Cycling in the Netherlands: the inside guide

Why should cyclists visit the Netherlands?

Hopping on two wheels is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Dutch culture. It’s also easy to do thanks to the extensive cycling infrastructure across the country.

In fact, many would argue cycling is the ultimate way to explore the Netherlands!

Dutch cycling culture

It’s rare to find a destination where cycling is so ingrained in everyday life. But the bicycle’s popularity in the Netherlands is inescapable.

Did you know that there are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people? One quarter of all trips are also taken by bicycle here (source).

Almost everyone in the Netherlands is raised with a bike. Most people have a bike at home, and for many its their chosen mode of transport. It’s also common to see young children transported by cargo bikes.

World-class cycling infrastructure

The Netherlands has some of the best cycling infrastructure on the planet.

Today there are more than 35,000 kilometres of cycle paths, many of which are segregated from other traffic (source). These connect almost every part of the country, making it easy for cyclists to get about safely.

You’ll also find fantastic cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands, including:

• vast storage facilities for bikes
• bike traffic lights
• charging facilities for e-bikes
• many companies who rent out bikes
• bike repair shops in almost every village, town and city.

Bike-friendly, Dutch cities

The Netherlands is also home to some of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.

The capital, Amsterdam, is the crowning jewel and widely regarded as the cycling capital of the world. Aside from a hub for cycling, this beautiful city is a treasure trove of picturesque canals, crooked, gabled buildings, lovely vibrant parks and fascinating museums. Find out more below.

But Amsterdam is only the beginning! Dutch cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Groningen and Amersfoort boast similar historic charms and are also extremely well geared up for cycling.

Several Dutch Bike Tour cycling holidays start and finish in Amsterdam. Find out more below.

Flat, easy-going cycling

The Netherlands is a generally flat country which makes it easy to cycle. The flat cycling also means it is accessible to a wide range of abilities, including beginners and families.

Top tip! Because of the Netherlands’ relatively small size, many of the country’s top highlights can be easily combined in a cycling holiday.

Idyllic landscapes

Despite a distinct lack of mountains, there is still some lovely natural scenery to explore when cycling the Netherlands.

One of its most distinct features is water. Land reclamation has been going on for many years; the Dutch and their ancestors have been holding back (and reclaiming land from) the North Sea for thousands of years.  In fact, 26% of the Netherlands is below sea level and 29% is above sea level but still sensitive to flooding. As well as an extensive network of canals, and a long coastline, the country even has several islands further north, including the popular Texel island.

Outside of the vibrant cities, the Netherlands is made up of many flat meadows scattered with iconic windmills, grazing farm animals and many blooming flowers in the spring months.

The country is also home to many forests and heathlands. There are 21 National Parks in total, including De Hoge Veluwe National Park in the province of Gelderland, which is one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands. You can also find Western Europe’s biggest sand drift in the Netherlands!

Dutch Bike Tours include many of these landscapes in our Netherlands cycling tours. Find out more below.

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Looking for a Netherlands cycling tour?

We’ve been delivering Netherlands cycling holidays since 2003 and would love you to join us.

We offer place-to-place self-guided holidays for cyclists in a range of regions across the country, including many routes starting and finishing in the Dutch capital Amsterdam. We have something to suit every kind of rider.

Get in touch and let's discuss!

The Netherlands (from a cyclist’s perspective)

Location of the Netherlands

The Netherlands is located in the west of Europe and borders Germany to the east and Belgium to the south.

The west and north of the Netherlands is entirely bordered by the North Sea.

Terrain

The Netherlands is remarkably flat.

Western Netherlands

In the western part of the country, you will find popular cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag (The Hague), Leiden, Delft, Gouda and Haarlem. These are all very interesting from a cultural point of view.

Cycling in between these cities, you often cycle below sea level. That’s because the Netherlands has regained a lot of land from the sea. This process of impressive engineering has led to the creation of three great polders which are protected by many dykes.

Top tip! The region southwest of Amsterdam is also famously known as the Bollenstreek, or tulip region. You’ll find tulip fields in the north of North Holland as well. More on this below.

However, if you want to experience more of the natural landscapes and some of the countries’ lesser-visited corners, it’s best to cycle further to the east, south or north of these bigger cities.

