De Papiermolen

De Papiermolen is an outdoor swimming complex in Groningen featuring five separate pools arranged around a central island and connected by concrete arch bridges. The grounds include extensive sunbathing areas and a restored grandstand with mural artwork along its edges.

The complex was built in 1955 by architect Jacobus Koolhaas on the former site of an 18th-century paper mill. The naming choice deliberately references the industrial past that once defined this location.

The name refers to a historic paper mill that once occupied this site, connecting the location's past to its present role as a gathering place for swimmers and sun-seekers.

The pools operate from April through August, with heated water available throughout the season for comfortable swimming. The layout around the central island makes it easy to navigate between the different pools and sunbathing zones.

The site received national monument status and ranks among the top 100 protected structures in the Netherlands. This recognition reflects its architectural significance and its value as a well-designed example of 1950s public pool architecture.

Location: Groningen

Inception: 1955

Architects: Jacobus Koolhaas

Architectural style: reconstruction-period architecture

Part of: Top 100 of Dutch monuments 1940-1958

Address: Papiermolenlaan 3

GPS coordinates: 53.20333,6.56944

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:46