By bike south of Amsterdam
Discover a unique region, a landscape of green polders south of Amsterdam.
During your cycling trip in the Netherlands, you can especially discover the history of the old defense line called "Stelling Van Amsterdam".
The Amstel, Angstel and Vecht rivers form, with the Nieuwkoopse and Vinkeveense Plassen lakes, a wetland with exceptional landscapes.
You can visit Amstelveen, bordered by the Amstel and made up of old villages. It is a city with a rich historical past, close to nature and Amsterdam.
To see :
- Polder landscape of the Amstel, Angstel and Vecht region
- Stelling Van Amsterdam, 135 km line of defense around Amsterdam with 45 fortifications
- Loop to the cultural heart of Amsterdam
- Westeinder and Nieuwkoop Plassen nature reserves
- Picturesque small towns: Ouderkerk, Amstel, Loenen, Vecht
DAY 1: Loop to Westeinderplassen - 47 km
In this part of Holland, peat has been mined for centuries.
But this tradition has gradually disappeared due to the increase in population, requiring more land.
A few lakes have been drained, such as the Westeinderplassen and the Nieuwkoopseplassen.
From now on, they take back their rights in nature.
In Aalsmeer, near the Westeinderplassen, farmers started auctioning flowers 100 years ago. Today, this market still exists and the Royal Flora Holland is the largest flower market in the world.
This stage guides you on the towpath along the Amstel between Uithoorn and Leimuiden. You will be able to see traditional farmhouses, dyke houses and mills on your way.
DAY 2: Amstel, Angstel and Vecht - 54 km
During this circuit, you can admire the sumptuous villas dating from the 18th century along the Vecht river. During this stage, you may have to wait in front of a bridge due to heavy river traffic. Around the network of water canals of Amstel, Angstel and Vecht, you can admire some of the 45 fortifications forming the Stelling Van Amsterdam, built between 1888 and 1920. This 135 km military line of defense is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
In Ouderkerk, back to the 19th century. Despite the proximity of the city of Amsterdam, tranquility reigns in Ouderkerk.
DAY 3: Loop to Nieuwkoopseplassen - 60 km
While pedaling through the Bovenkerkerpolder, you can admire the 9 drainage windmills. This fabulous place is now a habitat for birds such as lapwings, oystercatchers and curlews.
You leave the banks of the Amstel to join those of the Kromme Mijdrecht, towards the Woerdense Verlaat.
The Woerdense Verlaat is part of the old defense line called "Oude Hollandse Waterlinie" (Old Dutch Waterline), which has
was notably used in 1672 (the disastrous year) during the invasion of the French armed forces.
Along the banks of the Mije, you arrive at the Nieuwkoop Plassen by bike. Here you can take a break and recharge your batteries in this peaceful place.
DAY 4: Amsterdam, its forest and its botanical gardens - 35 km
Today, you reach the heart of Amsterdam along the Amstel.
On the historic path, you will pass several buildings and pass through very beautiful parks.
Take the time to discover the beautiful Dutch capital and all the entertainment it has to offer.
For your visits, it is strongly recommended to leave your bikes in garages provided for this purpose, for a matter of safety. On the way back to Amstelveen, you cross the green lung of the city passing by the Vondelpark, the Amsterdam forest, and the Heempark park of Amstelveen.
The latter is an atypical botanical garden developed by the botanist Jac. P.Thijse.
DAY 5: End of the cycling tour in the Netherlands after breakfast in Amstelveen
