Holland by bike, along the Ijssel and Giethoorn
The Netherlands is a beautiful country shaped by water. This tour takes you around the IJsselmer, a freshwater lake that was once the sea. You'll cycle along rivers, reeds, marshes, and past remarkable locks. It's also an opportunity to ride along charming canals, cross picturesque footbridges, cycle through magnificent National Parks, and visit historic towns. In Enkhuizen and Hoorn, in particular, the rich legacy of the VOC era (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie – the Dutch East India Company, considered the world's first multinational corporation) is especially evident. You'll also pass through some towns of the former Hanseatic League (a medieval trade union).
Points of interest:
- National parks
- Nature reserves
- Volendam, Enkhuizen, Stavoren, Lemmer, Giethoorn, Nunspeet, Amsterdam
- Boat trip on the IJsselmeer from Enkhuizen to Stavoren
- Authentic fishing villages.
Day 1: Arrival in Huizen
Huizen boasts a rich fishing village heritage. Its name, meaning "houses" in Dutch, comes from the fact that it was the first municipality to build stone houses. Like most towns along the Gooi River, Huizen became more affluent with the influx of Amsterdam's wealth and built mansions after World War II.
Overnight in Huizen.
Day 2: From Huizen to Volendam or Katwoude (61 or 64 km)
This first cycling stage follows the southern shore of the IJsselmeer. Set off and make your first stop in Muiden to discover the charming medieval castle. Next, you'll cycle through the Dutch capital (this can be included in an 8-day package – upon request) and take a ferry from Central Station. Cycling along what was once an estuary, you'll reach Waterland. This area is made up of peat bogs, canals, and small streams. It's a great opportunity to spot numerous bird species that thrive in this environment. A little further on, the village of Marken, with its wooden houses, seems to belong to another era. By boat or via Monnickendam, you'll arrive in Volendam.
Overnight in Volendam or Katwoude.
Day 3: From Volendam or Katwoude to Enkhuizen (51 or 54 km)
Cycling along the old Zuiderzee dike, you'll arrive in Edam, the town that shares its name with the famous cheese. Get back on your bike and continue to Hoorn. There, you can admire numerous impressive buildings dating from the Dutch Golden Age (late 16th to late 17th century). Enkhuizen, your stop for the night, is just a few kilometers away. Upon arrival, we recommend leaving your bike at the hotel and exploring the town on foot. The Zuiderzee Museum is well worth a visit.
Overnight in Enkhuizen.
Day 4: From Enkhuizen to Stavoren by boat, then cycle to Lemmer (40 or 45 km)
The day begins with a ferry ride. This route takes you to the other side of the IJsselmeer and you disembark in the Frisian town of Stavoren. You cycle to the beautiful town of Hindeloopen. Then, through the wooded and gently rolling Gaasterland region, you reach Workum. Lemmer, a port city and your stop for the night, is just a short distance away.
Overnight in Lemmer.
Day 5: From Lemmer to Giethoorn (63 or 42 km)
The day begins in the magnificent Weeribben Nature Reserve. This National Park is a unique peat bog with exceptional flora and fauna. Your hotel is located in Giethoorn, nicknamed the "Venice of the North" with its myriad arched bridges, boats, and thatched-roof houses.
Overnight in Giethoorn.
Day 6: From Giethoorn to Nunspeet (63 or 67 km)
From Giethoorn, you travel to Kampen, a former Hanseatic city on the IJssel River. Passing through the beautiful fortified town of Elburg and along numerous small lakes, you continue to Nunspeet. Nunspeet is one of the oldest tourist villages in the Netherlands, situated between the country's largest forest, the Veluwe, and the waters of the former Zuiderzee.
Overnight in Nunspeet.
Day 7: From Nunspeet to Huizen (61 km)
On this final day, you travel to the old port town of Harderwijk. You then follow a lake to the former fishing village of Spakenburg, which still boasts a large fleet of boats. You return to Huizen via the vast Eem Polder. The tour ends upon your arrival in Huizen.
