Key facts
| Country | Netherlands (Amsterdam, North Holland) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), about 15–20 minutes by train to the centre |
| Best time | May to September for beaches and the Zonneweide |
| Type | City with an official naturist meadow, a nearby nude beach and sauna culture |
| Adults only | No — naturist spots are public |
| Clothing | Nude at signposted naturist areas ("naaktstrand"); dress elsewhere |
| Best months | May–September |
Amsterdam is known worldwide for tolerance, and the Netherlands has a long, well-organised naturist culture. For visitors, the city's naturist life has three pillars: the signposted nude beach at Zandvoort on the North Sea coast, the official naturist meadow in the Amsterdamse Bos forest park, and the Dutch sauna culture, in which mixed, nude saunas are the norm.
This page deliberately does not cover the city's commercial-sex district. Commercial sex is a separate industry, not part of the swinger or naturist lifestyle, and SwingersPlayLive does not list or promote it.
Zandvoort nude beach
Zandvoort is Amsterdam's nearest seaside resort. Its naturist beach lies south of the town, between beach posts 68 and 71, and is clearly signposted as a "naaktstrand". From the southern end of the promenade it is about a ten-minute walk across the textile beach. Beach pavilions line this stretch; according to the local tourism site you may only enter pavilions and their terraces clothed.
Direct trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Zandvoort aan Zee in around half an hour, and the station is a short walk from the beach. On hot weekends trains and the beach are very busy, so go early.
Zonneweide in the Amsterdamse Bos
The Amsterdamse Bos is a large forest park on the southern edge of the city, in Amstelveen. Its Zonneweide ("sun meadow") is one of the few urban park areas in the Netherlands where nude recreation is officially permitted, from 1 April to 30 September. It is a sheltered grassy clearing surrounded by trees, reachable by bike or on foot, and signposted. The official park site describes it; check it for any temporary closures or restrictions.
Sauna culture
In Dutch public saunas and wellness centres, sauna areas are typically mixed and nude; swimwear is often not allowed in the sauna itself. It is a normal, non-sexual part of Dutch life, so it is a gentle introduction to social nudity for visitors. Bring or rent a large towel and always sit or lie on it.
Who it suits
- Naturists who want to combine a city break with beach days and saunas.
- Couples curious about social nudity in a relaxed, non-sexual setting.
- Lifestyle couples looking for a naturist-friendly city break, as long as they respect the strictly non-sexual culture of Dutch naturism.
Best time to go
May to September is the season for Zandvoort and the Zonneweide. The North Sea is cool even in summer, and the weather changes quickly, so check the forecast. Saunas are pleasant all year, particularly in winter.
Getting there
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is connected to Amsterdam Centraal by frequent trains in roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Within the city, trams, bikes and walking are the easiest ways around. The Amsterdamse Bos is reached by bus or bike.
Legal notes
Dutch law permits nude recreation in places designated by the local authority and tolerates it in other suitable, out-of-the-way spots. Look for signs reading "naaktstrand" or "naturistenstrand". Public sexual behaviour is illegal. Nudity in the city streets is not permitted.
Etiquette
- Stay in the signposted zone at Zandvoort and dress for the pavilions.
- No photographs of other people at the beach, in the park or in saunas.
- Towels always, especially in saunas.
- Respect bikes: in Amsterdam, cycle lanes belong to cyclists.
Safety
North Sea currents can be strong; swim near lifeguard posts and heed the flags. Keep valuables safe at busy beaches and stations. At saunas, drink water and limit alcohol.
Nearby
Compare with Berlin's FKK lakes and sex-positive clubs in our Berlin guide, or with Paris. Browse members in the Netherlands and naturist places in the Netherlands.