Now that autumn has truly arrived, the gravel season is in full swing for many cyclists. What could be more beautiful than planning a gravel weekend in the Netherlands? Conveniently close, plenty of new roads, if you’re used to a road bike and there’s plenty of variety! The Netherlands is amazing when it comes to adventurous gravel routes. Okay, admittedly, the routes in South Holland and Flevoland might be a bit lacking, but outside of that, you can really find beautiful gravel routes! Here are five Gravel Regions in the Netherlands with routes where every gravel enthusiast will have the time of their life.
Text: Sander Kolsloot
1. The Veluwe: Nature's Beauty
Is this the best gravel spot in the Netherlands? Who will say? Not for nothing do many gravel riders like to go to the Kroondomein to ride there. Although closed from September 15 to December 25, this is a fantastic place for a gravel adventure. But also outside of that! Because the routes over the terrain of De Hoge Veluwe, or closer to Epe, are stunning. If you are still looking for inspiration for a few beautiful routes, we have a few more in store for you!
- Gravel route over the Veluwe: on a reconnaissance with Erwin Sikkens
- Gravel on the Crown Domain: Shimano GRX Series
2. The Utrecht Hills: Challenging Elevation Differences
I was born and raised in Utrecht, of course. With that, I have a fondness for the province and especially the Heuvelrug when it comes to gravel routes. Not only the region around Soestdijk is beautiful (Lage Vuursche, where WTSHNN is held), but also precisely the routes over the Utrecht Heuvelrug. The Harry Slingerparcours and the Let de Stigterpad will be a cinch for many by now. Yet you can gravel on it like a king(in) over the beautiful paths of the Heuvelrug. Want to go out? Then check out this route!
3. Limburg: Hillier and Historical
Anyone who mentions Limburg is obviously talking about Zuid-Limburg and the Cauberg. But for gravel lovers, Limburg is perhaps just as beautiful. Just ask them. Leandra, who is with her #GeileStrecke the ultimate route through Limburg has been created. Additionally, you will find on the platform ‘Land of Grind and Sand‘A lot of beautiful routes in the Middle and North of Limburg. In other words, if you think Limburg is just the Amstel Gold Race, you might have to think again. Here are some great options.
- Gravel in Midden-Limburg – Land of Grind and Sand
- Gravel in Limburg: The same Limburg, but a different world
4. Brabant Wal: Hidden Gems
The Brabantse Wal, where the Netherlands is slowly rising up from the flat polders, is a region that is often overlooked. The region offers a beautiful mix of forests, lakes (ponds), and gravel paths, perfect for a varied gravel route. Explorer Nynke had already explored it once, but didn’t get very far around the Kalmthoutse Heide. Perhaps the Gravel Challenge by TC the Grensrijders Is something more logical?
5. Drenthe: Oude Paden and the Hunebeds
Drenthe, known for its Hunebeds, is also a fantastic gravel destination. The province has an extensive network of cycling routes, but there is also plenty of beautiful scenery to be found for gravel enthusiasts. In the forests near Gieten, for example. Or perhaps a beautiful route that takes in all the Hunebeds (the Hunebed highway is mostly paved, but there are plenty of nice alternatives!).
Are you still looking for more tips? We have a section under the GRAVEL There are a lot of great routes and tips for off-road cycling.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.