Location
Netherlands
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Grass / lawn
Best season
May to September
About Spaarnwoude
This nude area sits inside the Spaarnwoude recreation area, the large green belt between Amsterdam, Haarlem and Velsen. It lies in the Buitenhuizen polder on the southern side of the park, off the Genieweg near the Zorgvrij information farm, on land that was once a waste tip. It is not a sea beach. The naturist section covers about 1.7 hectares, mostly mown lawns around a small pond of roughly 60 by 120 metres with a narrow strip of sand at the water's edge. Shrubs and trees shelter it and keep it apart from the clothed recreation areas, and there is a fair amount of shade. The pond is shallow, about 1.4 metres. Swimming water monitoring has listed it, but blue-green algae warnings have been issued in some summers, including June 2026, so check the current advice before swimming. A small toilet block with a shower serves the site. It closed for budget reasons in 2012 and reopened in 2016. On weekdays it is a quiet sunbathing meadow. The regulars are mostly older people and solo men, and traffic noise from the A9 and planes from Schiphol can be heard.
Getting there
The address is Genieweg, Velsen-Zuid. Drivers park free at the Informatieboerderij Zorgvrij car park, about 260 m to under 1 km from the lawn depending on which entrance you use, and the walk is flat. Cyclists can use the bike racks right by the area, and Spaarnwoude has a dense cycle network from Haarlem and Amsterdam. The nearest bus stops, Dammersboog and Golfbaan Spaarnwoude, are about 2 km away on foot. The site is not described as suitable for wheelchair users. Food and drink are available at the Zorgvrij farm café.
What visitors say
Reviewers like it as a calm, sheltered meadow with easy parking, clean toilets and plenty of shade, and several weekday visitors found it peaceful. The crowd is mostly older and male, and some days few visitors are actually nude. A recurring complaint, repeated in 2023, 2024 and 2026, is solo men staring or giving unwanted attention, and a few reports describe sexual behaviour in the bushes. A solo woman in 2024 had a relaxed visit, but another woman the same year felt uncomfortable. The pond is not much used for swimming because of algae, and road and aircraft noise is noticeable. Most reviewers do not rate it as a place for children.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Dutch naturist federation NFN's BlootKompas lists the Spaarnwoude lawn as officially designated for nude recreation and signposted, and naaktstrandje.nl gives the nude season as 1 May to 1 October. Recreation in the surrounding bushes is forbidden. In 2026 reviews reported sexual activity on site; the NFN says this is not allowed and advises reporting it to the police (0900-8844).
Naturism at Spaarnwoude 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. 52.4270, 4.6851
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.
More in Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at Spaarnwoude?
Yes, on the signposted naturist lawn in the Buitenhuizen part of the park. The NFN lists it as officially designated, with a nude season from 1 May to 1 October.
Can I swim there?
There is a small, shallow pond, but blue-green algae warnings have been issued in some summers, including June 2026. Check zwemwater.nl before you swim.
Where do I park?
Park free at the Informatieboerderij Zorgvrij on the Genieweg and walk a few hundred metres to the signposted area.
Are there toilets?
Yes, there is a small toilet block with a shower on the naturist area. The café at Zorgvrij sells food and drinks.
Is it suitable for families?
Reviewers rate it low for children because the crowd is mostly solo men and there have been reports of inappropriate behaviour.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…