Naturist camping in the Netherlands

Naaktrecreatie is what the Dutch call naturism and refers to all kinds of unclothed recreation in nature. The need to move around naked all day - including on the campsite - has become fashionable again. There are naturist campsites all over Europe, including in the Netherlands. Here, campers are allowed to show themselves as God created them on the way from caravan to kiosk.

Destinations

There are more than 80 beaches on the Dutch North Sea coast that allow nude bathing. A beautiful naturist beach is located just outside the North Holland seaside resort of Callantsoog. On the 2.5 km long sandy beach, holidaymakers can get naked without worrying. There is also a nudist section of beach in the immediate vicinity in the village of Groote Keeten. Rekreatiecentrum De Nollen is a recommended campsite near these two nudist beaches. The campsite, which has been awarded 4 ADAC stars, is located on an idyllic green meadow in the immediate vicinity of the water.

However, naturists are not only welcome on the mainland, but also on the Dutch North Sea islands. One of the most popular holiday islands in the Netherlands is Texel. The camping paradise lies off the coast of North Holland in the North Sea. The holiday island is not only loved for its wild dune landscape and wide beaches, but also for its two nude beaches. Texelcamping Loodsmansduin is located on a site characterised by hedges and rows of bushes behind the dunes. Nudism is practised on a separate part of the site. In addition to beach volleyball, there is a golf course, tennis court and bicycle hire. An outdoor pool and a sauna are also available.

Activities and excursions

No distance is too far for caravan and motorhome travellers in the Netherlands. And once they reach the coast, many travellers are no longer drawn away from the waves and beaches. There are numerous excursion options in the hinterland.

Amusement parks and more

The Efteling amusement park is a magical place. The carousels and rides are wildly romantic and enchant not only children. Wooden rollercoasters, water fountains and light shows will delight young and old alike. In The Hague, the Madurodam miniature park also attracts all generations. The recreated world in miniature is one of the most famous holiday attractions in the Netherlands.

For sailors and surfers

The IJsselmeer became a freshwater lake when it was dyked and is now a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Sailing beginners and experts alike can have fun on the largest lake in the Netherlands. There are numerous sailing and surfing schools, boat hire and charter companies on the shore.

Protected nature

There are currently 21 national parks in the Kingdom of the European Netherlands. One of the best known is De Hoge Veluwe in the province of Gelderland. The national park near the German-Dutch border is an ideal stopover when travelling to or from the country. The forest and heathland areas are ideal for hikes, cycle tours and picnics.

Amsterdam city flair

In Amsterdam, clothing is in demand, but it can be creative, alternative and even revealing or scanty. The multicultural metropolis delights with its canals, gabled houses and magnificent buildings. Particularly worth seeing are the Oude Kerk in the Red Light District and the Royal Palace Paleis op de Dam in the centre of Amsterdam, which rises up on the edge of the beautiful de Dam square. Amsterdam is also home to some of the best European museums, such as the Rijksmuseum with masterpieces from the Golden Age, the Van Gogh Museum in the Oud-Zuid district and the Anne Frank House in the popular Jordaan neighbourhood.

Events

From New Year's swimming to city festivals and cultural events - there's something going on in the Netherlands all year round.

January

• Nieuwjaarsduik: On 1 January, thousands of ice swimmers plunge into the icy North Sea on the beach in Scheveningen.
• International Film Festival Rotterdam: The largest film festival in the Netherlands presents alternative cinema, experimental films, animations and music videos at the end of January.

February - March

• Carnaval: Colourful street parades take place in the carnival strongholds of Maastricht, Bergen op Zoom and 's-Hertogenbosch on Rose Monday.

March - May

• Flower parade: floats decorated with hyacinths, tulips and daffodils parade from Noordwijk to Haarlem.
• Koninginnedag: On the bank holidays, the Dutch celebrate the birthday of the reigning monarch with flea markets, parades and concerts.

June

• Oerol Festival: Barns, beaches and streets form the backdrop for inspiring theatre performances on the island of Terschelling.
• Ronde van Texel: At the world's largest catamaran regatta, hundreds of double-hulled boats race around the Dutch island of the same name.

July

• At the Skûtsjesilen in Friesland, historic barges compete for the Silver Skûtsje.

August

• Gondelvaart: Illuminated gondolas sail along the canals in Giethoorn.
• Amsterdam Pride: Imaginatively costumed or revealingly dressed participants demonstrate for LGBTI rights on the canals in colourful boats.

September

• Wereldhavendage: Rotterdam celebrates the world's largest harbour with shows, spectacles and fireworks.