One of the best ways to experience the Netherlands is on two wheels. With 35,000 km of dedicated bike paths, cycling is part of everyday life here. It’s not just for the sporty but for everyone. Whether you’re after a relaxed city loop, a scenic countryside ride, or a long-distance adventure, there’s a route for you.
So why not hop on a bike and see the country like a local? Whether it’s a short afternoon ride or a multi-day journey, cycling in the Netherlands is an experience you won’t forget.
Easy & Scenic Routes for Leisure Riders
Not every ride needs to be fast or intense. Some of the best cycling routes in the Netherlands are easy, scenic, and perfect for a relaxed day on two wheels. Whether you want to ride through historic villages, along peaceful rivers, or by the sea, these routes offer beautiful landscapes without too much effort.
Amsterdam to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel (15 km, One-Way)
This peaceful ride follows the Amstel River, just south of Amsterdam. It’s an easy escape from the city, taking you past houseboats, green fields, and historic bridges. With smooth, well-maintained paths, it’s ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon ride.
What to Expect
The route runs along a dedicated cycling path, keeping you safely away from traffic. At the end, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel welcomes you with waterfront cafés and traditional Dutch charm. For a local treat, stop at De Oude Smidse, known for its delicious Dutch pancakes.
💡 Tip: Want to ride a little longer? Continue toward the Ronde Hoep Polder, a scenic loop through quiet farmland with barely any cars.
Utrecht’s Green Heart Loop (35 km, Circular Route)
This route takes you into the Groene Hart (Green Heart), a region of meadows, windmills, and peaceful waterways. Starting from Utrecht, you’ll cycle through small villages and open farmland, far from city noise. It’s a perfect ride for those who enjoy quiet landscapes and local culture.
What to Expect
The flat, well-paved roads make this an easy and comfortable ride. In Woerden, a historic town along the way, you’ll find a medieval castle and a famous cheese market. The route also has plenty of picnic spots and benches, perfect for a break in the countryside.
💡 Tip: Many farms along the route sell fresh cheese and local produce—bring some cash for a roadside snack.
The Dunes of The Hague & Scheveningen (30 km, One-Way)
For a mix of nature and coastal views, this ride takes you through Meijendel, the largest dune area in South Holland. The route starts in The Hague, weaving through rolling sand dunes before ending at Scheveningen Beach. It’s a refreshing ride with fresh sea air and beautiful open landscapes.
What to Expect
The route is mostly car-free, following wide bike paths through the dunes. In Scheveningen, you’ll find a long pier, plenty of seaside cafés, and even a Ferris wheel with stunning ocean views. Be prepared for some wind—the dunes can create strong gusts, especially in the afternoons.
💡 Tip: If you prefer a quieter coastal finish, continue south to Kijkduin, a less crowded beach with relaxed seaside restaurants.
Best Routes for Road Cyclists (Speed & Endurance)
If you’re looking for a ride that’s faster, longer, or more challenging, the Netherlands also has plenty to offer. While the country is known for its flat terrain, there are road cycling Netherland routes that test endurance, speed, and even climbing ability.
Posbank Route (52 km, Veluwezoom National Park)
Few places in the Netherlands offer real elevation, but Posbank is an exception. This scenic route winds through Veluwezoom National Park, combining rolling hills, forested roads, and panoramic views. It’s a go-to ride for cyclists who want smooth tarmac with a bit of climbing.
What to Expect
The climbs here are short but steep, with some reaching gradients of 8%. The roads are quiet, well-paved, and lined with heathlands, making for a rewarding ride. If you visit in late summer, the hills are covered in purple heather, adding to the experience.
💡 Tip: Start early to avoid crowds. After the ride, stop at Paviljoen de Posbank for coffee and one of the best views in the park.
Ronde van Texel (60 km, Island Loop)
Texel is the perfect spot for a fast and scenic coastal ride. This 60 km loop circles the island, offering a mix of open roads, dunes, and farmlands. The route is flat, but the coastal winds add a natural challenge.
What to Expect
Most of the ride follows car-free bike paths, making it smooth and stress-free. The western coastline faces the North Sea, where strong headwinds can test your endurance. A short ferry ride from Den Helder gets you to the island, so plan ahead.
💡 Tip: Check the wind direction before you ride. A strong tailwind along the coast can turn a tough ride into a fast, exhilarating stretch.
South Limburg’s Amstel Gold Race Route (100+ km, Challenging Climbs)
If you’re looking for a serious challenge, head to South Limburg. This region is home to rolling hills, steep climbs, and winding countryside roads. It’s also where the Amstel Gold Race, the Netherlands’ biggest professional cycling event, takes place.
What to Expect
The route features some of the toughest climbs in the country, including the Cauberg, Keutenberg, and Eyserbosweg. Some sections hit gradients of up to 22%, demanding strength and endurance. The landscape is stunning, with roads weaving through vineyards, villages, and open farmland.
💡 Tip: Ride during the Amstel Gold Race weekend in April for a true pro cycling experience. The atmosphere is electric, and the roads are filled with cyclists.
Best Routes for Long-Distance & Bikepacking
For those who love the open road, the Netherlands offers incredible long-distance cycling routes. With a vast network of LF (Landelijke Fietsroutes), you can ride for days through ever-changing landscapes. Whether you follow winding rivers, cycle along the coast, or pass through historic towns, every journey is an adventure.
LF7 Oeverlandroute (Amsterdam to Maastricht – 385 km)
This north-to-south route takes you from the canals of Amsterdam to the rolling hills of Limburg. It follows the Vecht, Rhine, and Maas rivers, passing through cities like Utrecht, Arnhem, and Nijmegen. The further south you go, the more the terrain shifts from flat farmlands to wooded hills.
What to Expect
The first stretch out of Amsterdam is an easy ride through peaceful countryside and quiet riverbanks. In Gelderland, the scenery turns greener, with forests and charming villages. By the time you reach Limburg, the hills add a new challenge, making the final stretch the toughest but most rewarding.
💡 Tip: Stop in Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city, for a well-earned break along the Waal River.
LF1 North Sea Route (300+ km, Coastal Adventure)
If you love the sound of crashing waves and wide-open horizons, this ride is for you. The LF1 North Sea Route runs along the Dutch coastline, connecting Zeeland to Den Helder. Dunes, harbors, and endless beaches make this one of the most scenic long-distance routes in the country.
What to Expect
The route starts in Zeeland, where a series of bridges and ferries connect small islands. Further north, the ride takes you through The Hague and Scheveningen, offering a mix of city and coast. The final leg through Texel is a highlight, with stunning sea views and quiet nature reserves.
💡 Tip: The wind can make or break this ride. Check the forecast before setting off.
Zuiderzee Route (440 km, Historic Towns & Waterways)
This circular route follows the old Zuiderzee coastline, now the IJsselmeer, passing through charming fishing villages and former trading towns. It’s a ride through history, with a mix of Dutch maritime culture and stunning water views. The route blends open landscapes, lakes, and historic town centers, making it a favorite for multi-day cycling trips.
What to Expect
Starting in Amsterdam or Enkhuizen, you’ll pass through towns like Hoorn, Lemmer, and Harderwijk, each with a unique story. The route crosses the Afsluitdijk, a 32-km-long dam stretching between Friesland and North Holland. Riding across it feels like cycling in the middle of the sea, with water stretching to the horizon on both sides.
💡 Tip: The Afsluitdijk has a new bike path with rest areas, but bring plenty of water—there are no stops in the middle.
Final Note
There’s no better way to see the Netherlands than from the saddle of a bike. Whether you’re gliding along canals, pushing through coastal winds, or conquering rolling hills, every ride offers something special. The country’s cycling network makes it easy to explore at your own pace, with routes for every rider and every mood.
So grab a bike, pick a path, and set off on your own two-wheeled adventure. The Netherlands is waiting!
