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Swimming in the Arnhem region

| Pleun | |

This article is for anyone fancying a refreshing dip on a hot day. In the Arnhem region, you’ll find swimming spots for every summer’s day: from natural recreational lakes with beaches to charming outdoor and indoor swimming pools. We’ve picked out some great places to swim near Arnhem, from the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen to the Valkenhuizen swimming pool. Perfect for a day out in or around Arnhem.

What takes your fancy?
1. Swimming in natural waters
2. A day at the beach
3. Swimming pools in Arnhem
4. Leisure activities at Lingevaart

Good to know: controleer voor vertrek altijd de waterkwaliteit en eventuele waarschuwingen via zwemwater.nl. Bij natuurwater kunnen blauwalg en stroming namelijk invloed hebben op je bezoek. In de grote rivieren is zwemmen niet toegestaan en erg gevaarlijk.

Swimming in natural waters

Rijkerswoerdse Plassen

On the southern outskirts of Arnhem lie the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen, a popular leisure spot with all the trimmings. With its sandy beaches, play areas and nearby cafés and restaurants, this is a handy spot for families who want to combine a dip in the water with lunch or an afternoon of play. Bring a blanket, find a spot by the water and easily spend the whole afternoon there. You’ll also find several lovely places to grab a bite to eat here, such as De Woerd. The traditional bread with smoked salmon and cream cheese is an absolute favourite.

​Rijkerswoerdsestraat 4, Arnhem

The Zwanenbad

Tucked away in the floodplains near Huissen lies the charming Zwanenbad. This natural swimming spot feels more peaceful and intimate than the larger recreational lakes in the region. Here, you can swim surrounded by greenery and hear mainly birds, water and rustling leaves. Editor’s tip: do take a moment to sit down and enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace of Strand Anders, situated by the Zwanenbad.

​Badweg 2, Huissen

A day at the beach

Slijk-Ewijk Beach Park and Zandziebar

Fancy a proper day at the beach? At Strandpark Slijk-Ewijk, you can lay out your towel by a large recreational lake, surrounded by greenery. Take a refreshing dip in the water, build sandcastles with the kids or find a spot in the shade for a relaxing afternoon. Children will particularly enjoy Zandziebar: a free play island with a play ship and plenty of space to climb, build and play. On hot days, pop into the kiosk for a drink or snack to enjoy on your towel or on the terrace.

  • Kiosk opening hours: open from 11.00 to 19.00 when temperatures exceed 26 degrees
  • Looking for more fun family outings in Arnhem? Check out our tips for a day out with the kids

Valburgsestraat 45, Slijk-Ewijk

Rhederlaag Recreation Area

The Rhederlaag recreation area near Lathum is a true paradise for lovers of sun, water and sand. Here you can enjoy several small beaches, a campsite and cosy waterside cafés and restaurants. Fancy a swim, a spot of surfing or hiring a boat? Anything is possible at this versatile location. This makes it ideal for families, groups of friends and anyone who fancies staying a little longer.

Swimming pools in Arnhem

Klarenbeek Open-Air Swimming Pool

Nestled in the heart of the Veluwezoom woods lies the charming Klarenbeek Open-Air Swimming Pool. As you swim your lengths in the 50-metre pool, the sounds you’ll hear are mainly birdsong and the rustling of leaves. That’s what sets this pool apart from many other outdoor pools. On warm summer’s days in particular, it feels as though you’ve left the hustle and bustle of the city far behind. With its children’s pool and spacious sunbathing area, this is the ideal spot for a day out with the kids or simply to relax in the sun.

Hommelseweg 536, Arnhem

Rheden Open-Air Swimming Pool

In the heart of Rheden lies the cosy Openluchtbad, a swimming pool that has been around for generations and still retains that friendly atmosphere of a village swimming pool. Here you’ll see families who have been coming back for years, children jumping off the diving board and keen swimmers doing their daily laps. Thanks to its green surroundings, the swimming pool feels surprisingly peaceful, even though the centre of Rheden is close by. Editor’s tip: combine a visit to the swimming pool with a walk along the Veluwezoom. On hot days, a refreshing dip after a walk through the heathland is particularly welcome.

