New Year's Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) 2027: where to watch or join in
On Friday 1 January 2027 thousands run into the North Sea at Scheveningen and Zandvoort in the Netherlands. Ostend in Belgium holds its dive a day later, on Saturday 2 January. This page gives only what each official page says, and what it does not.
Also in: Nederlands · Last checked 27 Oct 2026.
Scheveningen (The Hague) — Friday 1 January 2027
- Time Registration from 10:30; collective warm-up with music around 11:45; the dive starts at 12:00
- Where Scheveningen beach, start at the height of Beelden aan Zee
- Cost 4 euros, paid at registration on the spot; advance booking is not possible
- Included A Unox hat; hot pea soup afterwards
- Be on time. The page says to be on time if you want to join in, because you need time to change.
- Getting there: because of the crowds, public transport or bicycle is recommended; Scheveningen is about 15 to 20 minutes from both NS stations. Park + Beach parking can be reserved from 5 euros.
- Valuables: lockers can be rented at APCOA Parking Nieuwe Parklaan, within walking distance of the beach.
- Sea: the page gives an average of around 5 degrees on New Year's Day.
Zandvoort — Friday 1 January 2027
- Time 12:00 to 15:00; music on stage from 12:00, warm-up at 13:45, everyone runs in at 14:00
- Where Zandvoort beach, about 5 minutes on foot from the station
- Cost Registration is free, online beforehand or on the day
- Included A small gift after registering; hot pea soup afterwards
- No showers or changing facilities. Wear swimwear underneath and bring a thick towel, bathrobe or tracksuit trousers.
- Watching is fine: the page says cheering on or just looking is also welcome.
- Trains and buses run a New Year's Day timetable, so check it before you leave.
- The Visit Zandvoort page and the I amsterdam listing give different street addresses for the site, so we do not state one. Check the organiser's page.
Ostend (Belgium) — Saturday 2 January 2027
- Date Saturday 2 January 2027, a day later than the Dutch dives
- Time Registration and wristbands from 12:00; warm-up at 14:40; start of the dive at 15:00, and arriving after 15:00 counts as too late
- Cost Advance sale up to and including 1 Jan: 10 euros. On the day: 12 euros, online until 14:30 or at the door 12:00 to 14:30 (card only: Bancontact or Payconiq)
- Extras Changing in tents on the beach; lockers 5 euros; participants are insured; three sea wheelchairs (request in advance)
- Spectators: only ticket holders may enter the participants' and party zone, so watching happens from outside it.
- Getting there: Coast tram stop Koninginnelaan, or bicycle parking opposite the former municipal pool.
- Dogs are not allowed in the participants' zone.
Safety basics
- Go in with a group, or at least with people who will notice if you struggle. Cold water can take your breath at first.
- Do not stay long. Ostend's organisers advise against staying in the sea for long.
- Warm up first and keep warm clothes on until the start; put shoes on, as Ostend's guidance says.
- Dry off and dress straight away afterwards. Zandvoort has no showers, so bring a big towel.
- Skip alcohol before the dive. Ostend lists this among its ten rules, drawn up with an emergency doctor.
- This is general advice, not a guarantee. If you have a heart or health condition, ask a doctor first.
What is not published or not covered
The pages we checked do not say what happens if the weather is bad, so check each organiser's page just before you go. Other towns also hold dives, but we list only places where an official page confirms the 2027 date and time. The Unox site for Scheveningen could not be read by our bot, so the facts above come from the city's own tourism site.
How to go alone
- Join or watch. Both are normal. Zandvoort says watching is just as welcome.
- Arrive early. Registration opens 10:30 in Scheveningen and 12:00 in Ostend, and you need time to change.
- Agree a named meeting point and a place to leave your bag, not just "near the beach". The Meet & Mint app shows events and people near you on one map, with a chat for each event.
- Plan the warm-up. Know where your soup, towel and dry clothes are before you run.
Questions
When is the Nieuwjaarsduik 2027?
Friday 1 January 2027 in Scheveningen (dive at 12:00) and Zandvoort (dive at 14:00). Ostend in Belgium is on Saturday 2 January 2027 at 15:00.
Do I need to register or pay?
Scheveningen: 4 euros, paid on the spot, no advance booking. Zandvoort: free, online or on the day. Ostend: 10 euros in advance or 12 euros on the day.
Can I just watch?
Yes in Scheveningen and Zandvoort. In Ostend only ticket holders may enter the party zone.
Is it safe?
Cold water is risky. Go with a group, do not stay long, avoid alcohol beforehand and dress warmly straight after. This is general advice, not a guarantee.