Indoor and Outdoor Swimming in Arnhem

Indoor and Outdoor Swimming in Arnhem

Indoor and Outdoor Swimming in Arnhem Foto: Marc Pluim

Summer is upon us!

After the diverse weather (let’s call it that) in April and May, let’s all hope that June, July, and August will be a steady 27 degrees with small showers of rain at night –because I wouldn’t want all the trees and plants to die!

I meet a lot of people from all over the world that come to Arnhem. Expats, tourists, and international students. They help me quite a bit by asking me things like “where can I swim in Arnhem?”. This makes for a great opportunity to write a blog about it!


Indoor Swimming in Arnhem

Best known in Arnhem is “De Grote Koppel” ( address: Olympus 29). The water is about 30 degrees and you will have access to a pool with artificial waves, a king-size slide, whirlpools, and underwater massage tables. You can see a price chart here. For one time recreational swimming you pay 4,30 euro for an adult and 1,25 euro for children under the age of four y/o. ask at the desk for other options or discounts. There are also other sports available at “De Grote Koppel” such as squish and climbing. During the winter time, you can even ski here! There is loads of free parking space, but also very well accessible by bus. From Arnhem CS, take bus, 2, 4, 7 or 331. It takes only about 10 minutes to get there. Get off the bus at bus stop “De Grote Koppel”. Ask the bus driver if he stops at this stop upon entry to be sure.

“Zwembad Valkenhuizen” is a lot smaller. Located in the north of Arnhem (Beukenlaan 23) you can find a long slide, diving board, and tanning beds. The prices are a little lower. An adult pays 3,90 euro. For children, the costs are the same, 1,25 euro. See the price chart here. At “Zwembad Valkenhuizen” there is also enough free parking space. It takes the bus (from Arnhem CS) about 25 to 30 minutes to get there. Take bus 7 or 8 and get off at the bus stop “Zwembad Valkenhuizen”. Ask the bus driver if he stops at this stop upon entry to be sure.

Here you can see when both the swimming pools are open and when there is aqua spinning, water boot camp, 50+ swimming, and “free” swimming.


Outdoor Swimming in Arnhem

When you don’t mind the cold water (well, it’s about 21 degrees), I suggest you go to “Openluchtzwembad Klarenbeek”. (Address: Hommelseweg 536). The pool is open from April 24th till September 2nd, Monday-Friday between 7 am and 7 pm, Saturday-Sunday between 9 am and 6 pm. One day card is 4,70 euro, ask at the desk if there is a discount possible, for example when you get multiple tickets at ones. Here also, there is free parking available, or you can take bus 3 –direction Burgers’ Zoo. Get off at stop “Dalweg”. Here, it is about a 400-meter walk, just follow the signs.

Another option is, that you can go for a swim just over John Frost Bridge. When you cross the bridge, take the stairs. There you will find a little artificial lake with quite clean water called “Stadsblokken”. This is not an official swimming pool tough. The water is not tested, and there are no lifeguards. Keep this in mind!

Note: It is not allowed to swim in the river Rhine near Arnhem Center! When you still decide to do so, be very careful!! There is a strong stream below and in the past, people did drown because of this!

There is a place near the Rhine where you can swim. It’s called “Rosandepolder”. The address is Rosandepolder, 6862 Oosterbeek. Here you can find two gravel pits, they are coves form the Rhine and perfect to take a splash in. Take a look here for an impression of the area and here for a nice trail through the beautiful area.

At the edge of Arnhem (it is actually Elst) you can find the “Rijkerswoerdse Plassen”. This recreational area is perfect to visit on a hot summer day. Take a swim, go fishing, surfing, diving or canoeing –it is all about 20 minutes bike or bus ride away from Arnhem Centre. The “Rijkerswoerdse Plassen” is open between 6 am and 22 pm. Dogs are not allowed.
This place is also perfect for when you want to go for a run on a not so hot summer day. We hope this information will help you cool down on a hot summer day :). Wherever you go, keep safe and don’t run in the pool area! ;).

Summer is upon us! After the diverse weather (let’s call it that) in April and May, let’s all hope that June, July, and August will be a steady 27 degrees with small showers of rain at night –because I wouldn’t want all the trees and plants to die.

ArnhemLife is also offering the following Tours: 

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