Looking for the ultimate cycling adventure in the Netherlands? Picturesque Goeree-Overflakkee and impressive Zeeland offer the perfect setting for a weekend full of challenging cycling routes, breathtaking views and local delicacies. Ideal for those who love cycling through picturesque landscapes and discovering interesting stops along the way. A Weekend Full of Wind, Water and Beautiful Routes. All about cycling from Landal GreenParks Strandresort Ouddorp Duin read here!
Text and photos: Wouter van den Boogaard
Day 1: Arrival in Ouddorp
Friday afternoon, the adventure begins. We drive through picturesque villages towards Ouddorp to avoid traffic jams. The sun shines brightly in the clear blue sky, and modern and antique windmills turn everywhere in the Dutch landscape. Via dykes and bridges, we reach peaceful Goeree-Overflakkee.
On arrival at the car park of Landal Ouddorp Duin, we are welcomed by the beautiful weather. Check-in via the app is smooth and fast. We also ask for a physical key, which turns out to be a "tag". Our spacious cottage is beautifully tucked away in the dunes, within walking distance of the sea. We stay in a beautiful 8-bed villa, perfect for our expected travelling party of 6, some of whom are not couples. So we have the space we love!
We want to explore the area and immediately grab our bikes. A Strava suggestion leads us to a fantastic 45-kilometre route. We cycle over dykes and take in the Brouwersdam. Via a Gooi gravel path, we end up back in the park, where we eat delicious pasta at home to replenish our energy.
Day 2: Cycling through Zeeland - Wind as a Challenge
On Saturday morning, we start the day with freshly baked rolls from the Spar on the park. Today's programme is Zeeland, and the wind makes itself felt immediately. No wonder there are so many windmills here!
The wind is from the north, so we fly over the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier at about 40 km/h without really having to pedal hard. We are impressed by the water works and think about the history of the 1953 flood disaster.
Halfway through the route, we have to cross the 5-kilometre-long Zeeland Bridge. Here we have full headwind. In a little train we cycle across the bridge, but even with 330 watts upwind we only manage 23 km/h. Tip: make sure you have a tailwind when crossing this bridge!
With over 80 kilometres in our legs, we settle down in Bruinisse for a refreshing coke, a pancake and coffee. We refill our water bottles for the last 40 kilometres. Before returning to Landal Ouddorp Duin, we pass through the old centre of Ouddorp. On the terrace next to the church, we enjoy the sunshine and delicious shrimp croquettes. The 0.0 beers also taste good.
Day 3: Round Goeree-Overflakkee
On Sunday, we keep it quieter and stay close by with a ride around Goeree-Overflakkee. A local club cyclist joins us and tells us that this region sees a lot of racing on the road and even on the wide beach in winter. The pace picks up considerably thanks to our temporary host, and we enjoy the challenge.
In Oude-Tonge Hotel Restaurant Lely happily open, something not a given in this area. The apple pie here is delicious and the service very friendly.
On our return, it turns out there is a fair at the park. We steer between the stalls for a soft-serve ice cream and score another souvenir for home. After that, it's time to look course. The cottage has a wide range of Dutch and German channels.
Cycling tips for Zeeland and Goeree-Overflakkee
Make sure you are well prepared for the wind in this region. Cycling with headwinds can be tough, but it is also a good way to train for a cycling trip to the mountains. Don't forget to enjoy everything this region has to offer along the way, from impressive waterworks to picturesque villages. Find more tips on visiting Goeree-Overflakkee at the Tourism office site.
