Location
Netherlands
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to August
About Nudist beach Noord Aa
The Noord Aa naturist beach is on the Zoetermeerse Plas, a lake dug for sand extraction, in Noord Aa, Zoetermeer's largest recreation area. A 2016 redesign moved the naturist area from its old spot between the general beach and the children's beach. Since 2017 it has been next to the children's beach, separated from it by an earth embankment about 1.7 m high, fenced and planted with young trees. Sources disagree on which side of the lake this is (south-east or north-east), so follow the signs. The naturist area has two parts. The main family section has lawns, a strip of sand and its own swimming area. The roped-off zone is at most 0.7 m deep, gentle enough for children, and the water deepens quickly past the buoy line at 1.5 m. A separate, smaller section with a lawn but no beach or water is a designated gay meeting area, kept apart from the family section. The family section has a toilet building with outdoor showers, a foot tap and bins. Restaurant Aa-zicht and a snack bar are on the textile beach about 700 m away. Waterbirds are plentiful, and visitors often mention goose droppings on the grass.
Getting there
Noord Aa is on the north side of Zoetermeer. There is free parking within a few hundred metres of the beach, and bicycle parking at the beach itself. A cycle path runs past the family section. The nearest bus stop is Redelaan in Zoetermeer, about 1.5 km on foot. The family section is accessible for people with reduced mobility. Entry is free. Dogs are not allowed.
What visitors say
Visitors on BlootKompas rate Noord Aa highly, at around 8 out of 10. They describe it as quiet, friendly and easy to reach, and like the clear separation from the textile beach and the shallow water for children. Complaints come up regularly about goose and dog droppings on the lawns, blue-green algae in the water in high summer, a lack of shade, occasional unwanted behaviour, and closures after big events.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Under Dutch criminal law (article 430a), nudity is allowed wherever it is suitable, but municipalities can ban it in their bylaws (APV) and set aside designated nude areas. BlootKompas, the NFN's location guide, lists Noord Aa as an officially designated nude beach marked with signs. It is a municipal recreation area, and visitors report that the beach is closed for weeks after large events on the site.
Naturism at Nudist beach Noord Aa 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. 52.0853, 4.5127
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
Is Noord Aa an official nude beach?
Yes. It is an officially designated naturist area, marked with signs, on the Zoetermeerse Plas.
Is it suitable for children?
The family section has a shallow roped-off swimming area (up to 0.7 m deep) and is separated from the gay meeting area.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking a short walk away, plus bicycle parking at the beach.
What facilities are there?
A toilet building with outdoor showers in the family section, with a restaurant and snack bar on the textile beach nearby.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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