--- title: "Bicycle touring in Netherlands | Cycle Planet" description: "A great country for traveling by bicycle. It's mostly flat land, only in the far south there are hills. The highest is about 300 mtr. high. The Dutch…" canonical_url: "https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands" meta: "og:description": "A great country for traveling by bicycle. It's mostly flat land, only in the far south there are hills. The highest is about 300 mtr. high. The Dutch…" "og:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BNetherlands%2Cdescription_~QSBncmVhdCBjb3VudHJ5IGZvciB0cmF2ZWxpbmcgYnkgYmljeWNsZS4gSXQncyBtb3N0bHkgZmxhdCBsYW5kLCBvbmx5IGluIHRoZSBmYXIgc291dGggdGhlcmUgYXJlIGhpbGxzLiBUaGUgaGlnaGVzdCBpcyBhYm91dCAzMDAgbXRyLiBoaWdoLiBUaGUgRHV0Y2jigKY%2Cheadline_Western%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvbmV0aGVybGFuZHMi%2Cs_IQL9Xt86ENEa6NUn.png" "og:image:height": "600" "og:image:type": image/png "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Bicycle touring in Netherlands" "twitter:image": "https://cycleplanet.org/_og/d/c_Blauwdruk%2Ctitle_Bicycle%2Btouring%2Bin%2BNetherlands%2Cdescription_~QSBncmVhdCBjb3VudHJ5IGZvciB0cmF2ZWxpbmcgYnkgYmljeWNsZS4gSXQncyBtb3N0bHkgZmxhdCBsYW5kLCBvbmx5IGluIHRoZSBmYXIgc291dGggdGhlcmUgYXJlIGhpbGxzLiBUaGUgaGlnaGVzdCBpcyBhYm91dCAzMDAgbXRyLiBoaWdoLiBUaGUgRHV0Y2jigKY%2Cheadline_Western%2BEurope%2CsiteName_Cycle%2BPlanet%2Clogo_CP%2Cp_Ii9jb3VudHJpZXMvbmV0aGVybGFuZHMi%2Cs_IQL9Xt86ENEa6NUn.png" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://cycleplanet.org/llms.txt) Western Europe # Netherlands **Schengen**[**View on the map**](https://cycleplanet.org/map?at=52.132633,5.291266,6.5) [** Download GPX (36) **](https://cycleplanet.org/api/gpx/NL) ## **About ** A great country for traveling by bicycle. It's mostly flat land, only in the far south there are hills. The highest is about 300 mtr. high. The Dutch almost invited cycling themselves. It's the most common transport. Last updated 8 Apr 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/about) ## **People ** There are more bicycles than people in the country, and bicycle lanes can be found anywhere. The Netherlands has a dense population, so you'll find small villages amd people almost everywhere. In general Dutch people are friendly, but sometimes they seem to be afraid to get in contact with strangers. Last updated 17 Oct 2021 by [Reinier Lamers](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/TvfAAresxYPZ4C2lYB68L6RNGG33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/people) ## **Visa ** People from EU, Canada, Japan and USA don't need a visa. All other people need a Schengen visa to visit this country. You can find more information here [**https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/**](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/). The visa is valid for 90 days, and allows you to travel through all Schengen countries. Last updated 3 Sept 2020 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/visa) ## **See and do **(14) Sorted by most likes 1. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**1. Historic city center Amsterdam**See & doVisit the capital of The Netherlands to dive into a piece of history of the Dutch culture. Wander around in the city, and cross one of the many canals. The… 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/9353ac9f-f095-4d2a-887e-9526a1c198f7) 2. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**2. Kinderdijk**See & doThis village is best known for the many 18th-century windmills that are stately positioned next to the water. 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/813a161d-70ed-4967-850a-8865bf86a2f2) 3. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**3. Terschelling**See & doOne of the five larger islands in The Netherlands, and definetly worth to visit when you're nearby. You can reach this place from Harlingen at the main land… 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/1655ca74-4cd3-4615-9fb6-e6e96b7e850d) 4. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**4. Historic city center Venlo**See & doVenlo has a historic city center. Nice to visit. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/c066883b-fe77-4569-8dce-2468ce02cc41) 5. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**5. Onze Lieve Vrouwen ter Nood - Place of Pilgrimage**See & doThere is a beautiful chapel with some impressive wall paintings. The terrain is very peaceful. There is also a monastery and some other holy places. Open from… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/6fa28eec-9559-447f-8fd8-fbade37a5148) 6. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**6. Planetarium Eise Eisinga**See & doIn 1781, the Dutch Eise Eisinga build a live working scaled model of our solar system in his living room. It's a truly amazing achievement and it's definitely… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/fb1f1dff-7e41-47df-9801-8b446ddb7f7d) 7. