Fancy a "Naked Couple" towel from helen b?
We have five to give away!
Behind the heather walls
On a sunny day, I was handed a piece of paper at Athena Ossendrecht. It wasn't a bill or a shopping list, but something much more fragile: a yellowed newspaper clipping... (read here)
The donor was a man about my age. As a child, he had spent many summers on the grounds. He found the clipping while cleaning out his parents' house. His father, an Athena member avant la lettre, had recently passed away. He had camped at Ossendrecht for years with his family and caravan.
“My father always kept this. It was lying there among papers, photos, and old bills." A full page from the newspaper De Stem from Saturday, July 6, 1968, with the headline in large letters: "NUDISTS in Ossendrecht." Above it, in small, more poetic letters: "It takes no more courage than for the first waltz on the big dance floor."
The awkward journalist
The journalist opens ironically: "Ossendrecht—they call themselves naturists." You immediately sense where he's coming from: curiosity in one hand, discomfort in the other. The article reads like a curious cocktail of reportage, anthropological fieldwork, and a desperate attempt to act normal.
Here and there are small boxes and subheadings that today seem more touching than shocking:
- Ideology: "The naked body is the symbol of purity."
- Camp manager: "We strictly adhere to the rules."
- Mayor: "We continue to find it abnormal."
- Athena: "Outing for the air force and army."
Henriëtte, 24, shows the journalist around the site. You can sense that he is struggling to comprehend it all: he observes, judges, admires, partially understands, and is simultaneously impressed. He is in a journalistic quandary.
What is this place? A well-organized site with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and volunteers who know each other by name. He seems to frown subtly. You can sense the spirit of the times, the taboo, the confusion of someone who finds themselves behind a mysterious wall. In a place where the strangest rumors circulated: left-wing revolutionary groups, sectarian rituals, and even Nazi reunions. In 1968, people were particularly flexible with their nightmares... In that climate, a naturist site must have been pure science fiction.
In 1968, Athena Ossendrecht was already a phenomenon.
The journalist estimates that there were around 2,000 people on the site. He is impressed by what he calls 'the camp': built by naturists, with their own resources and incredible dedication. Pioneering work by Lambrechts and countless enthusiasts. At the time, Athena was larger than all the naturist associations in the Netherlands and Belgium combined. The journalist's disbelief gradually gives way to respect.
He learns that the nearby military base attracts a steady stream of curious recruits. They are invariably intercepted by the military police in the no man's land between two fences. You can just picture it: binoculars, helmets on, nervous laughter. "You go take a closer look... I don't dare."
Against the all-pervasive taboo
What is particularly striking is how pervasive the taboo still was at that time. Athena Ossendrecht existed for almost fifteen years without a camping permit. Not because the site was not up to standard, but because the Provincial Executive felt that 'nudist camping is contrary to the philosophical beliefs of the vast majority and the moral standards that apply locally'.
In other words: people didn't know what to make of it, so it was blocked.
Only after years of insistence, argumentation, pleading, and undoubtedly a considerable amount of diplomacy did permission finally come. The time had come. So had the minds.
Perhaps the funniest part of the article is this: the journalist predicted that naturism had no future in the Netherlands. Oh well. People also predicted that cassette tapes would last forever.
2025, almost sixty years later
Today, the swimming pool still lies behind the same trees. The sun still shines down on young and mature skin, pale or tanned, firm and soft.
And I feel enormously grateful for the clipping I received. It is a historical document that takes us back to the early years of Athena—to what the site looked like, how it was experienced, and how the outside world looked at it with wide eyes.
So beautiful that it was preserved. Someone thought it was worth keeping. That someone was the father of the man who gave me the clipping. An Athena member, camper, pioneer without calling himself that. His son found it and brought it to the place it refers to. Ossendrecht.
I hope to bump into that kind man again here on the grounds, so that I can thank him properly, ask his name, and reminisce about some cherished memories with him. Until then, he will remain the man who did something small—passing on a found clipping—that has led to a great story being cherished.
The demolition of the wall
I also feel grateful for the quiet interplay of time, memory, and human courage that is necessary for a place like Athena to exist. For the people who swam against the tide in 1968. For the journalist who—hesitantly but bravely—put the history of Ossendrecht down on paper.
And for everyone who, consciously or unconsciously, has since broken down a piece of that wall of prejudice. For every volunteer who ever contributed, for every visitor who overcame their hesitation at the gate, for every camper who thought: let me just be myself here.
It is thanks to all those people—visible and invisible—that Athena still breathes freedom today.
Read the full article from 1968 here
Autumn on Athena - a season to cherish
The days are getting shorter and shorter, the evenings cozier and nature is putting on its exuberant autumn outfit. The ideal season to slow down, to enjoy the autumn sun, the warmth of the sauna and the smell of pine needles.
The summer of 2025 is still fresh in our minds. It was a vibrant season with an early start, lots of sunshine and 25% more visitors than last year! The cozy atmosphere and many fun meetings are only possible because of the efforts of our administrators and volunteers. We also faced some tough technical challenges and sincerely thank all the helping hands. In this edition we look back briefly, but most of all we look ahead to what can be experienced this fall and winter.
