Pack your picnic basket, coolbox and barbecue and head to the lakes on a sunny day!
Since Utrecht is located in the heart of the Netherlands, it takes a lot longer to get to the beach than if you would be staying in Amsterdam. That’s why the Maarsseveense Lakes are the perfect spot to hang out in summer. Pack your picnic basket, coolbox and barbecue and head to the lakes on a sunny day!
On days where it is really busy, there are several food trucks open. Next to the entrance is a pancake restaurant, a snackbar and a terrace. The Maarsseveense Lakes are surrounded by forest, have a beach and is perfect for kids as well, as there is a play island. The play island is easy to recognise: it is in the shape of a puzzle, is located in the middle of the lake, and there are two water slides, a water maze and much more.
Even though this is in Maarssen, most Utrecht locals come here during the summer for a city escape. This is where you'll see university students going for a lake dip, swimming around, and exploring the forest grounds nearby. It's truly a mixture of all ages.
Tips and Tricks
- If you want to go to the part where the play island is, there is an entrance fee (this part is called the Strandbad). However, you can get to other parks of the lake for free.
Getting there
- By bike: from Utrecht Central Station it is a 30 minute bike ride.
- By bus: from Utrecht Central Station, take bus 3 to Sint Maartendreef. From here, take bus 913 to Maarsseveense Plassen.
- By car: depending on the traffic it can take between 18 and 30 minutes. There is free parking available.
- Strandbad: open everyday from 9:00 to 18:00.
- Rest of the lake: open 24/7.
- Strandbad: 23 April to 11 September
- The rest of the lake: all seasons
- Strandbad: €5,50
- €3,50 for kids from 2 to 11
- Free for kids up to 2 years old