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**7. "Amsterdam Castle" Muiderslot**See & doMedieval castle guarding the place where the road from Amsterdam to the East crossed River Vecht. In a very scenic location by the IJmeer lake and the old…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/9e7805ce-a45f-4438-84ab-9c9a82330521) 8. [![See \& do](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/SeeDo.png)**8. Balloerveld**See & doBeautiful natural reserve and worth to cycle through.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/c8c624e4-b102-4348-a3ed-0901d5e06e90) ## **Bike shops **(9) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**1. Bike4travel**Bike shopSantos dealer https://www.bike4travel.nl/ 3](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/3fc23df5-7973-4cb7-91f8-b3334daa2184) 2. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**2. Cycle Passion**Bike shopGreat bicycle shop owned by Job, who is (as the company's name sais) very passionate about cycling. Website: https://www.cyclepassion.nl/ Phone: +31642441655 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/8ab7405d-bc23-4334-95f3-f6557fcd35ae) 3. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**3. De Vakantiefietser**Bike shopBike shop specialized in bike touring. Knowledgeable but sometimes overly focused on selling you expensive gear. Website: https://www.vakantiefietser.nl Phone… 2](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/49f7dd23-e1ac-428e-b1f0-87367333e0de) 4. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**4. Horizon Bicycles**Bike shopA bicycleshop specialized in tourbiking. Website: https://horizonbicycles.nl/ Phone: +31307371087 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/01c36034-2e2e-47fb-9a12-ef906a0ed17e) 5. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**5. Tromm Tweewielers**Bike shopPassionate and somewhat disorganized bike shop. They have parts and service for all types of bicycles. 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/542280d1-ffee-4c96-9b0c-73f47e221b9f) 6. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**6. Beagle Bikes**Bike shopSantos brand store and workshop](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/b414d52a-4027-4f55-9373-e8c67b429066) 7. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**7. Cycleworks**Bike shopGreat mechanics and touring, bikepacking and gravel bike collection - particularly from Kona.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/b024beaa-2980-438b-bba3-40743dd82e73) 8. [![Bike shop](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/BikeShop.png)**8. CycleYou**Bike shopHigh-end shop for bicycle connaisseurs. Passionate and helpful but dangerous to go near if you're on a budget.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7c515232-4951-4701-8c5b-ff3b108065cf) ## **Sleeping ** ### **Staying with locals** There are plenty of Couchsurfers and Warmshowers hosts available. ### **(Formal) camping** This is pretty difficult as there are many campsites around and people will redirect you to them. ### **Ho(s)tels** The big cities offer Hostels, while hotels can be found in many different places. ### **Wild camping** Wildcamping is illegal. As the country has a dense population, it can be difficult to find places where there are no people. Last updated 3 Mar 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/sleeping) ## **Places to sleep **(10) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Wild camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Wildcamping.png)**1. Between river and a special bird sanctuary**Wild campingA beautiful dead ended spot between river and bird reserve. There are 2 wooden benches. Please take your waste with you. At weekends bird watchers come by… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7d6880f3-38ea-4255-bce5-a8d25c3322a4) 2. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**2. Camping Nij Wybranda**CampsiteNice, small camping at a farm. Very nice for children. They can help with milking the cows, they can feed the animals, ride on a pony/horse,... Check their… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/53dee5ea-a40f-4e12-9acb-a535b53f21b9) 3. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**3. In 't Niet**CampsiteA friendly campsite farm. Very small-scale with simple but good facilities. Ideal for cyclists who can also sit dry in wet weather. You can only buy some hot… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7f0fc98e-1a54-422b-afba-dbc33753ec95) 4. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**4. Stadscamping near the Ijssel**CampsiteBeautiful campsite next to the river Ijssel, with a view on the impressive skyline of Deventer. 1 night for 1 person costs 11 euro. Plenty of space and quite a… 1](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/70e123fd-afd2-4b59-a74d-6205bdc84666) 5. [![Formal camping](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/FormalCamping.png)**5. Camping de Oude Barrier**Formal campingCamping de Oude Barrier, The campsite is located in a beautiful wooded area just outside Venray. At the campsite you can have fun in the open air baths…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/7bfe293f-b84a-4298-b2ee-a0ac3a0a55bf) 6. