Picnic and Swim in Vinkeveense Plassen

The lakes just south of Amsterdam are perfect for day recreation on a sunny day.

A great place to visit if you want to swim, go on a picnic, play outdoor games or just enjoy the day.

The way the lakes are shaped and embedded in the countryside is a result of peat exploitation in past centuries. Especially during the 17th century peat from the Vinkeveen area used to keep the city population of Amsterdam warm during winter.

The elongated stretches of land in the lakes served to dry peat.

The lakes are characterized by twelve sand islands that offer unique opportunities for water recreation. You can explore the lakes by motor, sail or electric boat or canoe. The clear water of the Vinkeveense Plassen make it a popular diving site.

There’s a designated diving zone of approximately 180 meters long and 120 meters wide with several ‘diving objects’ placed at various depths.

The lakes also include a water skiing area, where you can skim the surface from sunrise to sunset.

Most of the sand islands are only accessible by water, though two islands can also be reached from the mainland.

Easy access by public transportation from Amsterdam and Utrecht and by car as the A2 highway runs along the eastside of the lakes and the N 201 right through it.