Dutch summer tourism: local water event in Benschop and Wadden island beaches draw heat‑wave visitors

More Dutch people are staying in the Netherlands for holidays as extreme heat and travel costs rise, according to CBS data. In Benschop, the local fire brigade organizes an annual “water fun” hour on a large artificial grass field, where participants—including youth fire‑brigade members—practice aiming water streams at targets while keeping cool on hot July days.

Meanwhile, travel guides highlight the Wadden Islands as preferred coastal escapes during heatwaves. The islands offer a variety of seaside spots: Groene Strand on Terschelling for sunset views, the expansive Vliehors sand plain on Vlieland, the activity‑laden beach on Schiermonnikoog for water sports, Texel’s popular beach poles near Ecomare, and the 42‑km cycling route along Ameland’s beaches. These locations provide cooler sea breezes and recreational options for domestic tourists seeking relief from high temperatures.