Athena Ossendrecht is all about wellness. From sauna sessions and steam bath rituals to complete wellness weekends: everything to pamper your body and mind and go into winter with new energy. For horse lovers, we explain the possibilities of exploring the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide - a unique experience! We also put the spotlight on our volunteer Frans, the ever smiling bartender.
In addition, we share our plans for Athena Le Perron. After a successful summer, with the new playground as an attraction for our youngest guests, we look to the future of this beautiful domain. We give you an insight into the ideas and improvements that are planned to make Le Perron even more attractive for families, rest seekers and lovers of the Ardennes.
On the travel pages, we take you to the south of France. A beautiful road trip past eco-camping Les Étangs de Saint Pancras and the heartwarming Val Drôme Soleil, to arrive at lively Bélézy at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
Also in this issue is Naked Wanderings' column, always a moment of recognition and inspiration. Fela created another great illustration. You'll get tips for going winter camping, the new trend. And we give our critical but hopeful opinion on Libranoo.
Enjoy reading and hopefully see you soon at Athena - for a weekend in nature, an evening of wellness or just a warm reunion. Thank you for your membership, together we make a beautiful community.
Stefan & Thomas
As an Athena member you receive quarterly our beautiful magazine about naturism, our parks, lifestyle and travel.
Frans behind the bar
We may not say it often enough, but Athena would never be the same without the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. They are the beating heart of the association: people who provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere and make our campsites feel like a little paradise.
This time we put Frans in the spotlight. With his open heart and warm smile, he has been behind the bar at Athena Ossendrecht for years. Not just as a bartender, but as someone who makes meetings possible, connects people and creates a familiar place for everyone who steps inside.
Frans is 62 and lives in Eeklo. I meet him on a Thursday afternoon in his "new" caravan at Athena Ossendrecht. "I go home for two days every week to keep up with my paperwork and to see how my stepson is doing," he says. "The rest of the week I'm at Athena." Frans used to work as a truck driver. After an accident, he developed back problems and could no longer do heavy work. That's how he ended up at home more than 20 years ago.
His path to Athena was almost accidental. "I've been a member since 2015, but first went to another campground. That one got too expensive. Then I saw a little caravan for sale on Facebook. I went looking and bought it, which is how I ended up here." Last year, he took over a larger caravan. "The previous one was small, now I'm actually sitting luxuriously, lol!"
In the beginning, Frans came mostly during the week, going home on weekends. "It's actually because of Wendy that I'm here on the weekends now too," he laughs. "She said, 'wouldn't you be better off coming on the weekends and staying home the other days?' I said yes, okay, and that's how I stayed here more often. Only afterwards did I understand why ... to do the bar of course."
Frans always had fun behind the bar. "I used to have a bar in Sleidinge, and also took courses specifically for that. When they were looking for volunteers here at Athena, I volunteered. I wanted to be busy, and it seemed fun to get to know lots of people. Otherwise you sit there all day at your caravan.
Frans is now on call about 10 to 15 hours a week. "Before, sometimes in blocks of five to six hours. That was sometimes tough. Now more volunteers have joined and it's a little lighter. Soon I will also be working 18 to 21 hours behind the bar."
Volunteering goes more smoothly than in the past. "Back then you had to fill out a piece of paper and hope that this or that person would show up. Now everything goes through the app: you see who is doing the bar before and after you. That's convenient."
Frans also enjoys training new volunteers. "Wendy already says, 'Frans will train you.' I like doing that and people like it too, I think, because they come back." He likes it when it's a little busy, but not too busy. "Time goes much faster then, too. If there's nothing to do, it takes a long time. Then I'd rather be busy. And if it gets too much, someone jumps in anyway."
Behind the bar, there is always room for a joke. "I do that with almost everyone, it makes it fun. You shouldn't overdo it of course, but when they say fill them up again, and then fill the glass with water, things like that ... People do appreciate that."
Thank you, Frans, for your years of dedication and your warm smile - without you, Athena would not be the same!
Volunteers like Frans make Athena what it is
Our campsites are places of warmth, conviviality and connection. Thanks to the enthusiasm, commitment and care of the volunteers, everyone feels welcome. Have you thought about volunteering yourself? Then let Frans inspire you. Behind the bar or anywhere else on the campsite: there is always room for someone who wants to give a little of their time and heart.
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After a short hiatus, our app is available again thanks to an update in the Google Play Store. During this update, our Google Play Store account underwent a thorough verification, but that is now a thing of the past. From now on, you can download the app again from the Google Play Store. For Apple users, of course, our app has been available in the App Store the whole time.
Why download the Athena app?
Practical info at a glance:
- Arrival and reception: Receive all the information immediately upon arrival, such as the access code, the do's and don'ts and the opening hours of the reception and bar.
- Facilities and surroundings: Check out the opening hours of the spa, pool, reception, cafeteria and more. You'll also find helpful tips on where to eat, drink, and even where the nearest bakeries and supermarkets are.
