New Year’s Dive in the Netherlands: Best Places & Tips for International Students

1. Quick Summary Box (“If you’re in a hurry”)

What this guide covers
Where to do the New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) in the Netherlands, how it works, and what to expect.

Who it’s for
International students and starters who want to experience a classic Dutch tradition on January 1st.

The key takeaway
You don’t need to be Dutch (or brave like a polar bear) to join. With the right prep, the New Year’s Dive is safe, social, and surprisingly fun.

2. What students usually struggle with

For many international students, the New Year’s Dive sounds equal parts exciting and terrifying. Common questions we hear in the Brave Ones community include:

• Is it safe to swim in the sea in January?

• Do I need to sign up in advance?

• What if I can’t swim well?

• Is this a serious sports event or more of a social thing?

The good news: most New Year’s Dives in the Netherlands are well-organised, short, and focused on participation, not performance.

3. What is the New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik)?

The Nieuwjaarsduik is a Dutch tradition where thousands of people run into cold water on January 1st, usually at the beach or a lake.

• The most famous one is at Scheveningen, with over 10,000 participants.

• Many cities organise smaller local dives.

• Most people stay in the water for less than 30 seconds.

• Hot pea soup (erwtensoep) or hot chocolate is often served afterwards.

4. Best places to do the New Year’s Dive in the Netherlands

Scheveningen (The Hague)

• The largest and most iconic New Year’s Dive

• Official organisation, safety staff, and changing tents

• Easily reachable by tram from The Hague and nearby cities
  Best if you want the full Dutch experience

   

Zandvoort aan Zee

• Popular with students living in Amsterdam and Haarlem

• Lively beach atmosphere

• Often combined with beach clubs opening early
  Best if you want a fun crowd without the Scheveningen scale

Bloemendaal aan Zee

• Slightly calmer than Zandvoort

• Popular with locals and student groups

• Wide beach, easy access from Haarlem
  Best if you prefer a relaxed vibe

Lakes and local dives (city-based)

Many cities organise their own dives in:

• Recreational lakes

• City beaches

• Designated swimming areas

Examples include Utrecht region, Groningen, Nijmegen area, and student towns. These are often organised by sports clubs or municipalities.

Best if you want something close to home with fewer crowds.

5. Step-by-step: how to prepare for the New Year’s Dive

1. Check if registration is required
   Big events like Scheveningen often require online sign-up.

2. Wear something easy to remove
   Most people wear an old sweater or bathrobe over swimwear.

3. Bring flip-flops or water shoes
   Cold sand hurts more than the water.

4. Stay in briefly
   Walk in, splash, maybe dip your shoulders, then get out.

5. Dry off and dress quickly
   Warm clothes make all the difference.

6. What to bring with you

• Swimsuit or swim shorts

• Towel

• Warm clothes (thick socks, hoodie, coat)

• Flip-flops or water shoes

• Small bag you can keep close or leave with friends

Optional but helpful:

• Thermos with tea

• Wool hat for afterwards

7. Important details international students should know

• You do not have to swim. Walking in knee- or waist-deep counts.

• Alcohol beforehand is discouraged and sometimes explicitly banned.

• Medical conditions (heart problems, circulation issues) are a reason to skip.

• The water temperature is usually 4–8°C.

• Safety staff and lifeguards are present at official events.

8. Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Staying in too long
  → 10–30 seconds is more than enough.

• Forgetting dry clothes
  → You will regret this immediately.

• Going alone
  → Go with friends or classmates so someone can watch your stuff.

• Thinking you need to be “tough”
  → Everyone screams. That’s normal.

9. Is the New Year’s Dive worth it?

If you want to:

• Experience a real Dutch tradition

• Start the year with a story you’ll never forget

• Do something social without spending money

Then yes, absolutely.

Many international students tell us the New Year’s Dive became one of their most memorable moments in the Netherlands — even if they swore never to do it again.