Our cycling holidays in the Netherlands

Discover the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a rich history dating back to antiquity. The country enjoyed an important period during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, characterized by trade, maritime exploration and artistic prosperity. Today, as a founding member of the European Union, the Netherlands plays an essential role. Rotterdam, one of the world’s most important ports, is a major economic center. The country is also involved in international organizations and is often a leader in environmental policy.

The Netherlands’ emblematic cities and regions offer captivating diversity. Amsterdam, as the capital, attracts visitors with its picturesque canals winding through the city, its world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and its lively atmosphere. Rotterdam stands out as a major economic center with striking modern architecture, contemporary art galleries and a dynamic port that testifies to its importance in world trade. Utrecht, meanwhile, captivates with its historical heritage and student atmosphere, where medieval architecture coexists harmoniously with the youthful vitality of the population.

The Netherlands is characterized by flat, low-lying terrain, with around a third of the country below sea level. Canals, rivers and polders, land reclaimed from the water, are key elements of the landscape. Coastal dunes offer protection from the North Sea. The country is also famous for its multicolored tulip fields in spring. Agriculture is also a key sector, with fields of windmills and verdant meadows. National parks such as De Hoge Veluwe offer a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

The country and its people

In the Netherlands, cycling culture is deeply rooted, shaping the urban landscape and the daily habits of the population. The Dutch have made cycling an integral part of their way of life, making it a preferred means of transport for daily commuting. Dutch cities are designed with priority given to cycle paths, which are laid out in such a way as to ensure safety and practicality for cyclists. The Netherlands stands out in Europe as a forerunner in cycling, boasting one of the highest annual mileages per capita. Daily habits that contribute to sustainable urban living.

At the same time, the Netherlands has distinguished itself on the international cycling scene with some outstanding champions. Mathieu Van der Poel is a leading figure in men’s cycling, while Dutch women’s cycling dominates cyclo-cross and road. Outstanding cyclists such as Demi Vollering, Annemiek Van Vleuten, Marianne Vos, Lucinda Brand, Puck Pieterse, and Fem Van Empel rule the world rankings all year round, illustrating an impressive density in the world TOP 10. This sporting supremacy confirms the Netherlands’ status as an exemplary cycling nation, combining an everyday cycling culture with undisputed sporting excellence.

The Netherlands has produced some of the most famous artists in Western art history. Rembrandt, master of the Baroque, and Van Gogh, pioneer of Post-Impressionism, are world-renowned icons.

Dutch gastronomy has evolved into a fusion of flavors and international influences. Traditional dishes include raw herring, meat croquettes, stroopwafel, a waffle with syrup, and cheese, Gouda and Edam being among the most famous. Food markets, such as the Albert Cuyp market in Amsterdam, offer a variety of culinary delights, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the Dutch food scene.

Cycling routes in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is world-renowned as a cycling paradise, with an extensive network of cycle paths and a well-established cycling culture. The Netherlands is the starting point for several EuroVelo routes, a network of cycle paths that crosses Europe:

• EuroVelo 2, the Capitals Route, links the Irish capital Dublin with the Russian capital Moscow. In the Netherlands, EuroVelo 2 starts in Maastricht, in the south of the country, and then crosses Germany, Poland, Belarus and Russia.
• EuroVelo 3, the Scandibérique: this route links Trondheim in Norway to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. In the Netherlands, EuroVelo 3 begins at the German border near Arnhem, then heads south across the country.
• EuroVelo 4, the Central Europe Route: starting from Roscoff in France, this cycle route crosses Central Europe to Kiev in Ukraine. In the Netherlands, EuroVelo 4 starts in Rosmalen, near ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
• EuroVelo 12, the North Sea Cycle Route: this itinerary follows the Atlantic coast from Portugal to Russia. In the Netherlands, EuroVelo 12 starts in The Hague, offering cyclists magnificent views of the North Sea.
• EuroVelo 15, the Rhine Cycle Route: This cycle route follows the course of the Rhine from its source in the Swiss Alps to its mouth in the Netherlands. EuroVelo 15 starts in Arnhem, then crosses the country along the river.

Weather in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, with its temperate oceanic climate, offers ideal conditions for cycling all year round. Mild winters, characterized by moderate temperatures between 0°C and 5°C, are perfect for exploring destinations such as the coastal dunes of The Hague or the charming canals of Utrecht. Cool summers, with average highs of 17°C to 20°C, create a pleasant atmosphere for exploring Amsterdam and its renowned museums by bike.

Occasional showers, evenly distributed throughout the year, don’t prevent you from enjoying the green landscapes of the Dutch countryside. In autumn and winter, the winds, though present, shouldn’t deter cyclists from venturing along EuroVelo 15, the Rhine Cycle Route, which offers picturesque views all along the river.

Whatever the season, the Netherlands, with its well-maintained cycle paths, EuroVelo routes and iconic destinations, offers a unique and accessible cycling experience.

The 10 must-sees in the Netherlands

• Amsterdam: the Dutch capital is famous for its picturesque canals, renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and lively atmosphere. The Anne Frank House and the red light district are also major attractions.
• Keukenhof: nicknamed the “Garden of Europe”, Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden, renowned for its fields of colorful tulips. It offers an explosion of color in spring.
• Zaanse Schans: this historic village near Amsterdam features traditional windmills, wooden houses and craft workshops, offering a glimpse into Dutch history.
• Giethoorn: nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, Giethoorn is a charming roadless village, navigable only by canals, with wooden bridges and traditional houses.
• Utrecht: this historic city is renowned for its canals, medieval architecture and lively student atmosphere. The Dom Tower is an iconic landmark.
• Rotterdam: the Netherlands’ second-largest city is known for its bold modern architecture, dynamic port, Erasmus Bridge and the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum.
• The Hague: the political capital of the Netherlands is home to international institutions such as the International Court of Justice. The Binnenhof, Mauritshuis museum and Scheveningen beach are popular attractions.
• Leiden: this university town boasts a rich historical heritage, with the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, the Hortus Botanicus botanical garden and the Sieboldhuis museum.
• De Hoge Veluwe National Park: this national park offers a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to sand dunes. It is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which exhibits works by Van Gogh and other artists.
• Maastricht: located in the south of the country, Maastricht is a city of cobbled streets, ancient churches, the Saint-Servais bridge and the grotto of Saint Peter.