Location
Netherlands
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
May to September
About Baaiegatstrand
Baaiegatstrand is the naturist area of Het Twiske, a large recreation area of lakes, meadows and woodland just north of Amsterdam, between Zaandam and Purmerend, in the municipality of Oostzaan. Since 2011 the naturist site has been on an island reached by a wooden bridge, after it moved from the more remote Wezenlandstrand. It covers about 1.7 hectares, mostly sunbathing lawns. Sand runs along about half of the bay side (it was shortened in 2020), and a small new sand beach faces the Stootersplas lake. The bay is separated from the lake by a timber barrier and has a gently sloping bottom with a roped swimming zone up to 1.4 m deep and many water plants; on the Stootersplas side the bottom drops off steeply and suits experienced swimmers only. Tall planting hides the area from view except at the entrance. Facilities include a toilet, bins, bicycle racks, a volleyball court and two boules pitches, and dogs on a lead are allowed on the rear part. A New Year's dip is held on 1 January at 14:00.
Getting there
Het Twiske lies just north of Amsterdam. The nearest paid car park is about 740 m from the naturist island; from there walk or cycle to the wooden bridge. Many visitors cycle from Amsterdam-Noord or Zaandam through the park. The nearest bus stop is about 35 minutes' walk away. The site is listed as suitable for disabled visitors. A kiosk is about 1.8 km away.
Amenities
Legal context
The information board at the entrance identifies the area as a naturist site; there is no separate nude-beach sign. In 2024 the recreation authority closed off part of the site used as a gay meeting place, citing Natura 2000 rules, and the province declined to intervene.
Naturism at Baaiegatstrand sits under Netherlands's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Netherlands public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 52.4565, 4.8816
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Where is the naturist area in Het Twiske?
On the Baaiegat island, reached by a wooden bridge; the entrance board marks it as a naturist area.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the bay has a shallow roped swimming zone with a gently sloping bottom.
Is there a toilet?
Yes, there is a toilet on the naturist area.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a lead, on the rear part of the site.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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