Henschotermeer: the paradisiacal bounty beach in the Netherlands
Every summer the big question is: where are we going on those rare hot days? Because let's be honest, the beach isn't always everything. Traffic jams, often slightly worse weather at sea, or you're lying there with the rest of the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. But I might have a paradisiacal tip for you, because there might be a super beautiful lake that hasn't been discovered by all of the Netherlands yet.
The Henschotermeer: your secret summer paradise
Forget the crowded beach and discover the Henschotermeer, located in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. This is situated in the middle of a very beautiful forest area (of 2200 hectares) and is surrounded by various coniferous trees (such as pines, Douglas firs, larches, and oaks). The lake is right in the middle and is perfect for a day of swimming. The water is crystal clear and the surroundings with all those trees are truly beautiful. The estate is known for its drifting sand and heathlands, so even for other seasons, it's really a super fun tip to visit.
Why the Henschotermeer is the perfect summer destination
The Henschotermeer is not yet a mega busy holiday resort. So instead of masses of tourists, you can come here for a change of real peace. It all still feels like an undiscovered paradise in the middle of the Netherlands. The water is clear, no crowds, very good facilities (perfectly clean toilets), white sand, and those trees by the sand make it all so magical.
What does a day at Henschotermeer cost?
Fortunately, you pay a small fee to enter here. Because this keeps everything so perfectly maintained. You pay €3.60 per person and a day ticket for parking costs €8.50 (or €3 per hour). Do note: you can only buy a ticket online. You enter via a QR code. You also buy the parking tickets online. Check the site of Henschotermeer.nl for this .
Food and drinks at Henschotermeer
There are various options for something to eat and drink. You have Het Oude Strandhuis for coffee, ice cream, and pizza. The Pieperkraam for fresh fries, and De Oude Poffertjeskraam for the tastiest poffertjes (according to an artisanal recipe).
Opening hours
Every morning, seven days a week, they open at 08:30 and close an hour before sunset. This might be different in winter. I have never been there outside of summer, so check the site well if you want to go here outside the summer season. Read the opening hours here.
Getting married at the Henschotermeer
This is really the most fun. It's just that I'm already married, but otherwise... What a lovely location this is on the beautiful sandy beach, with a nice idyllic little island, in the middle of nature and a romantic wooden bridge. If I have piqued your interest: check the options here.
All of this makes it the ideal destination for a perfect day out, right? From Amsterdam, you're there in three quarters of an hour. From Utrecht in half an hour.
