The Netherlands is beautiful. If you hadn't seen that yet, we have a nice set of tips, to enjoy a cycling holiday in your own country. Especially with the high temperatures, crowds on the road and hassles with airports, the Netherlands is in high demand again. And rightly so! Because in Netherlands there is certainly plenty to discover in terms of cycling. 12 reasons to enjoy a cycling holiday in the Netherlands. You can read them here. These 12 reasons (+1) should be enough to simply stay in your own country and explore the paths in your proverbial backyard. Because a cycling holiday in the Netherlands, isn't that what everyone wants?
Making altimeters on Dutch Mont Blanc (4800cm above sea level)
The nod to the altitude of Mont Blanc is nice. Drenthe, with the VAM Mountain her own summit. And not only the VAM mountain is beautiful. The new 'wall of Emmen' is also one to stay home for. Rather not have your head in the clouds? Then go to the Dwingelderveld for stunning views in this nature reserve.
www.drenthe.nl
Nice offroad in the Achterhoek
Graveling is hip. Especially in the Netherlands, the gravel hype knows no bounds. What do you want, when you can go on a rampage on unpaved paths in the Achterhoek? We are fans ourselves and have already driven these routes: explorer Nynke went out in Montferland And Sander sat on the magnificent white strips of the Achterhoek region. Via achterhoek.nl you can find all the info and if you really like it then the even 'Strade Bianche Achterhoek' is an absolute must!
WaD an area!
Cycling in the islands is heart-stopping. Often just a little too short for the road cyclist, but wonderful for any other kind of cycling. But have you ever ridden 'on the mainland' through the wadden region? From Den Helder to Delfzijl, you have gorgeous spots. The afsluitdijk is closed for a while now, but otherwise there are beautiful bulb fields, views over the sea and more to explore. After all, nothing beats Groningen. Read our own Wadden travel stories here and here. Another one of those 12 reasons to enjoy a cycling holiday in the Netherlands!
Frisian lakes
Even more opportunities for a cycling holiday in the Netherlands in the north. Friesland has a lot to offer. You can, of course, explore the entire Elfstedentocht go cycling, but just a lap around the various lakes is wonderful. Tjeukemeer, Fluessen, Slotermeer. Each one beautiful. With the family near Sneek and the Snekermeer lake? Then head to Terherne and immerse yourself in the adventures of Hylke and Sietse Klinkhamer, the famous "Chameleon twins". Also check out Mark Heij's blog about his visit to South West Friesland
Sallandse Heuvelrug: Holterberg - Lemelerberg
For a cycling holiday in the Netherlands, people quickly look south. The area around the Holterberg and Lemelerberg is often forgotten. However, the Sallandse Heuvelrug (where Holterberg is located) is gorgeous and diverse. For city bike, e-bike, MTB, gravel and road cyclist alike, there are plenty of beautiful routes to be found and many fun and atmospheric stops. Plus the hospitality of the people is an absolute must. Do you do the combo with the Lemelerberg? Then ride back along the Regge.
Playing out crown domain
The province of Gelderland is very diverse (and large, the largest in the Netherlands). There is plenty to choose from for a cycling holiday in the Netherlands. But a favourite this year is surely the 'Crown Estate playing out'. Ranting delightfully in Willem-Alexander and Maxima's backyard. Who wouldn't want that? Beautiful trails, gorgeous nature and all that near the city. Finished with the Crown Domain? Then head to the Hoge Veluwe or take in the Veluwezoom National Park. Not unkind either. For a cool story: check our Shimano GRX-Series and the accompanying article on our ride across the Crown Estate
Roof of Brabant and the Brabant Sahara
The Roof of Brabant Is a nice MTB playground east of Eindhoven. Why go to the alps or the Ardennes? Playing with the MTB can just be done here, in 'our Brabant'. And the miracle that the Loonse and Drunense Duinen is also not to be missed. Imagine yourself in the desert for a while in this 'Brabant Sahara'. Do you prefer something else? Then start and end your round At Dutch Trappist brewery 'La Trappe'.
On the beach, quiet and deserted
For many Dutch people, Zeeland is a blind spot for a cycling holiday in their own country. It is ignored in winter and shunned in summer. But along Zeeland's waters, it is very good fun. Just watch out for the tourists, but a turn left and right and you're all alone again. Want to take in some history, too? Then drive the flood route on Schouwen-Duiveland. Or the classic 'round Veerse Meer', with a nice stop in Veere. By the way, did you know that Zeeland has many cycle cafés along its cycling routes? Try them all!
Check out these articles on Zeeland:
- Gravel route on Noord-Beveland: hard on unpaved roads
- Gravel biking in West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen: bouncing over cobblestones with the wind blowing through your hair
www.zeeland.com
Counting boundary posts
Both in Zeeland, Brabant and Limburg, you can still tap the Grenspaal the old-fashioned way. And you can combine this nicely with a climb up 'De Epenerbaan', which flows into Gemmenicherweg. On your way back to Epen, don't forget to stop at the ice-cream stall just before the village. If you are in Brabant, combine it with a ride in the Chaam - Breda area with a scenic tour of Brabant's cycling highway! Since this year, there has been a real tour ride, the border post classic.
Utrecht castles
Utrecht is the smallest province in the Netherlands, but when you cycle along the lek, it still feels grand! Take a tour of all the castles on the Hill Ridge (and grab a nice drink at Kerckebosch Castle, Amerongen Castle or even stay overnight in a real tower room in Sterkenburg castle!). Had enough knight hunting? Then drive over Ruiterberg and Hoogstraat for a while. Lovely in the shade, beautiful wooded surroundings and after the climb you can take the Maarnse Grindweg to the Pyramid of Austerlitz, for instance, or to Den Treek in between!
Round of new ground
Many will quickly ignore the province of Flevoland. Little history, 'just straight ahead'. Yet this piece of the Netherlands should not be missed. How about the beautiful Oostvaardersplassen. At sunrise and sunset, the pictures are absolutely instagram-worthy. And with its location close to the dike, you always have something to see on the water too.
In the dunes
North and South Holland are both provinces known for their dunes. In Schoorl, you can have a blast on the MTB routes. Same goes for Noordwijk's MTB route, already totally played out by many. In for something crazy? Then try riding from Den Helder to Hoek van Holland (can be done in several days) and, for the real challenge, back again!
A little further inland, you'll find another nice North-South (Holland) combo. The ringvaart round trip is generally good to ride for any type of cyclist. Unfortunately, little off-road, but nice along the water. In the summer evenings it does get a bit crowded, but pick your moment and you have a lovely route to catch. And with a bit of luck, a plane will land on the Kaag runway, ears closed!
BONUS:
Limburg, but slightly different
Limburg. Everyone knows it, the Cauberg, Keutenberg, Eyserbosweg. Riveting names. But Limburg is more! Ever heard of the Hollweg Sint Jansbeek? Many will not place this little climb in Limburg, just like the Zevendalseweg, unknown, yet with a stretch of 9%. All in the northernmost tip of Limburg. And while you're there, drive through the national park De Maasduinen. Nice with the MTB (and the gravel bike for the thrill seekers. Who knows, you might spot some wildlife or the smooth snake there. Check out this story from the Mountain High Chasers: Gravel in Limburg: Same Limburg, different world
In short: the Netherlands is so beautiful. And with our 12 reasons to enjoy a cycling holiday in the Netherlands, you won't want to do otherwise
Because the Netherlands is perhaps the ultimate 'Cycling Destination'