North Holland

In the north, you will find the provinces of Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe. These regions have plenty of open space and vast meadows. There are also many, small historical cities such as Alkmaar, home to a traditional cheese market and Den Helder, a great place to head off to the northern islands from.

The most famous route in the north is the Elfstedentocht. This was a world-famous ice-skating race, last held in 1997. Today it can be cycled on roads. The route goes through all 11 cities in the province of Friesland. These historical cities are small and ooze charm. In between there are lots of dykes, canals and meadows. Thousands of cyclists cycle this 240-kilometre route in one day as part of the Elfstedentocht event. More on this below.

Located in this region you will also find Lake IJssel. You can cycle all the way around the lake on a beautiful 440-kilometre route passing (former) fishing villages and watery landscapes. You can cycle this lake on Dutch Bike Tours Lake IJssel Tour. More on this below.

For more coastal scenery, you can head on to one of the Netherlands’ islands which are just a short ferry ride from the mainland. Texel can be easily circumnavigated by bike in a day and there are several beaches, sand dunes and sights of the North Sea to enjoy.

Be aware! The wind can be ferocious in this area of the Netherlands. More on that below.

Southeast Netherlands

For a little more elevation, you need to head further south to the province of Limburg. The highest point of the country is found here at the Vaalserberg and stands at just 322 metres above sea level.

Many of the surrounding hills are featured in the classic road cycling event, the Amstel Gold Race. This includes climbs such as the Cauberg, Keuteberg and Camerig.

This is the best place in the Netherlands for the sportier cyclists out there.

Central Netherlands

Further to the east is the province of Gelderland.

These areas are home to winding roads between meadows, small forests, streams and some gentle hills.

This area is also home to some of the Netherlands’ biggest national parks and nature reserves. This includes De Hogue Veluwe National Park and Veluwezoom National Park. These nature reserves are characterised by forests, heathland and sand drifts. You can cycle this National Park on Dutch Bike Tours Rivers and Veluwe Tour. More on this below.

Cycling paths vs roads

As mentioned earlier, the Netherlands has a lot of traffic-free cycling paths.

However, there are also a lot of roads where you share the road with cars. Typically, you only share the road on low-traffic roads.

On roads where cars can drive over 60 kilometres per hour, you’ll find a separate cycle path away from the road.

Navigation

One of the best things about cycling in the Netherlands is the extensive cycling signage.

In the Netherlands, you can cycle using numbers found on the signs. These numbers are known as ‘cycling knots’. At every junction, or ‘cycling knot’ you can see where you have to go based on the next number. This enables cyclists great flexibility when planning their own cycling routes.

You can prepare your trip in advance online, or with maps. But at every ‘cycling knot’ you can also find an overview sign where you can see an overview of the region and decide to change the route. An overview map will show where you are at that moment and you can see all the other numbers that you can go to and where they lead to. Find more useful tips to help you navigate using these signs below.

The routes all follow dedicated cycle paths or low-traffic roads and are a great option for touring leisure cyclists.

Top tip! There are some long-distance routes which are signposted. But it’s very easy in the Netherlands to create your own routes. See more on this below.

Be aware! This system is not always suitable for road cyclists as the routes can lead to some unpaved and narrow cycle paths.

 

What kind of cyclist is the Netherlands best for?

The Netherlands offers something for a range of cycling interests and abilities.

Leisure cyclists looking for gentle, easy cycling routes and plenty of sightseeing opportunities will love Netherlands cycling trips. Family cycling holidays in the Netherlands are also popular. Outside of the busy cities, it’s a great destination to gain confidence on two wheels, take your time and relax.

For those who prefer to get off the beaten track, there are also some great gravel routes to be found in the eastern regions of the Netherlands. This includes the Veluwe National Park, Drenthe and Limburg.

Whilst road cyclists who want to conquer some big elevation won’t find tons to excite them here, there are some famous hills that may appeal. You can also combine the hills of Zuid and Limburg with easy extra cycling loops into Belgium and Germany.

Do you need to do a tour of the Netherlands?

It really depends on the type of cyclist.

As mentioned earlier, the cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands means it’s relatively easy to find your way as soon as you understand the cycling knot system. The Dutch also speak English so it’s often easy to communicate with people when you are cycling around.

