Crisscrossed by peaceful paths between land and sea, the Netherlands is a premier country for cycling. You'll love everything about it: the canals, tulips, windmills, sea, beaches, dunes, historic cities, Flemish art, Gothic monuments, and even the cuisine! Explore from hotel to hotel, or aboard a converted or even luxurious houseboat, departing from Amsterdam.
On the road to the South
Discover the south of the Netherlands by bike and boat! It's the best way to explore the center of the Netherlands, the most “authentic” part, and visit beautiful old towns. Throughout your stay, you will pass through historic cities such as Rotterdam and Delft, picturesque villages and landscapes in what is known as the “green heart” of Holland. The area is magnificent with its water landscapes, endless meadows and the famous Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site... An adventure in search of authenticity and tradition!
To find out more about this original way of traveling, take a look at our article on bike-and-boat trips.
Another option, from April to mid-May, is to enjoy the tulip blossoms and cycle through colorful fields stretching as far as the eye can see, visiting the cities of Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Leiden. Immerse yourself in the Keukenhof flower park, as well as in the “green heart” of the country with its succession of blue lakes and green meadows.
Among other itineraries, you can choose to cycle from Amsterdam to Bruges, pedaling leisurely along the canals and visiting Antwerp and Ghent.
On the road to the North
The landscapes north of Amsterdam are also full of charm. Explore the polders, regions surrounded by dykes along the North Sea and fishing villages. You will cross the countryside, passing ancient lakes and marshes. Since the 17th century, the land here has been reclaimed from the sea thanks to a drainage system, causing the marshes and coastal areas to dry up. You will pass by the immense North Sea beach and the sublime sand dunes, as well as Lake IJsselmeer, with its fascinating history. For many, the icing on the cake in this region is the beautiful “cycling island” of Texel. Further east, the “Wonders of the Hanseatic League” circuit takes you on a journey of discovery through the cities of the Hanseatic League. Beautiful cultural walks await you!
