Surrounded by water, Dutch swimmers have plenty of places to cool off

AMSTERDAM (AP) — While Parisians have recently rediscovered the pleasure of swimming in the Seine, Amsterdammers have been enjoying a cooling dip in the Dutch capital's Ij waterway for years.

In a country dominated by waterways, canals, rivers and below-sea-level pastures, wild swimming is on the rise in the Netherlands as climate change increases temperatures and extends the summer season.

Amsterdam had just one official open-water swimming location in 2023. This summer, the city has 13 legal options for taking the plunge in a canal, pond or river, though residents frequently avail themselves of dozens of unofficial spots.

Tucked off of the Ij, a short walk from Amsterdam’s central train station, the Marineterrein, a former base used by the navy since the 1600s, is one of the newest official spots.

On a hot afternoon, the jetties and nearby parks are crammed with locals swimming, sunbathing and relaxing in the shade with a full-size replica of an 18th-century Dutch East India Company cargo ship moored nearby.

“I saw a video on Instagram showing some different places you can go swimming and this was nearby so I was like, ‘perfect, let’s go,’” Noortje Mol, who had just gotten out of the water, told The Associated Press.

In famously egalitarian Amsterdam, there are neither showers nor lifeguards and the area is free for everyone to use. The former base was only designated a legal swimming area earlier this year. Before that, locals risked a 170-euro ($200) fine.

The city tests water quality regularly and the results are published on a national website.

"People think it’s dirty, but it’s not dirty at all,” said Argentinian Mike von Hütter, as he sat on a towel on the jetty.

The early-morning crowd skews older and sportier than the afternoon revelers. A woman on a run stripped off her workout clothing and dove in, swimming a few laps before redressing and continuing her jog.

“Every morning is a light show,” said Myra de Rooy, 68, who started swimming at the naval base during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many Dutch swimming areas allow skinny dipping and some so-called “naked beaches” even require nudity. While bathing suits are supposed to be worn at the naval base, some among the morning crowd flout the rules.

There is a changing area but, de Rooy explained, in the morning no one uses it.

Despite the expansion of official swimming locations, many locals still jump into the nearest water when they want to cool off.

On the other side of the city, Hans, who declined to give his last name because he was swimming in an unofficial location, does his morning laps in a canal alongside passing boats.

“I swim every day, I’ve never had a problem,” he said.

People cool down by the water during hot weather in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

People swim near the Maritime Museum during hot weather in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

People swim to cool down during hot weather in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

People cool down in the water during hot weather near the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

A smoker swims near the Maritime Museum during hot weather in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 16, 2026--

White Castle, the innovator of The Original Slider ®, is kicking off 2026 with deals and offers designed for customers who want bold flavors, satisfying portions and meals that are easy on the budget.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260116062382/en/

Deals to start the new year on a delicious note include weekly White Castle Wednesday flash offers in January, 2 for $4 Crispy Chicken Slider offers, a super Crave Clutch offer for Super Bowl weekend in February and a discount offer to celebrate White Castle’s 105 th birthday in March.

“Value has always been part of White Castle’s DNA, and we’re bringing that mindset into 2026 with offers that reflect how people want to eat today,” said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “These offers reinforce what White Castle has always stood for — great taste, real value and food people can feel good about choosing.”

For more winter offers, customers can join Craver Nation Rewards, the free-to-join customer loyalty program that offers high-value perks, points and rewards to members.

Here are select offers and deals scheduled to run in January, February and March.

Special Offers (no coupons necessary)

Offers for Craver Nation Rewards Members (available through the White Castle app)

About White Castle ®

White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 334 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine (2014, The Original Slider ® ) and one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” by Fast Company (2021). White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work ® Certification™ for an extraordinary five consecutive years spanning 2021–2025. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.

Editor’s Note: Download images of popular White Castle menu itemshere.

White Castle's seasonal deals run January through March, with limited-time offers tied to key moments including Super Bowl weekend, Mardi Gras and White Castle’s 105th birthday.