However, if you want the hassle taken out of planning and you want to get your trip’s key logistics organised for you, a local cycling specialist is a good option to consider. A tour operator can take care of things like your accommodation each night, luggage transfers and plot a cycling route taking in the sights you want to see.

We also know the best places to cycle so you can make the most of your time in the Netherlands.

Dutch Bike Tours offers a range of self-guided cycling tours. We select the best bike-friendly hotels, create wonderful routes and transport your luggage from hotel to hotel every day. Our navigation app also means it’s easy to follow the route.

What are the best regions + cycling routes in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands’ cycling infrastructure and relatively small size means it is easy to access many key regions and locations across the country.

However, to help you start planning your own Netherlands cycling trip, we have highlighted a few of Dutch Bike Tours’ favourite cycling regions below and what they have to offer.

Top tip! For even more cycling options around the Netherlands, take a look at the long-distance cycling routes available below.

Below is a map of some of the key locations mentioned in this article. Hover over the map pins to see the place names.

Amsterdam

As mentioned above, the Dutch capital is a great option to consider as part of a cycling trip to the Netherlands.

Be aware! This busy city can be daunting for first-time cyclists or families with small children; it’s probably not the best plan for a family cycling holiday in the Netherlands. The bike paths can be extremely busy as most locals use them as their preferred method of transport. Make sure you’ve read up on the Netherlands’ cycling rules (high level summary here) and take care, especially around peak travel times.

However, once you’ve gained your confidence, Amsterdam is a fantastic place to navigate around by bike. This city itself has many impressive attractions, including more canals than Venice. This fact often earns it the nickname ‘the Venice of the North’ and the many picturesque arched bridges, cobblestone streets and characterful, gabled canal buildings all add to the city’s undeniable charm.

Fun fact! On 27 October 2025, Amsterdam marks its 750th birthday. To celebrate this occasion there are several events and activities taking place throughout the year, including music, culture and sports.

Top tip! Amsterdam is an ideal starting point for a lot of cycling trips in the Netherlands. For cyclists arriving by plane, train or ferry, it’s easily accessible and well-connected to other key locations in the Netherlands by train.

Cycling routes from Amsterdam

One of the most famous cycling routes from Amsterdam is the iconic city-to-city route, Amsterdam to Bruges. This is often completed as part of a bike and barge tour.

From Amsterdam, you can also easily cycle out of the city on cycling paths to nearby historical cities, such as Leiden, Haarlem, Gouda and Utrecht.

Cycling tours from Amsterdam

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Summary

Explore the Netherlands’ best loved historical cities

What to expect

This seven-day cycling tour starts and finishes in Amsterdam.

After leaving the capital city you head on to nearby Haarlem, one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities. The tour includes several of the country’s most popular cities, including Leiden, Delft and Gouda. Distances are relatively short allowing for plenty of sightseeing.

Beyond the cities, you also experience cycling through dunes on the west coast and through the peaceful ‘Green Heart’ countryside. The Netherlands Green Heart is an area between De Randstad in the west ( Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Leiden, Delft), Dordrecht Gorinchem in the South and Utrecht in the North. This area is characterised by large green fields, traditional windmills, small villages and tulips (in spring!).

More information

The tour described above is Dutch Bike Tours Pearls of Holland Tour. This self-guided Netherlands cycling holiday is available on their website.

IJsselmeer

IJsselmeer offers the ultimate Dutch cycling experience, with water always nearby. This area in the north of Holland offers a great insight into the Netherlands’ impressive water management and rich history. This vast inland lake was once a saltwater sea and is now a freshwater lake, thanks to Dutch engineering.

You will follow the shores of the former Zuiderzee, now known as the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel). As a result of this change of name, many people know this route as the Zuiderzeeroute. The entire route is well-signposted and mainly follows paved cycle paths, making it ideal for both road cyclists and touring riders.

The landscape is varied, with a mix of open meadows, historic towns, and long stretches along dykes. There are many traditional Dutch fishing villages and trading towns, where centuries of maritime history are still visible.

You can also ride across the Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometre-long dike that separates the IJsselmeer from the Wadden Sea.

Be aware! Cycling in this region is almost completely flat. But the wind can make it more demanding. See more on thisbelow. Also note that you can’t see the water the whole time as much of the lake is protected by high dykes.

Cycling routes around IJsselmeer

It is possible to cycle all the way around Lake IJssel. This cycling route is approximately 440 kilometres long. This route includes cycling across the Afsluitdijk.

