the Hoornse Plas. It is located south of the city of Groningen, next to the lakes Hoornsemeer and Paterwoldsemeer. At the Hoornse Plas, you will find a play and splash pond for the little ones, sandy beaches and play and sunbathing areas. Many sports and recreational events such as beach volleyball and barbecues are also organised here. Around the lake you will find nice beach bars where you can enjoy a drink or dinner.

Swimming pond Stadspark | Floating in the middle of the city

Between the trees of the Stadspark is a spacious swimming area marked off with buoys, especially for swimmers who like open water. The jetty allows you to stap straight into the water and there are resting buoys in the middle where you can take a breather. You can lie on the rafts, sunbathe or simply enjoy the view. Will we see you this summer?

Het Stadsstrand | More than 4,000 m2 of beach in the heart of the city

Vrydemalaan 2, Groningen - You might not expect it, but in Groningen the beach is closer than you think. Just a 15-minute walk from the Grote Markt, on the Ebbingekwartier you'll find a stretch of water marked off with buoys for swimming. A relaxed spot where you can also play a game of beach volleyball, table tennis, table football or a game of chess on sunny days. Fancy something refreshing? DOT's terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a nice cold drink.

Grunostrand | Having fun in and around the water

Harkstede - It may seem far away, but within 30 minutes cycling you're there: the Break Out Grunopark in Harkstede. At this activity park, nothing is too crazy, so you can build rafts, paintball, water-ski and more. All that swimming makes you crave chips? For that you can go to the (roof) terrace of the Strandpaviljoen and enjoy the view over the water. The Grunoplas regularly forms the backdrop for Grunopark's activities, and the nearby sunbathing beach is a great place to swim and sunbathe in summer. Can't get enough of it? Then you can rent a campervan, tent or caravan at Grunopark.

Sportcentrum Kardinge | For when the weather is a bit bad after all

Kardingerplein 1, Groningen - The multifunctional sportcentrum Kardinge includes a subtropical swimming pool where you imagine yourself in a tropical country with palm trees and lovely warm water. The pool has a spectacular 60-metre slide, a wave machine, a whirlpool, a wild water creek and much more. A nice alternative, therefore, for when it rains or is just a bit too cold to swim in the Kardingerplas.

De Papiermolen | Outdoor swimming pool for young and old

Papiermolenlaan 3, Groningen - Those who don't like sand can cool down in the city of Groningen in the (city) swimming pool. De Papiermolen is the city's outdoor swimming pool, just 10 minutes by bike or half an hour's walk from the Grote Markt. Once there, you'll be busy for a while because de papiermolen has three diving boards, a 35-metre slide, a 50-metre pool and a large play and sunbathing area. The little ones have also been thought of, as they can play in the paddling pool. Whether you come to relax, play or swim laps, there is something for everyone at De Papiermolen.

Strand Meeroevers | Cosy natural beach

Waterviolier, Groningen - A 25-minute bike ride east from the city centre, you'll find a cosy natural beach. At Strand Meeroevers, all facilities for a fun and active day are available. Of course, you can swim, sunbathe and climb the watchtower. But what about supboarding, kayaking, kiting, windsurfing and beach volleyball. And as soon as you need a break, just walk into Het StrandHuis. A fine place for lunch, lounging and dining overlooking the water. And when you've done all that, just relax on your towel in the sand.

Splashing in the pool

Fancy a refreshing dip but in a swimming pool? In and around Groningen there are plenty of places where you can take a dip this summer. De Parrel, for instance, is a great place for recreational swimming or a sporty aquasport lesson. The Helper swimming pool is ideal for those who want to work on their fitness and technique, and during the school holidays there is play equipment in the water. Prefer the open air? Zwembad Hoogkerk has heated pools and a cosy kiosk for an ice cream afterwards. Or cycle half an hour to Zwembad Lemferdinge in Eelde, a lovely refreshing outdoor pool.

Floating among the greenery

Rather have your feet in the sand and your face in the sun? Groningen has plenty of other places to swim in open water. At recreation lake Ruskenveen, you can have a lovely swim and play. There is a small beach, a playground, and free fitness equipment for those who still have some energy left. About 25 minutes by bike from the city is Engelbert natural swimming pool and campsite, where you can swim laps in the middle of nature.