Our stays on EuroVelo 12

EuroVelo 12, North Sea Cycle Route

EuroVelo 12, also known as the North Sea Cycle Route, is a 7,250-kilometer cycling itinerary that crosses 6 countries. This unique route takes you through spectacular and varied landscapes, from Norwegian fjords to Dutch dunes, English cliffs and Belgian canals. Along the way, you’ll visit 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Shetland Islands in Scotland, the Geiranger Fjords in Norway and the Bruges Canal in Belgium. EuroVelo 12 is a true journey by land and sea, punctuated by multiple ferry crossings between the various fjords, islands and countries, allowing you to discover the beauty and diversity of Northern Europe.

The North Sea Cycle Route begins in Norway, offering spectacular views of fjords and picturesque coastal landscapes, from Bergen to the Swedish border at Svinesund. Cyclists can discover the charms of the Norwegian coast, including traditional fishing villages, iconic lighthouses and secluded beaches. In Sweden, the bicycle route covers 380 kilometers, following the coast through the counties of Halland and Västra Götaland. The southern section of EuroVelo 12 in Sweden follows the Kattegattleden, voted Europe’s Cycle Route of the Year 2018, offering cyclists an unforgettable experience through unspoilt coastal landscapes. In Denmark, the North Sea Cycle Route offers 550 kilometers of varied scenery, from sandy beaches to windy dunes and craggy cliffs. This part of the route was awarded a three-star rating by the German cycling association ADFC in 2014, underlining its quality and beauty.

EuroVelo 12 crosses several regions of Germany: Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, a beautiful immersion in German maritime culture. Along the North Sea coast, cyclists can explore Lower Saxony’s Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as historic towns such as Emden, Bremerhaven and Hamburg. Passing through the Netherlands, the North Sea Cycle Route follows the “LF Kustroute” in the west of the country, crossing protected natural areas and varied landscapes, from polders to sand dunes. Here you can discover the rich biodiversity of coastal wetlands and enjoy panoramic views of the North Sea. Stops along the way include historic towns such as Cadzand and remarkable natural sites such as the Zwin nature park at Knokke-Heist.

In France, EuroVelo 12 follows the same itinerary as EuroVelo 4, from the Belgian border to Calais, with stops in Dunkirk, famous for its Second World War battle. In the UK, the route skirts the magnificent Yorkshire and Northumberland coasts, offering panoramic views and historic sites such as the Lord Nelson Way in Norfolk and the Boston to Lincolnshire cycle path. Finally, EuroVelo 12 ends in Scotland, on the islands of Orkney and Shetland, accessible by ferry from the mainland. The islands offer stunning scenery and a rich history, with historic connections such as the ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick.