Location
Netherlands
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
May to September
About Naaktstrand Gaasperplas
The Gaasperplas is a former sand-extraction lake in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, dug to supply sand for building the Bijlmermeer and later made the centrepiece of the Gaasperpark, which hosted the 1982 Floriade. A small naturist area of about half a hectare lies on the north side of the lake, next to the park, and has been signposted for nude recreation since around 2004-2005 (sources differ on the year). It is a sunbathing lawn rather than a beach: there is no sand, but there is plenty of shade from surrounding trees, plus bike racks and bins. The shore here is not an official bathing site and the water is not tested at this spot, so swimming is at your own risk. Signs permit nudity from 1 May to 1 October. In early June the Amsterdam Open Air festival takes over the park and the area is closed for around two weeks; nude sunbathers then use the old naturist spot on the south-east bank, where a wooden edge drops to about a metre and the water deepens quickly. The municipality has long-running plans to add official swimming spots on the north shore, one just north of the naturist area, so check signs on arrival.
Getting there
Metro line 53 to Gaasperplas station, then a short walk into the Gaasperpark and round to the north side of the lake; a bus stop is about 10 minutes' walk away. By bike it is easy from Amsterdam via the park paths, and there is bike parking at the area. Free car parking is available in the park car parks roughly 750 m to 1 km from the naturist lawn. The paths are flat and paved, and the area is reported as accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Dogs on a lead are allowed.
What visitors say
Reports describe a small, sheltered lawn that is convenient for a quick nude sunbathe from the city by metro or bike, rather than a beach destination. It is quiet on weekdays and fills up on hot weekends. The lack of sand and facilities is the most common drawback, and swimmers are warned the water drops off quickly and is not officially tested here. The two-week festival closure in June catches people out. Problems at the site were raised by the national naturist federation in the late 2000s, so some visitors note it is best enjoyed in company.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Dutch law (Wetboek van Strafrecht art. 430a) allows nudity in places designated for it and also where it is reasonably acceptable, so a municipality can designate areas but cannot ban nudity elsewhere outright. Signs at the Gaasperplas allow nude recreation 1 May to 1 October (reported 2017). The NFN held talks with the municipality about problems at the site around 2008-2009.
Naturism at Naaktstrand Gaasperplas 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. 52.3063, 4.9927
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at the Gaasperplas?
Yes, on the signposted naturist lawn on the north side of the lake; signs allow it from 1 May to 1 October.
Is there a sandy beach?
No. The naturist area is a grassy sunbathing lawn with shade; there is no sand.
Can I swim there?
You can, but the naturist shore is not an official bathing site and the water is not tested at this spot. The water gets deep quickly.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take metro 53 to Gaasperplas station and walk through the park to the north side of the lake.
Is it ever closed?
Yes. During the Amsterdam Open Air festival in early June the area is closed for about two weeks; the old nude spot on the south-east bank is used instead.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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