Access to nature reserves, parks and beaches restricted as NL bakes in spring sunshine

Photo: D Nicholls-Lee

Parks, nature reserves, beaches and woods are being closed of all over the country to stop large crowds turning up during this weekend’s spring weather.

On Saturday the temperature is forecast to hit 15 degrees, but on Sunday summer temperatures of 19 degrees and higher are likely, weather forecasters say.

In some places in the countryside, access is being restricted by closing off car parks. In others, officials are keeping a close watch on how many people make use of parks and beaches, so social distance rules can be kept.

In Amsterdam park side entrances have been locked so officials can let a limited number of people in, and the city has also closed off it canals to pleasure boat users.

‘Everyone is concerned about the weekend, but we will take action,’ the city’s mayor Femke Halsema told the Parool. ‘People who do not keep the required 1.5 metres distance will be fined.’

People are also being urged to not to take public transport.

Ferry services to the Wadden Islands are not being halted but officials will keep a close eye on the car parks and on the boats themselves to make sure they do not get too full, broadcaster NOS reported.

Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation