RIDE-REST-REPEAT
NORTH REGION
The North route of Bikepacking Holland takes you through historic cities, coastal views, and open landscapes. Ride from Enschede , Zwolle , and Leeuwarden to Groningen and Alkmaar , then past Haarlem and Zaandam to finish in Amsterdam.
ALKMAAR
The city with 33 windmills and of course well known for its cheese and world famous cheese market! Alkmaar is a delightful city situated conveniently close to Amsterdam, the North Sea beach, just half an hour of cycling apart. In the city center you will find plenty of nice restaurants, shops and terraces. Cycle up and down the dunes of Schoorl to reach Egmond aan Zee, along what may just be the most magnificent cycling route in our country. From Alkmaar, the city of Haarlem is easy accessible, also for the more easy paced cyclists!
AMSTERDAM
The capital of the Netherlands and a city like no other! Amsterdam is famous for its canals, historic architecture, and world-class museums. With countless bike-friendly streets, charming cafés, and vibrant neighborhoods, it's a paradise for cyclists. Ride along the Amstel River, explore the iconic Jordaan district, or take a short trip to the picturesque countryside of Waterland. From Amsterdam, the coastal city of Haarlem is just a relaxed ride away.
ENSCHEDE
Enschede, the vibrant student city of Twente, is a hidden gem for bike packers! Cycle through the beautiful countryside and explore the landscape of Twente with winding rivers, expansive forests, and charming villages. In the city, enjoy cozy squares, trendy cafes, and a lively atmosphere. For nature lovers, nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park offers a perfect place to relax, while the Rijksmuseum Twente is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
GRONINGEN
If you're planning a cycling tour in the far north of our country, make sure to drop by the beautiful city of Groningen! Wander through the city center, explore all the small streets and climb the Martini tower, you won't get bored. If you are keen to see the historic 'Hunestromen' in Drenthe, you can plan your internship from the city center of Groningen along the 'Drentsche Aa' to reach the 'Hunzedal' in just a few hours. You can take a break at Lake Zuidlaardermeer for a refreshing swim!
HAARLEM
A cozy city center, museums, shops and restaurants and the beach just around the corner. This is Haarlem: a city with so much to offer, spreading from the old, almost hidden streets to the hip concept stores. Haarlem is excellently located too. Within only half an hour you could cycle towards the beaches of Zandvoort or the trendy seaside resort of Bloemendaal. If you follow the 'Visscherspad' cycling route along the coastline, in just an hour and a half you'll make it to your next destination: Noordwijk.
LEEUWARDEN
Did you know that 'De Oldehove', Leeuwarden's famous old landmark, is even more crooked than the Tower of Pisa? There's a lot to discover in beautiful Leeuwarden. You surely will be surprised! For the real marathon cyclists Leeuwarden is a perfect destination because leaving the Randstad you can make quite some miles in just one day and set yourself a personal cycling record. Once you do arrive in Leeuwarden you could easily pedal onward to Harlingen, where you can hop on the ferry to the beautiful Wadden Islands!
ZWOLLE
Zwolle is a lively Hanseatic city with a medieval center. The city is perfect for shopping, cultural events and day trips. Zwolle has many museums, restaurants which are renowned for their culinary delights, such as De Librije (which has been awarded three Michelin stars!), atmospheric terraces and pubs. More over, Zwolle is your perfect cycling hub on your way from the Randstad to the Northern regions of the country.