Amsterdam and its surroundings: Holland by bike
Discover the magic of North Holland by bike through picturesque landscapes filled with authentic cheese factories, historic windmills and charming fishing ports. Start from Alkmaar, famous for its lively cheese market, cross the Zaan Valley and the Zaanse Schans museum village, explore vibrant Amsterdam and then cycle along the Markermeer lake to Volendam. Finally, return to Alkmaar through polders and flower fields, punctuated by traditional markets and unspoilt villages. An unforgettable experience, combining culture, nature and the Dutch way of life.
Highlights of the trip:
- Alkmaar
- Amsterdam
- The Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum
- The North Sea and its beautiful beaches
- The picturesque villages of Edam, Volendam and Marken
Day 1: Alkmaar
Arrival in Alkmaar, a charming town in the north of Holland, famous for its traditional cheese market. On Waagplein square, porters in historical outfits carry cheese wheels in a festive atmosphere. Browsing its canals, strolling through the historic center and visiting the Cheese Museum are some of the must-sees to discover all the richness of this picturesque city.
Day 2: from Alkmaar to Amsterdam (63 km)
This first stage in the north of Holland by bike takes you to the Zaan Valley and in particular to the Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum. This now uninhabited village has been beautifully preserved and you can see the magnificent green-painted wooden architecture: imposing windmills, warehouses, bridges, old factories... You can also visit traditional cheese or clog factories. Take the road again to arrive in the lively and fascinating Dutch capital, Amsterdam. The city welcomes you with its romantic canals, flower-filled footbridges and its 800,000 bicycles that circulate there every day! If you arrive early, take advantage of your free time to take the unmissable boat trip on the canals, stroll through the historic center or visit one of the many museums.
Day 3: from Amsterdam to Volendam (35 km)
At this stage, you most often cycle along the Markermeer Lake, passing through charming villages like Durgerdam, all the way to Volendam. The magnificent stone houses that seem to have been built without a street plan, are the authentic heart of the Catholic fishing village that is Volendam. You should definitely go for a walk around the lively port to watch the boats or have a drink on a terrace.
Day 4: from Volendam to Alkmaar (50 km)
Today you leave the coast of Lake Markemeer to join that of the North Sea. From east to west you cross the north of the Holland peninsula by bike through very varied landscapes: polders of Schermer and Beemster (UNESCO), flower fields (in bloom in April and May) next to Heiloo, dike of the former Zuiderzee sea (now Lake Ijsselmer) or the charming village of Edam. The latter was, at its peak in the 17th century, both a shipyard and an important commercial center. The preserved buildings of the historic center date from this period. In summer, every Friday is held the traditional cheese market on the main square.
Day 5: Alkmaar
End of the tour after breakfast. If you want to extend the pleasure, book one or more additional nights!