Cycling tours around IJsselmeer

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Summary

Discover the Netherland’s impressive water management engineering

What to expect

This eight-day route takes you around part of Lake IJssel on a 335-kilometre loop.

The route includes an overnight stop in the city of Amsterdam and a ferry ride from Enkhuizen to Stavoren. This avoids the Afsluitdijk crossing that you would encounter on cycling the full lake cycling route.

However, cyclists still experience some of the loveliest sections and quietest roads around the lake. This includes the pretty village of Edam and the historic town of Hoorn, as well as the Weerribben Wieden National Park, one of Europe’s biggest low moor marshes and a haven for birdlife!

More information

The tour described above is Dutch Bike Tours Lake IJssel Tour. This self-guided Netherlands cycling tour is available on their website.

Bollenstreek (flower bulb/ tulip region)

The tulip regions are beautiful from around April until early May. Vast fields burst into colour during this time.

The most famous bulb region is found southwest of Amsterdam. A visit to the famous Keukenhof Gardens is an absolute must for plant lovers. This is the world’s largest flower garden. Just make sure you buy your ticket in advance as it’s extremely popular.

There are also a lot of tulip fields in the north of the province of North Holland. In general, this region is a little quieter and more peaceful for exploring by bike. You can combine cycling past colourful tulip fields with beautiful cities like Alkmaar and Schagen.

Cycling routes around Bollenstreek

The picturesque tulip fields in the south combine well with routes that visit some of the Netherlands’s most beautiful historical cities like Haarlem, Leiden and of course Amsterdam.

Cycling tours around Bollenstreek

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Summary

Experience one of the Netherlands’ most iconic seasonal events

What to expect

This five-day tour takes in the beautiful bulb region below Amsterdam, where the tour starts and finishes.

After leaving the city, you head towards the smaller city of Haarlem. This ride takes in tulip fields close to the city, near the village of Bennebroek.

From Haarlem, you cycle on to Leiden passing many more colourful tulip fields. You can also consider extending your stay in this city to visit the Keukenhof Gardens. The final part of the tour takes you through the country’s beautiful green heart and along the lovely River Amstel.

More information

The tour described above is Dutch Bike Tours Tulip Tour. This self-guided Netherlands cycling holiday is available on their website.

Veluwe National Park

The Veluwe is the largest national park in the Netherlands, offering a mix of beautiful landscapes and rolling terrain shaped by Ice Age moraines.

Stretching from the former Zuiderzee in the north to the hills near Arnhem in the south, it is a stunning region of forests, heathlands, and sand drifts. The Kootwijkerzand, western Europe’s largest sand drift, lies at its heart.

Fun fact! The park is home to the Dutch Big Five: wild pigs, deer, Scottish Highlanders, roe deer, and foxes. In the centre, the Kröller-Müller Museum displays modern art.

Cycling routes around Veluwe

The Veluwe National Park has many dedicated cycle paths throughout making it easy to explore independently by bike.

Cycling tours around Veluwe

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Summary

A fantastic way to experience the Dutch countryside by bike

What to expect

This five-day cycling tour takes you through some of the Netherlands’ most beautiful and peaceful landscapes.

You ride along scenic riverbanks, explore charming towns, and cycle through the vast Veluwe National Park, known for its forests, heathlands, and wildlife.

The route follows quiet roads and well-maintained cycle paths, offering a mix of nature and culture. Along the way, you will pass historic castles, windmills, and the famous Kröller-Müller Museum, home to modern art and Van Gogh masterpieces.

More information

The tour described above is Dutch Bike Tours Rivers and Veluwe Tour. This self-guided Netherlands cycling trip is available on their website.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for a Netherlands cycling tour?

We’ve been delivering Netherlands cycling holidays since 2003 and would love you to join us.

We offer place-to-place self-guided holidays for cyclists in a range of regions across the country, including many routes starting and finishing in the Dutch capital Amsterdam. We have something to suit every kind of rider.

Get in touch and let's discuss!

The best long distance cycling routes in the Netherlands

Looking for a multi-day journey across the Netherlands?

Alongside a vast network of cycling paths across the county, there are also several fantastic long-distance cycling routes. These are known as LF routes (Langeafstand Fietsroutes) offering cyclists the opportunity to experience a rewarding journey between some of the Netherlands’ best landscapes and cultural sites.

