Swimming in Groningen

Whether you’re sunbathing on the beach at Costa Pesetas or prefer to stay at home by the Hoornse Plas like Pé and Rinus, there are plenty of places in Groningen to enjoy a swim outdoors. In case you’re looking to cool off, we’ve put together a list of swimming spots for this summer. Where will you lay your towel?

When you’re in the city, you don’t always fancy spending half an hour or more in a car or on a bus. Where should you go if you suddenly fancy a dip? The Stadsstrand is a 15-minute walk from the Grote Markt , and the Kardingerplas is a 15-minute cycle away. Fancy building rafts or water-skiing? Have a go at Grunostrand, a 30-minute cycle from the city. And let’s not forget Groningen’s ‘garden’; a 10-minute cycle away is the ‘Pss Psss’ Hoornse Plas.

Don’t like sand between your toes? Or are you a fan of water slides? Then on a summer’s day in Groningen, you can take a refreshing dip in one of the outdoor swimming pools. Go for a swim at Zwembad Hoogkerk, or whizz down the slide at De Blinkerd or enjoy some water fun at De Papiermolen.

Next to the Schildmeer near Steendam lies the Damsterplas, a small lake with a little beach, art installations and a special ‘Place of Silence’. The site is managed by the Kultuureiland Foundation, which regularly organises activities and small-scale festivals. Tucked away in the Kolham woods is the Zwaneveldsgat , created by sand extraction for the former Woldjerspoor railway line. The Harkstederplas is also a lovely spot to cool off on hot days.