- Emergency numbers and health information: Always ready, with details of family doctors, hospitals and pharmacies nearby.
Nearby and activities:
- Explore the area: Click on the bike icon and find out what's going on nearby. Whether you feel like hiking, biking or mountain biking, you'll find it all in the immediate vicinity of the campground.
- Activities in the Park: With one click on the activities button, you can immediately see what events and activities are planned in the Athena Park where you are.
Additional benefits for Athena members
Log in to the app and enjoy all the extra features:
- Digital membership card: show your digital membership card, always at hand.
- Manage Athena card: Charge your card, view your balance and access your accounts.
- Personal data and reservations: Check and update your personal information, view your reservations and pay for them directly through the app.
- Volunteer functionality: Are you part of a volunteer team, for example for the bar? See via the app when someone is still needed for bar duty and sign up immediately.
Have you already downloaded the app? Then request your login information easily at leden@naturisme-athena.org or use the "forgot password" option. Enter the email address used by Athena and create a new password.
Wondering about it? Download the Athena app today via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
We hope you are as excited as we are and wish you much fun with the Athena app!
Download the app:
What a fantastic year that was! We are incredibly proud of our Athena community and enormously grateful for your loyal support. Together with you, we are now looking forward to 2025. Your involvement helps us to further build on our sustainable vision in which nature, experience and the warm and family character of our parks are central. Here's to 365 days full of opportunities, encounters and beautiful moments!
We also like to keep spoiling you with interesting benefits: 10% discount on stays and vacation bookings, discounted daily rate and so on. But being a member of Athena is so much more than that. It means being part of a naturist community and a lifestyle that revolves around respect, simplicity and love of nature. Values that are more important today than ever.
We wish you a warm winter and a sparkling 2025! See you soon at our parks, at one of the fun activities. Maybe as early as January 1 at our second New Year's dive?
Naturist New Year's greetings,
The Athena Team
2 Tips to start the year off right
Attractive new Athena goodies
Stylish and conscious
Last summer we successfully launched our cheerful, practical and eco-friendly new collection. The result of an inspiring collaboration with Studio Basil - which also provides the layout of our magazines - and Merchery, a supplier that values sustainability.
As an association that respects people and nature, we wished to partner with a merchandising partner that shares the same values.
Merchery believes in quality, transparency and products that are both aesthetically and environmentally conscious. The company uses only responsible raw materials: 100% organic cotton, recycled steel and aluminum, and alternatives to harmful plastics: recovered and biodegradable plastics. Their selection of premium brands meets rigorous standards; the products are designed to last.
The new goodies will not only make you look cool, you will also contribute to a better future for our planet.
A beautiful way to show your connection to Athena and to nature. And maybe already a surprising gift idea for the holidays?
T-shirts, bathrobes, totebags, beach bags, drink bottles, towels, ...
LINK: CURIOUS ABOUT OUR GOODIES
Come to the demo days and discover your Klapkot
Op:
- Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, you can come discover Klapkot at Athena Le Perron.
- Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24, you can come discover Klapkot at Athena Helios.
Friday morning the Klapkot will be unfolded to be unfolded again Saturday around 4 pm.
In the meantime, you can feel, smell, view, discover Klapkot, and you can ask all your questions directly to Klapkot's designers and builders.
It is helpful that you notify us by email before you attend at info@naturisme-athena.org (click here).
See you then!
Klapkot from Breda, genius in its simplicity (link)
Klapkot is the young venture of a creative Breda couple. Their ingenious design provides lots of extra living space. Moreover, it is built on a trailer and thus stands on wheelsand.
Year-round comfortable camping is the goal, under the motto 'Push your limits. Unfold them!
The ideal place to stay for those who want just a little more luxury and comfort.
Architect Christel Smeets and entrepreneur Bart Verdeijen had had enough of their caravan and conjured up the Klapkot on the drawing board. With a nod to the renowned café 't Klapcot and as a reference to the functionality the functionality that makes this vacation home so special.
For transportation, she is folded down for easy and compliant access to the road. Once on site, it unfolds in all its glory into a pleasant interior space, equal in area to a spacious caravan plus awning. Ideal in worse weather conditions - cold, rain and strong winds - which unfortunately are not exceptional in Belgium and the Netherlands.
A cleverly designed interior and exterior combined with technical innovation thus. Original, practical and beautiful, with warm and natural materials. Klapkot wedeveloped three types of vacation homes together with us. This allows us to perfectly match the wishes of our campers: one or two bedrooms, a bunk bed for the children, own layout of the living room ...
Find out more about tiny houses on Athena (link)
Vritomartis Naturist Resort
Plenty of sun, sea and other bliss in Crete
Vritomartis Naturist Resort is a renowned, modern naturist hotel in Chora Sfakion, in the beautiful southand of Crete. It was founded in 1992 by the local family Dourountakis. Which was ahead of its time. Today telg Nikos manages this fantastic place, along with a team of about fifty employees dat happily takes care of and pampers the guests. Both seasoned naturists and "beginners" are more than welcome.
The welcoming and inclusive resort is embraced by the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings. This is enjoyment with a big Greek G.