These national bike routes include cycling around Lake IJssel (also known as the Zuiderzeeroute), as mentioned above.

For alternative ideas, here are some other options to consider:

Pieterfietspad

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What to expect

Cycle across the Netherlands from north to south, experiencing its diverse landscapes and quieter regions.

Top tip! We think this is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the country. It’s relatively new and not widely known outside of the Netherlands.

This 580-kilometre route starts in the small village of Pieterburen in the north of the Netherlands and takes you all the way to Pietersberg, near Maastricht in the far south of the Netherlands.

The route follows a mix of cycle paths and low-traffic roads, offering a true taste of the real Netherlands. It closely follows the path of a famous long-distance walking route, the popular Pieterpad. Most of the route is paved, but some forest trails remain unpaved, making it less suitable for road bikes.

Be aware! While not a fully signposted LF route, the GPX tracks and cycling network (knooppunten, as described above) make navigation easy.

Along the way, you ride through peaceful countryside, forests, and charming villages, discovering the country’s hidden gems beyond the well-known cycling hotspots. A fantastic adventure for long-distance cyclists!

More information

Dutch Bike Tours has a 13-day cycling tour of the Pieterpad. Find out more about this Netherlands cycling holiday on their website.

Maasroute (EuroVelo 19)

What to expect

The Maasroute follows the Meuse River from Langres in France to Hoek van Holland, where it meets the sea. This long-distance cycling route in the Netherlands is the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19 Meuse Cycle Route.

In the Netherlands, it runs from Maastricht to Hoek van Holland, then back to Rotterdam. The route is fully signposted with ‘Maasfietsroute’ signs and it guides you through historic fortified medieval towns, dykes, and landscapes shaped by the Dutch relationship with water.

In total, the stretch of Maasroute in the Netherlands covers 484 kilometres.

More information

Take a look at this website to find out more about the Maasroute.

Waterlinieroute

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What to expect

This fully signposted cycling route of 405 kilometres takes you from the village of Edam just north of Amsterdam to Bergen op Zoom in the south near the border with Belgium.

In between it passes through picturesque nature reserves and explores world-class Dutch heritage. The cycling route follows the Defence Line of Amsterdam, the New Dutch Waterline, and the Southern Waterline – a network of forts and fortified towns designed to protect key cities from invaders.

Highlights of the route include the many impressive water-based defences, including the garrison town of Naarden, one of the oldest fortified cities in the Netherlands.

With a mix of cultural landmarks and peaceful countryside, this is a fascinating ride through the country’s defensive past.

More information

For more details about the Waterlinieroute Netherlands cycling route take a look at this website.

Dutch Bike Tours offers a shorter variation of the Waterlinieroute route that covers 255 kilometres. Find out more about this Netherlands cycling holiday on their website.

Kustroute (EuroVelo 12)

What to expect

This popular cycling route is part of EuroVelo’s North Sea Cycle Route and takes in the lovely Dutch coastline. It’s well signposted with both LF Kustroute signs and EuroVelo 12 signs.

Spanning 625 kilometres from Cadzand-Bad to Bad Nieuweschans, it showcases the country’s ongoing battle with water and land reclamation.

You pass through several historic coastal cities such as Vlissingen, Scheveningen/Den Haag, Zandvoort (also known from F1 races), Haarlem, Egmond aan zee, Den Helder, Harlingen, Lauwersoog, Pieterburen (also the start of the Pieterpad), Delfzijl and Bad Nieuwe Schans (German border). The route also takes you through sand dunes and allows you to experience the tranquillity of the northern Netherlands along the Wadden Sea.

The route also takes in the 32-kilometre Afsluitdijk, the embankment over the mouth of the IJsselmeer.

This unique sea, located between the mainland and the islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich biodiversity. At low tide, the seabed is exposed, allowing people to walk to the islands.

Top tip! This is a popular cycle route and there are many campsites and cafes along the way. Book your accommodation ahead of arrival, especially if you plan to cycle during the peak summer months.

More information

For more details about the Kustroute route take a look at this website.

Key cycling events in the Netherlands

Amstel Gold Race

The biggest cycling event in the Netherlands is the Amstel Gold Race. It’s held every April in the southern province of Limburg. This UCI World Tour race attracts the world’s top cyclists. The day before the professional race, cyclists can ride the same route, experiencing the many short, steep hills in this southern region.

Elfstedentocht (Eleven cities bicycle tour)

Another major event is the Elfstedentocht. This was originally a 200-kilometre ice-skating race in Friesland, last held in 1997.

Now, cyclists take on the Elfstedentocht cycling tour, a 235-kilometre route through Friesland’s eleven cities. Held on Whit Monday (Pentecost), it attracts approximately 15,000 cyclists each year for a fun one-day challenge.

Practicalities of cycling in the Netherlands

When to cycle

The Netherlands is at its best for cycling from May to September; during these months the weather is generally warm and pleasant.

• April can be cooler but it is the perfect time to see the tulip fields in bloom.
• May and June are particularly beautiful, with lush green landscapes. You can still see tulips during the first week of May.
• July and August are warm, sometimes hot. But not as extreme as southern Europe.
• September is usually as lovely as the summer months. However, wind and rain become more unpredictable, especially later in the month.
• October can be mild. But if the rain sets in and temperatures drop, cycling can be challenging and less enjoyable.

Outside of these months, conditions are less reliable.

Be aware! Strong winds in the Netherlands can also make cycling challenging, particularly in exposed coastal locations and North Holland. As the sea is still cold in April and May and the land is getting more warm, you typically find more wind during this time. See more on this below.

Top tip! There is a very useful app worth downloading called Buienradar. This app will show you when it will start to rain and when it stops which is useful for planning your daily routes.

Accommodation

Top tip! Nederland Fietsland is a national cycling platform that provides ‘Cyclists Welcome’ labels for bike-friendly accommodation. This includes hotels, B&Bs and campsites. You can find these on the Nederland Fietsland website.

Given the popularity of cycling, there are many other hotels, guesthouses and youth hostels that also cater well to cyclists’ needs. Enquire ahead of booking about their bicycle storage facilities.

Be aware! In busy cities, bike storage can be limited. Booking in advance is not always essential. But availability is lower in high season.

Many hotels offer e-bike charging, either in bike storage areas or in rooms. While hotels rarely provide mechanical assistance, almost every village has a bike shop nearby.

Another popular accommodation option in the Netherlands is staying on a traditional Dutch barge as part of a barge and bike tour. These boats offer a unique space to relax and unwind each night and the opportunity to enjoy a social cycling experience with other like-minded guests.

Looking for bike-friendly accommodation in Amsterdam? Don’t miss this.

Bike rental and repair shops

The popularity of cycling in the Netherlands means there are plenty of bike rental shops to choose from. Although the quality can vary, in most areas you will find well-maintained bikes for hire.

Top tip! If you are starting and finishing in different locations it is worth bringing your own bike, or booking a bike tour with bike hire included.

Dutch Bike Tours offers bike rental as part of our bike tours. Most tour operators, including ourselves, will also deliver your bike to the first hotel of your trip and collect it at the end.

Here are some bike shops in key locations to consider:

Amsterdam

Rent a Bike

IJsselmeer

Rent & Event Volendam

Bollenstreek

Bike Mobile 

Veluwe

Veluwe Actief

Fietshuur de Veluwe

Pieterpad

Fietshuur Waddenhoes, pickup is available in Maastricht for an extra charge.

Cycle Center, pickup in the south, this is also a great for Amstel Gold Race road bike rentals

How to get to the Netherlands

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a major international hub with connections worldwide. From Schiphol, you can easily take a train to Amsterdam or other destinations across the Netherlands.

The country has an efficient rail network, with international trains also arriving at Amsterdam Central Station, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Arnhem. This includes the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam.

Taxis are readily available but can be expensive.

Top tip! If you are travelling with your own bike, Schiphol offers bike box storage, and taxi vans are available to transport both you and your bike.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for a Netherlands cycling tour?

We’ve been delivering Netherlands cycling holidays since 2003 and would love you to join us.

We offer place-to-place self-guided holidays for cyclists in a range of regions across the country, including many routes starting and finishing in the Dutch capital Amsterdam. We have something to suit every kind of rider.

Get in touch and let's discuss!

