When you think of Flevoland, perhaps attractions like Walibi, Lowlands and the Afsluitdijk quickly come to mind. But have you ever considered that Flevoland is also a fantastic cycling destination? Landal GreenParks Waterparc Veluwemeer offers a perfect base from which to explore this unique province on two wheels, with a surprising variety of cycling routes you can undertake from the park.
Text and photos: Jesse Meijer - Femke Rotteveel
Start your ride with a warm-up lap
Despite the unpredictable weather, we start our cycling weekend with a 36-kilometre warm-up lap. Starting at Landal GreenParks Veluwemeer, near Biddinghuizen, our route leads through the 'interior' of Flevoland. After an unexpectedly beautiful ride through wooded areas and over tightly laid gravel paths, we continue our way past watery views back to the park. The course promises wide roads along meadows and dykes - a real Flevoland landscape.
Cycling in Flevoland: Explore the perimeter of the province
On Saturday, an ambitious route is planned: explore the entire circumference of Flevoland in 146 kilometres. That will be something, exploring the beautiful cycle paths along the edge of the province The weather, however, has other plans, so we opt for a shorter route along the famous Oostvaarders Plassen. This route treats us to vast meadows and nature reserves where you will come face to face with stray wildlife.
Encounters and Discoveries
During our ride, we meet a stranded cyclist who has to continue his journey as far as Amsterdam. With an outstretched hand (and a spare tyre), we help him out. For €10 he gets the tyre. That's cheaper than the UBER he wanted to call. A little later, we enjoy a well-earned coffee break at the Oostvaarders Plassen visitors' centre. We spent that tenner right away after all. Our tip: plan your coffee stops carefully, as Flevoland has fewer cafés than you would normally expect on a cycling route.
Last Day: From Veluwemeer to Veluwe
The last day takes us from the park to Harderwijk and we make a quick crossing to the Veluwe. We enjoy the wooded surroundings and heathlands and make a stopover in Vierhouten. These varied routes offer both beautiful roads for hard-riders and quiet paths for those who prefer to cycle at leisure. As far as we're concerned, enjoy in any case.
Why go cycling in Flevoland at Landal GreenParks Waterparc Veluwemeer?
In addition to its exceptional routes, Landal GreenParks Veluwemeer all the conveniences a cyclist could wish for, from a local supermarket to comfortable accommodation. It is a wonderful alternative to the better-known cycling areas such as the Veluwe or Limburg. The house is perfect for a long weekend of cycling in the area. With a view and with good facilities! What more could you want?
Conclusion
Next time you plan a cycling holiday in the Netherlands, consider Flevoland, and consider Landal GreenParks Veluwemeer as your home base. Whether you're looking for training routes without turns or a quiet ride through nature, Flevoland offers it all. And our French friend? Who, thanks to a slight diversions, still continued his journey with a little help from new friends. Do you dare the adventure for "cycling in Flevoland"?
Cycling routes in Flevoland
Below are all the itineraries from our 12 provinces, 12 parks, 12 months partnership with Landal GreenParks.
