Outdoorinspiratie.nl | Posted on October 1st, 2024 | When I think of the west of the Netherlands, I think of busy cities, lots of industry and crowded motorways. As you can imagine, I was very pleasantly surprised when I regularly felt completely alone in the world while bikepacking along hostels on the Dutch coast. Elongated cycle paths, with dunes on both sides as far as I can see. Dune lakes, coniferous forests and the occasional glimpse of the beach. A landscape where the elements are in charge, and industry and big cities feel endlessly far away. And those cities? It was actually a lot of fun there!
Bikepacking along the Dutch coast: the LF Coastal Route
The LF Coastal Route is an official Dutch multi-day cycling route. The route is 610 km long and follows the Dutch coastline from Cadzand-Bad in Zeeland to Bad Nieuweschans in Groningen. You can also cycle the route the other way around, but then (depending on the weather forecast) you have a greater chance of headwind. This Long Cycle Route is part of the 4,000-kilometre-long North Sea Cycle Route (EuroVelo 12).
The Coastal Route is well marked, runs along some of the most beautiful paved cycle paths in the Netherlands and passes through a village with amenities and accommodation on each stage. You don’t need a special bike to bikepack along the Dutch coast on this route. However, it is useful that your bike is in good condition, because you sometimes cycle quite long stretches through areas without habitation.
Tip: check out the most recent route changes of the LF Coastal Route here.
Bikepacken from hostel to hostel
Bikepacking along the Dutch coast can be done from campsite to campsite, from hotel to hotel or from hostel to hostel. I chose the latter option. A good bed, heat and electricity every night, but no high costs. I stayed in hostels that are affiliated with Bikepacking Holland. Through that platform you will find nice, bicycle-friendly hostels throughout the Netherlands. For maximum convenience, you can book five hostels along the LF Coastal Route in one go, starting at 220 euros per person. You can do this via the Plan your trip page (‘LF coastal route’).
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