Cycling along water: discover the Netherlands in a unique way!
Cycling is a popular activity in the Netherlands. Its flat landscape and extensive cycle path network make the country ideal for exploring by bike. In this blog, we will discuss some great bike trails near water in the Netherlands, from historic towns along the former Zuiderzee to a relaxing bike trip along the river Maas and an adventurous route along historic forts and fortresses. Whether you are a recreational cyclist or a more experienced adventurer, there is something for everyone.
Zuiderzee ballad
At the small Enkhuizer Almanac Museum (Havenweg 1), you will find wise life lessons such as "Don't whine about the coffee, we all get old and limp." These lessons can be found on various cards in the vestibule and are also for sale. A few steps further, you will learn how to pilot a ship through a bottle neck at the Flessenscheepjesmuseum (Zuiderspui 1), which has the largest collection of bottle ships in the world. The most fascinating attraction of VOC town Enkhuizen, however, is the Zuiderzee Museum, a reconstruction of an old Zuiderzee town.
Cooling out Enkhuizen is one of the many towns around the former Zuiderzee. On this watery trek, you start in Huizen, visit Muiden and Amsterdam and cycle through the polders past curious cows and noisy waders to Volendam, Edam, Enkhuizen. You can then continue by boat to Stavoren and Hindeloopen in Friesland, followed by Giethoorn and Kampen. Along the border lakes, you cycle via Elburg (which already had city rights in the 13th century and has city walls) and the authentic fishing villages Nunspeet and Spakenburg back to Huizen.
Check out this cycling classic
Frisian lakes and towns
In February, most skating enthusiasts shout hopefully, "It giet oan". But before the Netherlands' ultimate skating party can go ahead, the thaw sets in. Fortunately, you can visit Friesland's eleven cities even without ice. It is even warmly recommended when the mercury rises, as you cycle constantly past cooling ditches and lakes.
Idyllic villages and romantic village centres
On a four-day cycling tour, you will cycle along canals, over bridges and through idyllic villages and towns such as Workum, Bolsward, Sneek, Sloten and Stavoren. Hindeloopen, one of Friesland's eleven towns, has had city rights since the 13th century and is well worth a visit. All towns are rich in monumental buildings with beautiful stepped and neck gables. Put your bike against a gable for a while and enjoy an ice cream on a bench by a canal or waterfront.
Water as an ally
For centuries, the Dutch have fought against water to protect themselves from floods and dike breaches. But sometimes water can also be a welcome ally. In 1672, also known as the Year of Disaster when ‘the people were helpless, the government desperate and the country helpless’, French soldiers advanced. By flooding a wide strip of land, the Dutch were able to keep the French occupiers at a safe distance. A layer of water of only forty centimetres was enough, as it was too deep for both men and horses.
Along forts and fortresses
Today, you no longer use a horse, but your trusty bike to cycle along the historic route. The laborious paths of yesteryear have been replaced by smooth cycle paths that take you from Weesp via the meandering Vecht to Utrecht, Wijk bij Duurstede and Gorinchem. On this tour, you pass many impressive forts, fortresses and batteries. Nothing and no one can stop you during this adventurous trip. If you choose the six-day variant, you will cycle back to Weesp via Noorden and the Nieuwkoopse Plassen.
From birth to adulthood... or womanhood
Following a river from its source to its mouth is like watching a newborn baby grow into adulthood. Cycling along the Meuse is no different, even if you only experience part of that growth on this trip. This is especially true when cycling from French Sedan, via Belgium, to Dutch Maastricht. Cycling routes along rivers are popular and this one is no exception. You often cycle flat, which makes it extra relaxing. In France, you'll experience the beautiful section known as the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes. And in Belgium, it's definitely worth stopping in cities like Liège, Namur and Dinant, with its high citadel (don't worry, you can take a cable car up). Or at one of the many beautiful castles and country houses.
Europe's finest You can also choose to start the bike trip Netherlands in Maastricht. Using mainly marked cycle paths, you follow the winding river. Sometimes you have views of vineyards, other times of rolling countryside. And every now and then you will have to deal with high and steep slopes and rock faces right next to you. This cycle route has previously been voted the most beautiful in Europe.
