Cycling in Amsterdam and The Netherlands: A guide to scenic Dutch cycling holiday routes

Whether you’re heading to Amsterdam for a weekend, want to tick off Holland’s must‑see highlights, or feel like exploring further afield, this guide takes you onto cycle routes packed with surprises. Now in its third edition, it’s perfect for everyone — total beginners, families, and seasoned touring riders alike. With over 900 km (550 miles) of routes, you’ve got enough for up to three weeks of cycling adventures.
You’ll find multiple circular day rides in and around Amsterdam, each with different distance options so you can tailor the day to your legs and your mood. A 340 km (210‑mile) touring loop showcases the best of Holland: windmill reserves, tulip fields, sweeping coastal dunes, peaceful waterways, and classic towns like Gouda, Edam and Delft — plus big‑name cities such as The Hague, Utrecht and Haarlem. More routes heading north, east and south open up even more of the Netherlands’ famously bike‑friendly landscape.
Expect everything from the Utrecht Ridge National Park to the River Rhine, the impressive Delta Dams and even a few real Dutch hills — with a brief dip into Germany for good measure. All routes connect easily with major ferry ports, Schiphol Airport and key rail hubs, so you can start riding the moment you arrive.
The guide includes bike rentals, repair shops, B&Bs, hotels, hostels and campsites, along with detailed maps, clear directions and free GPX downloads. It even dives into the history of Dutch cycling culture and the country’s brilliant cycle‑route network. Designed to fit neatly into a handlebar map holder, this is the ultimate companion for anyone who wants to experience the Netherlands the way it’s meant to be seen — from the saddle.