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**6. Camping Zeeburg**CampsiteCampsite (campground) with a hippie backpacker vibe. Probably the cheapest place for a legal stay in Amsterdam save for hospex. Website…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/38692563-3996-4a42-838b-202916573ce2) 7. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**7. Cupido**CampsiteNice campsite and reasonable price with 14 euro for 1 person for 1 night. During the Dutch summer holidays, this place is most likely full, so book way in…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/ed50d135-cba8-4f95-bb6c-61db7f3fc126) 8. [![Campsite](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Campsites.png)**8. De Lange Paal**CampsiteMore or less the only campsite at Vlieland. For now, you have to book on the website. After corona, it's likely that you can just pass by. They used to have a…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/91a3212a-e873-42dd-b22c-3630dfb2e023) ## **Safety ** The Netherlands is very safe. ### **Traffic** There are a lot of roads and there is a lot of traffic, but there are bicycle paths everywhere. ### **Criminality** Criminality is around, so make sure to always lock your bicycle. ### **Corruption** Don't worry, you don't have to bribe anyone here. ### **Nature and animals** In the winter temperatures can drop to -10 degrees celsius, while summers can be +35 degrees celsius. There are no dangerous animals. Since a few years there are wolves around in National parks, but apparently they don't go after humans. Last updated 4 Mar 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/safety) ## **Transport ** ### **Airplane** Schiphol, near Amsterdam, is the largest and most used airport, and has connections to many places. Smallers airports can be found at Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Maastricht. ### **Train** There is a very good train network that can bring you to almost any place. The tickets are a little expensive, with a maximum price of 24 euro for a single ride (depends on the distance). You can bring your bicycle, but therefore you need to buy a separate ticket online. You can also rent bicycles at every train station for about 3 euros per 24 hours. You might need a pass for this, which takes a few weeks to get. Website: [**https://www.ns.nl/en**](https://www.ns.nl/en) ### **Bus** The bus network is quite good as well, and should be able to bring you almost any place in The Netherlands, combined with some train rides. However, you can't bring a bicycle into the bus. ### **Boat** There are connections with England departing from Hoek van Holland or Ijmuiden. Between the Fryssian Islands there are also connections with boats. You can bring your bicycle on them, but need to pay extra for that. Last updated 16 Feb 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/transport) ## **Food and drink ** Typical Dutch food is "stamppot", which is mashed potatoes with a specific vegetable (carrot, coal, spinach). At the snackbar you will find a "frikandel" or "kroket", which are the Dutch proud. As candy there is "drop" (licorice) and "stroopwafel" (cookie with caramel). For drinks, Dutch people like to stick to beer and wine. Many different beers are being brewed in The Netherlands and if you like to taste new ones, you should visit a beer cafe that sometimes have more than a 1.000 different types of beers. Last updated 13 Feb 2021 by [Bas Idsinga](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/foodDrink) ## **Other places **(3) Sorted by most likes 1. [![Ferry](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Ferry.png)**1. Den Helder - Texel**FerryFerry to Texel. Departs every hour at :30. One person with one bike costs 5 euro for a single ticket. Going back from Texel to Den Helder is free of charge.](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/31f62668-151e-42fa-83ca-f43a778bf7e2) 2. [![Other](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Other.png)**2. Slotbossetoren**OtherRuïne van het kasteel in het huidige Oosterhout https://nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasteel\\Strijen\\(Oosterhout)](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/c5808b0b-9c36-4305-bfb0-3f2dd013c138) 3. [![Ferry](https://cycleplanet.org/markers/Ferry.png)**3. Texel - Vlieland**FerryFerry from Texel to Vlieland. In Vlieland, you will either dock at the harbour on the East part of the island, or you have to cross the beach by a large bus…](https://cycleplanet.org/poi/bab48faa-5b1c-4b9a-8c55-bcd1fa0d4983) ## **Videos ** - [video](https://youtu.be/YSicZnvfTVg) ## **Other ** - [**Map with cycling routes in Netherlands**](https://www.anwb.nl/fietsroutes/fietsknooppuntenplanner) Last updated 13 Apr 2021 by [Cycle Planet](https://cycleplanet.org/cyclists/RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33) [Edit](https://cycleplanet.org/countries/netherlands/edit/other) ## **From the blog ** ### Cycling in the Netherlands - how do you plan a bicycle tour through the flattest cycling country? Cycling in the Netherlands as a bicycle tourer - LF routes, the junction network, wind, where to sleep, trains with a bike and the best season to ride. 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