IJsselsingel 7, Rheden

De Grote Koppel

A summer’s day doesn’t have to be a washout if the weather’s not on your side. De Grote Koppel swimming pool in Arnhem-Zuid is the perfect solution for days when the sun isn’t shining. Handy tip: as this is an indoor swimming pool, it’s a great option even outside the summer months or on rainy days during the holidays. With a wave pool, slide and white-water creek, you’re guaranteed plenty of water fun here, whatever the season.

Olympus 29, Arnhem

Valkenhuizen Swimming Pool

Arnhem-Noord is also the place to go for a wonderful swimming experience, namely at the Valkenhuizen swimming pool. This modern pool features a leisure pool with a slide and a current channel, a pool for specific age groups and a competition pool. The combination of a leisure pool and a competition pool makes this a great choice if you’re out and about with children as well as competitive swimmers. It’s a lovely place for both. What’s more, the swimming pool offers a range of swimming lessons and aqua sports.

Beukenlaan 1, Arnhem

Leisure at Lingevaart

For a peaceful day on the water, Lingevaart in Doornenburg is the perfect spot. Here, you won’t be swimming at a busy beach, but in a intimate setting amongst dykes, meadows and river waters. This is a particularly lovely spot if you want to combine swimming with some active pursuits: hire a canoe or stand-up paddleboard and explore the Betuwe from the water.

As you paddle along, you’ll pass reed beds, green banks and quiet stretches where you’ll mainly hear birdsong. Afterwards, take a refreshing dip or find a spot on the bank. It is precisely this combination of nature, tranquillity and exercise that sets Lingevaart apart from the larger recreational lakes in the region.

  • Find all the information you need on hiring a SUP, kayak or canoe on the website. Want to explore the area around Lingevaart? You can easily hire a bike here too.
  • Want to explore cycling routes in the area? View all our cycling routes

 

Want to read more?

For outdoor swimming in Arnhem, you can choose between natural lakes and outdoor pools. Rijkerswoerdse Plassen is a popular recreational lake on the southern edge of the city. Prefer an outdoor swimming pool? Then the Klarenbeek Open-Air Swimming Pool is a great choice: it’s set in lush greenery, has three heated pools, diving boards, sunbathing areas, an inflatable water park and catering facilities. The Rheden Open-Air Swimming Pool is also a good option just outside Arnhem.

Looking for more great tips on enjoying nature in the Arnhem region? Check out our inspiration page.

The Rijkerswoerdse Plassen are a recreational area on the southern outskirts of Arnhem. Here you’ll find swimming spots, sandy beaches, play areas and picnic spots. This makes it an accessible destination for families, groups of friends and anyone looking to cool off on a hot day close to Arnhem. Always check the current bathing water quality on Zwemwater.nl before you set off.

The best swimming pool in Arnhem depends on your plans. Valkenhuizen Swimming Pool is ideal if you want to combine leisure swimming with competitive swimming. De Grote Koppel is perfect for families on a rainy day, thanks to its wave pool, slide and white-water creek. Klarenbeek Open-Air Swimming Pool, on the other hand, is great if you want to swim outdoors in green surroundings. Sport in Arnhem lists, amongst other things, three heated pools, diving boards, large sunbathing areas and catering facilities.

Looking for more active days out in Arnhem? Read our top tips.

Yes. Valkenhuizen Swimming Pool is suitable for children, particularly thanks to the leisure pool with its slide and rapids. It’s also a good choice for competitive swimmers, as there’s a competition pool and a pool for specific groups. This makes Valkenhuizen suitable for families as well as for visitors who really want to swim.

Check out all our tips for fun outdoor outings in Arnhem with children.

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