Dutch open water swim event
Rondje Pampus is a unique open water swimming event organized annually to draw attention to the vulnerable nature in the Dutch IJsselmeer region. Swimming in open water around Fort Island Pampus is spectacular for both recreational and competitive swimmers. A sporting challenge while enjoying the vastness around you, of wind, waves and water. Because nature is experienced in open water!
Every year the participants of Rondje Pampus swim for a nature cause under the motto: Experience nature in open water! Last year participants swam for the creation by It Fryske Gea of native vegetation around the Vismigration River. This year part of the registration fee of Rondje Pampus will go to a very special good cause: the further development of the Koopmanspolder!
The origins of Rondje Pampus date back to early 2011, when a group of enthusiastic open water swimmers and nature lovers decided to combine their passions into one open water swimming event. Inspired by the rich history of Fort Island Pampus and the natural beauty of the IJsselmeer region, they wanted to create a unique swimming experience that not only offered a physical challenge, but also called attention to the fragile ecosystems in and around the water.
Over the years, Rondje Pampus has grown into a well-known swimming event that attracts participants from all over the Netherlands and even beyond. The event emphasizes the importance of nature conservation and sustainability, while celebrating the area’s unique cultural-historical value.
SWIM FOR KOOPMANSPOLDER
This year part of the registration fee of Rondje Pampus will go to a very special good cause: the further development of the Koopmanspolder! Just outside the West Frisian village of Andijk lies the Koopmanspolder, a 16-hectare area where nature, water management and cultural heritage meet. In 2012, this polder was redesigned based on an artistic design by Ben Raaijman. Seen from the air, the shape resembles a swirling whirlpool, which not only creates a landscape image, but also serves as an experimental testing ground for future water management. This concept is attracting interest.
Starting in 2014, the province of North Holland, the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board and the Department of Public Works started a collaborative project here. Under varying water levels, in cooperation with Wageningen University, they investigated how water level management could contribute to water safety, water quality, fish stocks and nature development. Thanks to these tests, the parties involved learned which measures are needed to better arm the Netherlands against climate change. The insights gained also promote an integrated approach to water management in similar areas.
Besides this functional side, the Koopmanspolder also retains its charm. The design puts the cultural history of the region in the spotlight, while visitors enjoy the water landscape while walking or cycling. It creates a dynamic area in development. This combination of experiment and heritage makes the polder a popular destination for nature lovers, researchers and recreationists. Here, landscape, innovation and tradition merge into one living environment.
REGISTRATION participants
As every year, Rondje Pampus makes part of the entry fee available for a special nature cause. In 2023, this allowed participants to support the creation of native vegetation around the fish migration pier. This year, part of the proceeds will go to the further development of the Koopmanspolder, a unique water and nature project. With this contribution, Rondje Pampus supports the preservation of biodiversity and responsibly promotes nature development in the IJsselmeer region.
During the 2024 edition, over four hundred participants swam one, two or three laps around Fort Island Pampus. With their amazing athletic performance, they supported It Fryske Gea in the creation of native vegetation around the Vismigration Pier. This again emphasizes how open water swimming and nature protection can go hand in hand and how Rondje Pampus makes a meaningful contribution to the development of the vulnerable nature in the IJsselmeer area.
Registrations for the 14th edition of Rondje Pampus are now open. You can easily register by clicking below and visit our webshop. The Rondje Pampus entry tickets 2025 are exclusively available in our webshop. Open water swimmers who are members of a KNZB or NTB affiliated club and want to participate in the KNZB open water race, register here on our website. This way everyone is at the start of an unforgettable swimming adventure in the IJsselmeer.
If you want to stay informed about the latest news on Rondje Pampus, follow us on social media. More information about the terms and regulations can be found here (in Dutch). If you have a question about the Rondje Pampus swimming event, please use the contact form on our website.
This year the Rondje Pampus open water swimming event is made possible by the following partners and cooperating organizations of Stichting Rondje Pampus:
Rondje Pampus Challenge
Can’t participate in Rondje Pampus, but still want to take up the challenge? Then sign up for the virtual Rondje Pampus Challenge for free and swim along at your own pace! During the event weekend you will swim 900, 1800 or 2700 meters, in open water or in the pool. Your participation will also help draw attention to the vulnerable nature in the IJsselmeer region.
For a chance to win one of the ten starting tickets for the next edition of Rondje Pampus, register your swimming activity with a sports watch or smartphone app. Then share the distance and time traveled in our Strava group so we can track your performance. This shows that you are actively participating and also supports the effort to use our waters responsibly for recreation.
Participation is free and requires little effort. Visit the Rondje Pampus Strava Club page, click ‘Join Club’ or ‘Become a Member’ and you’re registered. During the Rondje Pampus weekend, swim your chosen distance and upload your results. This way you participate at your own time, while also working towards a healthy, sustainable swimming future. Experience the Rondje Pampus feeling, even if you can’t be there!
fortisland pampus
Rondje Pampus takes place on and around the extraordinary Fort Island Pampus. This artificial island, officially Fort aan het Pampus, is located in the IJmeer and belongs to the municipality of Gooise Meren. The island, built in 1887, was part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and its task was to defend the channel Pampus against incursions from the Zuiderzee.
Sunk into the island is the large Fort on Pampus, built to guard access to Amsterdam via the IJ. Although now an abandoned ruin, the structure rests on 4,000 piles eleven meters long. It consists of a mix of concrete and brick and has an oval shape. The main building has two floors and still bears witness to its military past.
The name Pampus has been a symbol of a rich history for centuries. In the seventeenth century, ships were literally “off Pampus” here, due to shallows that blocked the shipping lane. In the nineteenth century, the island became a proud part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. Today, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes visitors who want to discover the extraordinary legacy of maritime traditions, military architecture and cultural heritage. So you can experience for yourself how history, water and culture come together here in a special way.
contact
Do you have a question after visiting our website? We are happy to receive an e-mail. Fill out the form below, click Send and we’ll get back to you. If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments around Rondje Pampus, follow us on social media.
RONDJE PAMPUS FOUNDATION
Weesperzijde 142
1091ET Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Chamber of Commerce regnr: 85285528
Partners and collaborating organizations of the Rondje Pampus Foundation: