There’s no place on earth quite like the Netherlands when it comes to cycling. With more bicycles than people and over 35,000 kilometers of dedicated bike paths weaving through some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see, this country has turned pedaling into an art form.
From windmill-dotted polders stretching to the horizon to vibrant tulip fields bursting with color each spring, the Dutch have created a cyclist’s paradise where every turn reveals another postcard-perfect scene. Whether you’re planning a leisurely afternoon ride through historic canal towns or embarking on a multi-day adventure along the coast, the Netherlands offers cycling experiences that cater to every type of rider.
The famously flat terrain means you can focus on soaking up the scenery rather than worrying about steep climbs, while the country’s exceptional cycling infrastructure ensures you’ll always feel safe and welcome on two wheels. Here is a list of 20 incredible cycling routes showcasing the best of what Dutch cycling culture offers.
LF1 Coastal Route
The LF Coastal Route takes you all along the coast of the North Sea and Wadden Sea. This epic 610-kilometer journey combines natural dunes with the Delta Works, a masterpiece of engineering that showcases Dutch ingenuity in protecting their low-lying country from the sea.
You’ll cycle over the impressive 32-kilometer Afsluitdijk dam and can take ferries to the beautiful Wadden Islands from fishing villages like Harlingen and Lauwersoog.
Amsterdam Canal Ring Route
Few cycling experiences rival pedaling through Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more waterways than Venice.The city boasts more canals than Venice, earning it the nickname ‘Venice of the North.’ This fact often earns the nickname ‘the Venice of the North’.
The picturesque arched bridges, cobblestone streets, and characterful, gabled canal buildings add to the city’s undeniable charm. The route takes you past world-famous sights like the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and the Rijksmuseum, but be prepared for busy bike lanes — this is how most locals get around the city.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Zaanse Schans Windmill Route
Traditional windmills, green wooden houses, and industrial heritage come together on this 53-kilometer route through the Zaan region. The route’s highlight is the museum village, the Zaanse Schans, with its industrial windmills and traditional green wooden houses.
The eight working windmills are a sample of the thousands that once powered Holland’s economy, and you can still see them grinding spices, sawing wood, and producing paint pigments. The route also takes you through the historic village of De Rijp and past traditional greenhouses that have influenced modern Dutch architecture.
Kinderdijk Windmill Path
Join the pedaling masses along the canal-side cycling path in Kinderdijk – an iconic World Heritage-listed site. This stretch of the Alblasserwaard polder encompasses two canals, 19 traditional windmills, a pumping station repurposed as a visitor center, and a dual pedestrian and bicycle path between the canals.
The 5.7-kilometer route offers an insight into how the Netherlands manages its water systems, with two 17th-century windmills functioning as museums. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the massive sails spinning in the wind — a majestic sight.
Waterland Rural Route
Twenty minutes from central Amsterdam, you’ve stepped centuries back in Waterland. Cows, dykes, canals, and lots of expansive green fields are on full display on this classic Dutch scenic route. This tranquil ride through the Waterland region north of Amsterdam takes you past typical Dutch countryside scenes with black-and-white cows grazing in endless green meadows.
The route connects charming villages like Broek in Waterland, known for its well-preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture and peaceful canals.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Keukenhof Tulip Route
The best time to take this route is mid-March to mid-May when the tulips and daffodils peak and the ribbons of bold colors are astounding. Located in the Netherlands’ biggest flower-growing region, Flevoland, Noordoostpolder boasts a magnificent display of the nation’s iconic flower.
The country’s longest tulip route encompasses over 100 kilometers through nearly 2,500 acres of colorful fields. You can stop at private farms, take tulip photography workshops, and even pick your blooms at local flower gardens.
Hoge Veluwe National Park Loop
Woodlands, heath, sand drifts, polders, and rivers — the Eneco Veluwe Route takes you through the varied landscapes of the Veluwe region, one of Holland’s most popular cycling destinations. This route through one of the Netherlands’ largest national parks offers a completely different landscape from the typical Dutch polders.
You’ll cycle through dense forests, across heathlands, and around sand drifts that feel more like a different country entirely. The park provides free white bicycles for visitors, and you can combine your ride with a visit to the famous Kröller-Müller Museum and its sculpture garden.
River Vecht Valley Route
For a tranquil experience, few places beat the cycle path along the picturesque River Vecht. Winding between Amsterdam and Utrecht, the Vecht flows past seven beautiful towns and stunning Dutch landscapes.
The 35-kilometer route between Weesp and Utrecht offers sensational views of the Dutch countryside, dotted with numerous country mansions, castles, and traditional windmills. You can stop for lunch in Breukelen — the sleepy town that Brooklyn in the United States was named after.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
LF3 Hanze Towns Route
The LF3 Hanze Town Route from Kampen to Millingen takes you along the dyke of the River IJssel to various historic Hanze towns. This route follows the landmark trading cities once part of the powerful Hanseatic League.
You’ll cycle along river dykes and through medieval town centers with impressive architecture, visiting places like Deventer with its ancient buildings and Zutphen with its beautiful old quarter. The route showcases the commercial history that made these river towns wealthy trading centers.
Scheveningen Beach Route
Ride north or south along invigorating dunes and Scheveningen beaches to leave the Den Haag crowds behind. This coastal route takes you along one of the Netherlands’ most famous beach resorts, with wide sandy beaches perfect for a refreshing break.
The path winds through the impressive dune landscapes of Zuid-Kennemerland, offering constantly changing views of the North Sea. You can combine beach time with exploring the elegant seaside town of Scheveningen and its historic pier.
LF4 Middle Of Holland Route
From the dunes by The Hague through the Rhine valley and National Park Veluwe Zoom to the eastern town of Enschede — the LF4 takes you through various typical Dutch landscapes. This diverse route showcases the Netherlands’ incredible landscape variety within a relatively small country.
You’ll experience coastal dunes, river valleys, national parks, and historic cities all on one route. The LF4 demonstrates how Dutch engineering has created different environments across the flat landscape through careful water management and land planning.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Utrecht To Amersfoort Green Route
This scenic route connects two of the Netherlands’ most beautiful historic cities through peaceful countryside and charming villages. The path takes you through the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, one of the few areas in the Netherlands with gentle hills and dense forests.
You’ll pass medieval castles, ancient estates, and traditional Dutch farms while cycling on quiet country lanes away from traffic. The route perfectly blends cultural sights and natural beauty outside the busy Randstad urban area.
Giethoorn Village Route
Often called the ‘Venice of the North,’ Giethoorn is a unique village with no roads—only canals, footpaths, and cycling paths. This peaceful route takes you through one of the Netherlands’ most enchanting villages, where traditional thatched-roof farmhouses line quiet waterways.
The cycling path winds around the village perimeter, offering glimpses of canal-side life and traditional punt boats that serve as the main transportation. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale where time seems to have stopped centuries ago.
Zandvoort Coastal Loop
Located just 15 miles from Amsterdam, this beach route offers everything from challenging dune cycling to relaxing seaside stops. The route combines the best Dutch coastal cycling, taking you through the dramatic landscapes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park before emerging at the popular beach resort of Zandvoort.
You can cycle directly on the beach during low tide or stick to the dune paths for more challenging terrain. Beach bars and seaside restaurants provide perfect stopping points along the way.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
LF Zuiderzeeroute
The LF Zuiderzee Route is one of the most popular Dutch long-distance routes. This 400-kilometer loop around the former Zuiderzee takes you through quintessential Dutch landscapes of polders, dykes, and traditional fishing villages. You’ll experience the dramatic story of how the Dutch turned a sea into a lake and reclaimed vast land areas.
Historic fishing towns like Volendam and Marken showcase traditional Dutch culture, while the modern engineering marvels tell the story of Dutch water management.
Breda Forest And Rivers Route
To escape the city bustle, jump on a bicycle and take the LF9 cycle path, which meanders through pretty countryside following the Mark River. This route combines the best of Noord-Brabant’s natural landscapes, taking you through dense forests and along peaceful rivers.
You’ll cycle through the ancient Mastbos Forest and visit the charming city of Breda with its historic buildings and lively market squares. The route perfectly escapes urban areas into the green heart of the southern Netherlands.
Alkmaar Cheese Country Route
Enjoy a quiet day cycling along dykes and canals in Alkmaar. This route takes you through the heart of Dutch cheese country, where traditional cheese-making still happens in family farms. The famous Alkmaar cheese market provides a colorful start to your ride, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with dairy farms where you can often see the cheese-making process.
The flat polders stretch endlessly in all directions, interrupted only by windmills and the occasional church spire marking a small village.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Texel Island Adventure
Take a ferry to Texel, the largest and most diverse of the Wadden Sea islands, for a unique cycling experience surrounded by sea. This island offers 140 kilometers of cycling paths through six distinct villages, each with its character.
You’ll cycle through ancient polders below sea level, coastal dunes with amazing bird watching opportunities, and traditional farming areas where sheep graze peacefully. The island feels like a miniature version of the Netherlands, with beaches, forests, and traditional Dutch culture.
Rotterdam Modern Architecture Route
This urban route showcases Rotterdam’s incredible modern architecture and innovative urban planning. After being heavily bombed during World War II, Rotterdam rebuilt itself to showcase contemporary design and urban innovation. The cycling route takes you past iconic buildings like the Cube Houses, the Central Market Hall, and the stunning Erasmus Bridge.
You’ll see how the Netherlands has embraced modern architecture while maintaining its cycling-friendly urban design principles.
Limburg Hills Challenge
From the gentle hills of Limburg to the flat open landscape of Groningen — the Cyclist’s Path takes you from Maastricht in the south to the Wadden Sea in the north through some of Holland’s most sparsely populated regions. Southern Limburg offers the Netherlands’ only real hills, providing a completely different cycling experience from the rest of the country.
The rolling landscape around Maastricht features vineyards, castles, and challenging climbs that will test even experienced cyclists. This region feels more like neighboring Belgium and Germany than typical Dutch terrain.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Time travel through a cycling paradise
The Netherlands has transformed cycling from simple transportation into a cultural experience that delightfully connects past and present. Whether you’re gliding past 400-year-old windmills that still grind grain today, pedaling through tulip fields that paint the landscape in rainbow colors each spring, or cycling along innovative flood barriers that represent cutting-edge engineering, every route tells the story of a nation that has mastered the art of living with water and creating beauty from practicality.
These 20 routes represent just a fraction of the cycling adventures in this remarkable country, where every path leads to discoveries and every mile reveals another reason why the Netherlands remains the world’s ultimate cycling destination.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.