Lakes to swim in
In Giethoorn you can swim in the Bovenwijde (also called the Wiede) and just outside Giethoorn, in Wanneperveen, in the Belterwijde (also called the Belter). You need a boat (hired) for this. Good to know: in the Bovenwijde you can stand almost anywhere. This does not apply to the other lakes. On the website www.zwemwater.nl you can check the quality of the swimming water.
Swimming in the Bovenwijde
To swim in the Wiede you can only get there by boat. In the middle of the lake there is a little swimming island with landing stages and a marked-off section with (even) shallower water. A great spot for a picnic, a paddle or a quick splash in the water. We do advise wearing water shoes when swimming, in case there is something sharp in the water.
Swimming ‘beach’ at the Belterwijde
At the Belter there is a recreation area on swimming water. A section with shallower water is marked with buoys. Suitable for swimming with younger children. This recreation area can be reached from Giethoorn by bike and by car. You can also get there by boat. On the other side of the area is the water ski club. Always spectacular to watch, and perhaps a lesson is an idea …
Hire a boat and then enjoy a swim in Giethoorn? Choose from the available boats
If you do want to swim in a (covered) swimming pool while you are in Giethoorn, you can go to the open-air pool Tolhekke in Paaslo, De Waterwyck in Steenwijk or Bad Hesselingen in Meppel.
Good to know
- It is advisable to wear swimming shoes when you swim in Giethoorn. Unfortunately it sometimes happens that a joker throws something overboard instead of putting it in the bin (think of a can of beer, glass or something else). It would be a real shame if, after a nice day in Giethoorn, you ended up in A&E with a cut in your foot.
- It is not advisable to hang on to the back of the boat. It is of course super cool and fun to do this when the boat is going full speed ahead. But what people often do not realise is that there is a propeller spinning right below you. We imagine it would be rather painful if your foot got caught in it.
- Are you allowed to swim when you hire a boat? Of course you are! On a nice day you can take a dip in one of the lakes, and in most places you can stand. So bring your bikini or swimming trunks.
Also worth reading
If you want to know how to get to Giethoorn, you can read this article. Read this article for the museums in Giethoorn and read this if you want to know more about your options if you want to eat in Giethoorn.
