Bike and boat route on the Northern Route in Holland on the De Willemstad
This Northern Netherlands road bike cruise guides you through the most beautiful landscapes of Friesland and North Holland on the premium comfort boat De Willemstad. Explore the North Sea coast polders and immense sand dunes as well as the many picturesque harbor islands on the shore of Lake IJsselmer.
Main areas of interest during the stay :
- North Holland flat polder landscapes
- Visit the sandy beaches of Texel Island
- Port villages like Enkhuizen
Day 1 : Amsterdam - Zaandam
Boarding and “check-in” between 2 pm and 4:30pm. Take the time to explore central Amsterdam, go shopping or visit one of the city's many museums. A welcome drink awaits you at 5 pm. Dinner on board then first briefing. First cruise to Zaandam and overnight on the De Willemstad.
Day 2 : Zaandam - Zaanse Schans - Alkmaar. 44 km
Cross small villages in a green and flat landscape against a backdrop of polders. The first stop is Zaanse Schans, a real open-air museum with its exceptional windmills, traditional Dutch village and wooden houses. After this tour, drive through the green area of Leeghwater and stroll through the ancient whaling village of De Rijp to admire the Schermerhorn windmills. Your boat is waiting for you near the historic center of Alkmaar.
Day 3 : Dune loop trail | Alkmaar - Den helder. 33 or 40 km
Today you can explore the North Holland Reserve. It is a 5,300 hectare dune forest region. This is where almost all of the domestic water for the province of North Holland comes from. After a detour through the beach and the artist village of Bergen you return to Alkmaar where you can visit the beautiful city center. In the afternoon the boat sails, via the North Holland Canal, to the military port of Den Helder.
Day 4: Ferry to the North Sea island of Texel | Cycling loop from Horntje (34 to 51 km)
After breakfast, board the ferry (ticket included) to reach the island of Texel in just 20 minutes from Den Helder. Once there, the largest of the Dutch North Sea islands is best explored by bicycle, following routes that wind through meadows, protected natural areas, and dunes to charming villages. Along the way, treat yourself to a break with your toes in the sand on one of the beautiful North Sea beaches, or visit the seal sanctuary at Ecomare. The return trip to Den Helder is by ferry at the end of the day.
Day 5: Cycling from Den Oever to Stavoren | Southwest Friesland Cycling Loop (43 or 55 km)
The boat sets sail for Stavoren, Friesland, crossing the IJsselmeer, the Netherlands' large inland sea. Once docked, several cycling options are available, ranging in length depending on your preference: explore the natural landscapes of the Gaasterland region, cycle through a section of the lake district that has made Friesland famous, or combine both routes. The night is spent on board, moored in the picturesque port of Stavoren, one of Friesland's eleven historic towns.
Day 6 : Stavoren - Medemblik | Medemblik - Hoorn - Enkhuizen. 39 or 51 km
Crossing the IJsselmeer lake to disembark at Medemblik. Pedal to Enkhuizen along the coast. Enkhuizen is an ancient city with maritime traditions that date back several centuries. The “herring city” can boast of its pretty harbor, historic center and Zuiderzeemuseum.
If you prefer a longer route, drive to Hoorn, a town which was one of the most important ports in the 17th century. Then continue to Enkhuizen enjoying the picturesque villages.
Day 7 : Enkhuizen - Volendam | Volendam - Waterland - Amsterdam. 28 or 50 km
Enjoy breakfast as you cruise for Volendam. The last day of cycling takes you to the Waterland region and its hundreds of small lakes and narrow canals. You can visit a cheese factory located near Volendam. The afternoon and evening are reserved for rest or visiting Amsterdam.
Day 8 : Amsterdam
End of your bike cruise after breakfast (9:30 am).
