Gaasperplas, Artificial lake and recreation area in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, Netherlands.
Gaasperplas is an artificial lake in Amsterdam-Southeast, surrounded by woodland, sand dunes, and rose gardens. Pathways run along the shoreline and through the adjacent parkland, making the area easy to explore on foot.
The lake was formed in the 1970s as a result of sand excavation during the construction of the Bijlmer neighborhood. In 1982, it hosted the Floriade, an international horticultural exhibition that left a lasting mark on the site.
The northern part of the lake has been designated as a naturist area since 2005, a common practice in Dutch public parks. The southern beach is open to everyone and draws families and local groups on warm days.
The water is open for non-motorized activities such as sailing, rowing, windsurfing, and fishing, with boat rentals available on site. Several entry points around the shoreline let visitors reach different parts of the area depending on their interests.
Gaasperplas reaches depths of up to 35 meters (115 ft), making it one of the deepest lakes in the region. Because it is completely separated from Amsterdam's canal network, the water stays remarkably clean, which also benefits diving.
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