Seeking a cool-down: why the Dutch take to the water en masse during hot summer days

As soon as the mercury rises above 30 degrees, something typically Dutch happens. We don’t turn on the air conditioning en masse or head to a shopping mall. No, we go to the water.

I noticed this myself again recently when I was sailing through De Biesbosch National Park in a small boat. While the sun was high in the sky and the temperature kept rising, it seemed as if the whole of the Netherlands had gotten the same idea.

Here a canoe. There a family in a sloop. Further on, friends anchored to take a quick swim. And everywhere that relaxed atmosphere that only arises when people briefly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The magic of cooling off on the water

The Netherlands is a land of water. Our rivers, lakes, canals, ponds, and delta waters make it possible to find cooling off almost anywhere. On warm days, many Dutch people instinctively seem to head in the same direction: towards the water.

This is not just about cooling down. Water brings tranquility with the sound of lapping waves. The wind blowing just a little harder over open water. The sense of space. It automatically slows you down.

During my trip through De Biesbosch, this was confirmed once again. As soon as you leave the crowds behind and find yourself among the creeks and willow forests, the temperature seems to become almost less important.

De Biesbosch: cooling off in Europe’s largest freshwater tidal area

What many people do not know is that De Biesbosch is a unique nature reserve. The area is the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe and consists of a labyrinth of rivers, creeks, small islands and willow forests.

According to Staatsbosbeheer, the best way to experience De Biesbosch is from the water. In a canoe, whisper boat, or small sloop, you can sail through narrow creeks where you might encounter kingfishers, birds of prey and even beavers.

The beauty of De Biesbosch is that everyone sets their own pace. You don’t have to go anywhere. You don’t have to tick anything off your list. You are simply there. And that is precisely what makes it so appealing during warm summer days.

Why water recreation is so Dutch

The Dutch have always had a special relationship with water. Maybe because we live largely below sea level? We protect ourselves against it with dikes and the Delta Works. We travel across it. And as soon as it gets warm, we seek it out for relaxation.

From stand-up paddleboarding in the canals to boating on the Frisian lakes. From swimming in natural water to canoeing through nature reserves. Water is part of our culture, perhaps more so than we realize.

My favorite moment

While I was sitting in the boat, right in the middle of De Biesbosch, something struck me.

No one was looking at their phone. No one was in a hurry. People were talking. Swimming. Floating. Enjoying themselves. These are exactly the moments often missing from tourist brochures, but which determine how an area is truly experienced.

10 places in the Netherlands to find cooling off during hot summer days

1. De Biesbosch. Boating, canoeing, swimming, and enjoying nature in a unique freshwater tidal area.
2. Oosterschelde. National Park with beaches, swimming locations, and plenty of nature experiences.
3. Veerse Meer. Perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating. You lie on green grassy meadows.
4. Friese Meren. One of the most famous water sports areas in the Netherlands.
5. Marker Wadden. Peace, nature, and swimming in clear water.
6. Lauwersmeer. Plenty of space, nature, and cooling off by the water.
7. Haarrijnse Plas. Popular swimming spot near Utrecht. Safe for little ones.
8. Spiegelplas. One of the most beautiful natural swimming spots in North Holland. Lingebos Recreation Lake. Large swimming lake with a beach and facilities in the Betuwe.
9. Schiermonnikoog. Cooling off by the sea and plenty of space.

Useful websites for hot summer days

For current, general information about swimming, nature, and recreation in the Netherlands, here are a few links:

• Zwemwater Nederland
• Natuurmonumenten – Zwemmen in de natuur
• Staatsbosbeheer
• Beleef de Biesbosch
• Nationale Parken Nederland
• ANWB – Zwemmen in natuurwater

Share your summer in the Netherlands with the world

Do you also have photos or videos of boating, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or enjoying a warm summer day in the Netherlands? Upload your footage to So Dutchie and help make the real Netherlands visible. From a canoe in De Biesbosch to an evening dive in the Oosterschelde. It is precisely those authentic moments that tell the story of the Netherlands as it is truly experienced. 🌞🚤📸