Tips for Netherlands cycling tours

Prepare for variable weather

Always bring reliable rain gear, including a packable waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers. While it rarely rains all day, showers can appear unexpectedly. Checking the weather and adjusting your start time can help keep you dry.

Be aware! The wind is also something to watch in the Netherlands! After all, there’s a reason there are so many windmills found here. A headwind can make even flat routes feel very challenging. Alternatively, a tailwind will make things twice as easy.

To manage strong winds, you can:

• Check the wind direction before setting off and plan your route accordingly. A headwind at the start is better than at the end.
• Ride in a group and take turns at the front to reduce effort.
• Use lower gears and maintain a steady cadence to avoid fatigue.

Understand the signposting systems

As mentioned earlier, the Netherlands boasts an extensive network of cycling routes. These are marked by two primary signposting systems:

• Red-rimmed signposts: Indicating the fastest routes, often alongside main roads.
• Green-rimmed signposts: Highlighting more scenic routes through picturesque landscapes and villages.

Top tip! For a more enjoyable experience, opt for the scenic Netherlands cycling routes.

Apps like ‘Fiets!’ or ‘Fietsknoop’ can assist in your own route planning and real-time navigation.

This helpful video explains how the numbered signposts practically work:

Public transport

If you need a break from windy routes or want to skip a section, you can take your bike on Dutch trains outside of peak periods: 9 am to 4 pm and 6.30 pm to 6.30 am, Monday to Friday.

Top tip! Alongside your train ticket, you need to purchase a bike ticket for an extra charge at the railway station and look for carriages with bike symbols on the outside. This makes it easy to combine cycling with public transport.

E-bike charging and bike security

Many cafés and terraces offer charging points for e-bikes. This makes it relatively easy to top up your battery while you stop for a drink.

However, always lock your bike securely, especially in cities.

Be aware! E-bikes are particularly popular, both among cyclists and potential thieves, so take precautions wherever you park.

Language

Almost all Dutch people speak English, so language is rarely a barrier.

Locals appreciate any effort to speak Dutch. But as soon as they recognise a foreign accent, they usually switch to English to make communication easier.

Food

The Netherlands is not overly famous for its cuisine. But there are some local specialities worth trying.

• Traditional boerenkool met worst (mashed potatoes with kale and sausage) is a hearty dish, perfect after a long ride.
• Bitterballen is also a popular savoury, meat-based Dutch snack
• No trip is complete without tasting Dutch pancakes. These can be sweet or savoury.
• Stroop waffles are also a delicious on-the-go cycling snack

Highway code and travel information

As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for the Netherlands are here.

You should also read and follow the Netherlands’ cycling rules and highway code.

What does Dutch Bike Tours offer?

Dutch Bike Tours has been running cycling holidays in the Netherlands since 2003.

We are a local cycling specialist with a base in Elst in the Netherlands. Alongside our sister brand, Fietsrelax, we cover the whole Netherlands with our cycling tours.

Our self-guided cycling holidays in the Netherlands take you hotel to hotel and explore a range of scenic cycling routes across the country. These tours offer extensive cycling options across the Netherlands and combine our local knowledge and support with enables you to experience some of the best cycling routes in the Netherlands.

Our Netherlands cycling tours include:

• the best bike-friendly hotels
• luggage transfers
• hire bikes, including e-bikes
• high-quality roadbooks with details of points of interest each day
• an easy-to-use GUIBO navigation app
• a bicycle breakdown insurance policy (for an extra charge)

Some of our most popular cycling tours in the Netherlands include:

• Amsterdam to Bruges
• Around Lake IJssel
• Pearls of Holland

Where can cyclists find out more about what Dutch Bike Tours offer?

You can head to our website to find out more about the wide range of Netherlands cycling holidays we offer.

What’s next?

A big thank you to Erik Andréa for sharing these insights into cycling in the Netherlands.

From our own first-hand experience, the Netherlands’ cycling culture and impressive infrastructure, major cities, cycling-friendly accommodation options and peaceful, pretty countryside make this a dream destination for cycling. If you’ve not been before, it’s time to check it out!

• Looking for more Netherlands cycling ideas? Find out why the Dutch city of Amersfoort makes a great Amsterdam destination dupe in this article.
• Looking for more bike-friendly European countries? Take a look at the best bike-friendly cities. You might also like this guide to bike and barge tours, including tours in the Netherlands.