Location
Netherlands
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Naaktstrand Nieuw Haamstede
This nude beach is on the western tip of Schouwen-Duiveland in Zeeland, the Kop van Schouwen. It lies between the holiday village of Nieuw-Haamstede and Westenschouwen, inside a Natura 2000 dune reserve. The signed nude section runs from about beach pole 12.5 to pole 14.8, a stretch of roughly 2 to 2.3 km. It starts at the beach crossing 't Oude Vuur and runs south. In 2018 it was extended about 800 m southward. That extension was compensation for the 'Smart use of sand' pilot, which let the dunes here drift naturally and created blowouts in the foredunes. The beach is long but not always wide. At low tide it becomes very broad. The southern part, by the dunes, is quiet and good for birdwatching. There are no facilities on the nude section and no lifeguard. The nearest pavilion, De Strandloper, is just over a kilometre north. An ice-cream vendor sometimes passes. Warning signs mention currents and a sandbar, so take care when swimming. It is generally a calm, uncrowded beach, a little busier at weekends near the dune crossing because a walking route follows the beach.
Getting there
Drive to Nieuw-Haamstede along the Strandweg. The village has only one access road. Use the paid car park near the beach crossing 't Oude Vuur. A visitor reported about EUR 2.85 per hour or EUR 11.80 per day in 2024, and spaces are limited. From the beach crossing, the nude section is to your left (south). Some visitors use the Verklikkerpad path from the Strandweg to cut the walk. The nearest bus stop is in Westenschouwen, about 4.5 km away, half of it along the beach. The route crosses soft dunes, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Visitors who like this beach praise the quiet, the space, the clean sand and the dune scenery, and give it top marks. Those who rate it poorly mostly complain about paid and limited parking, the long walk through soft dunes and the complete lack of facilities. Several reviewers report men seeking contact in the dunes, and one mentioned sexual behaviour on the beach in 2021. Other gripes include heavy vehicles leaving deep tyre ruts on the sand and warnings about currents. Opinions on the walk vary from about 10 minutes to much longer, depending on where you park.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The section between poles 12.5 and 14.8 is signposted and listed as an official nude beach by the Dutch naturist federation NFN. It was extended in 2018 as part of a coastal management pilot. Staying in the dunes is prohibited because the area is a Natura 2000 reserve. Nuisance can be reported to the police on 0900-8844.
Naturism at Naaktstrand Nieuw Haamstede sits under Netherlands's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Netherlands public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 51.7023, 3.6790
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 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
Where is the nude section at Nieuw-Haamstede?
It runs between beach poles 12.5 and 14.8, about 2 km of beach. It starts at the 't Oude Vuur crossing and runs south toward Westenschouwen, and it is signposted.
Is parking free?
No. The car park on the Strandweg is paid and has limited spaces. A visitor reported about EUR 2.85 per hour in 2024.
Are there toilets or a beach bar?
Not on the nude section. The nearest pavilion, De Strandloper, is just over 1 km north.
Is swimming safe?
There is no lifeguard on this stretch, and signs warn about currents and a sandbar. Swim with caution.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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