Groningen has lots of nice swimming spots to cool off in during warm weather, however, it might be smart to avoid the ones currently slapped with health warnings.
Water quality site Zwemwater currently displays health warnings for Groningen’s Hoornseplas and Paterswoldsemeer.
The popular Hoornseplas has a warning against swimming due to swimmers’ itch, which can cause severe skin irritations. There is also a high risk of blue-green algae also known as cyanobacteria. At the equally popular Paterswoldsemeer, there’s also a swimming warning due to the blue-green algae, which can cause skin irritation and stomach- and intestine issues. If you want to swim, it’s safer to opt for the beaches at Kardinge or Groningen’s city beach. Alternatively, you can try Engelbert, Grunostrand in Harkstede, and Ruskeveen.
