Location
Netherlands
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
June to August
About Naaktstrand Groene Ster
De Groene Ster, also called De Kleine Wielen, is a roughly 1,000-hectare recreation and nature area on the eastern edge of Leeuwarden in Friesland, with woods, walking paths, sunbathing lawns and a series of lakes. Its nude beach is a 3.2-hectare island in the southern of two water compartments, divided by a dam carrying a cycle path, and is reached by bridges from the west side. Nude recreation has been allowed in part of the park since 1980; when the area was redesigned in 1995 the nude section moved to the island, and over the years naturists came to use all of it. The beach combines a strip of sand at the water's edge with lawns and a grassy embankment, and trees give shade. The water shelves gently from 0 to about 1.7 m, making it suitable for weaker swimmers, but the peaty bottom limits visibility and sharp freshwater mussels can cut feet. An earth bank and ditch separate the island from the cycle path. In summer an ice-cream seller visits on sunny days, and a New Year's Day dip is held here every 1 January. Dogs are not allowed.
Getting there
De Groene Ster lies on the east side of Leeuwarden. Free parking is available at several lots between about 200 and 700 m from the nude island, and a bus stop is roughly 10 minutes' walk away. There is bike parking at the beach. The island is reached over a dam and bridges from the west side. Paths are level and the site is described as reasonably accessible for people with reduced mobility. A kiosk with toilets, open daily in summer, is about 700 m away. Much of the park closes during the Psy-Fi festival in late August.
Amenities
Legal context
naaktstrandje.nl reports that nude recreation has been permitted at De Groene Ster since 1980 and that the island is an officially designated, signed nude area; this was not confirmed on a Leeuwarden municipal page during research (2026).
Naturism at Naaktstrand Groene Ster 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. 53.2132, 5.8625
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 nude beach in De Groene Ster?
On the island in the southern water compartment, reached by bridges from the west side of the park.
Is it suitable for children?
The water is shallow and gently sloping, but there is no fenced children's area and sharp mussels are present, so water shoes help.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking within a few hundred metres, plus bike parking at the beach.
Are there toilets?
Not on the island; a kiosk with toilets about 700 m away opens daily in summer.
Are dogs allowed?
No.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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