Utrecht and the green heart of Holland by bike
This bike route will take you to the heart of the lush landscapes of the Netherlands, a typically Dutch natural region where nature is highly valued and protected. You will enjoy the tranquility and charm of the Dutch scenery, marveling at the cows, windmills, and traditional farms. Your adventure begins and ends in the welcoming city of Utrecht, one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world!
Points of interest:
- Traditional villages
- Dutch Culture
- Kromme Mijdrecht river
- Nieuwkoopse Plassen Nature Reserve
- Gouda cheese
Day 1 : Arrival in Utrecht - - Amelisweerd and Rhijnauwen - 21 km
From day one, visit the city center of Utrecht which is definitely worth a visit, through a short but attractive bike tour! It is a city with a lot of charm, crossed by many canals, a bit like in Amsterdam, but without the influx of tourists! Enjoy its historic center and its festive and relaxed atmosphere along the canals.
Overnight in Utrecht.
Day 2 : From Utrecht to Muiderberg/Weesp – 38 to 47 km
After spending the night in Utrecht, you will follow the banks of the Vecht passing through the pretty villages of Maarssen, Breukelen, Loenen, Vreeland en Nigtevecht! Charming traditional villages reflecting Dutch culture! In the picturesque village of Oud-Zuilen, you will have the opportunity to visit a castle dating from the Middle Ages (not included) ! Then return to your hotel located in the heart of the historic town of Weesp.
Overnight in Weesp or Muiderberg.
Day 3 : From Muiderberg/Weesp to Nieuwkoop – 50 to 59km
The next day, follow the Little Gein River through the rural area of southern Amsterdam. You will pass famous windmills to the colorful village of Abcoude! Continue your journey along the river Kromme Mijdrecht, you will reach the ponds of Nieuwkoopse Plassen, a natural and authentic space where you will discover all the flora of this territory. You will find your hotel along the De Meije river.
Overnight in Nieuwkoop.
Day 4 : Loop tour around Nieuwkoop and / or Leiden - 23 to 73 km
In Nieuwkoop, an extra day allows you to explore the waterways and lakes by canoe or rowboat. You can also visit the museum city of Leiden. The short version takes you to Alphen aan den Rijn, from where you take the train to Leiden. In the longer version, you cross the vast polder landscapes to Leiden, where a city tour will introduce you to its main attractions. Then, you'll follow the Old Rhine to Alphen aan den Rijn before returning to Nieuwkoop.
Overnight in Nieuwkoop.
Day 5 : From Nieuwkoop to Gouda - 26 to 30 km (possibility of a loup tour near Schoonhoven 32km)
You follow the Meije to the cheese village of Bodengraven, cross the Reeuwijkse Plassen, and reach Gouda, where you can taste its cheese and soak up its historical atmosphere. If you prefer cycling, an afternoon excursion takes you to Schoonhoven, the silver city, located on the Lek.
Overnight in Gouda.
Day 6 : The Kinderdijk loop and its windmills - 58 km
On your rest day in Gouda, you can visit the famous Kinderdijk windmills (not included). You’ll cross the polders of Krimpenerwaard to Ouderkerk aan den IJssel, then follow the Hollandsche IJssel and the Lek to Kinderdijk. After admiring the 19 UNESCO World Heritage-listed windmills, you’ll cycle on car-free roads to Gouderak, where you’ll take a ferry across the Hollandsche IJssel. You’ll return to Gouda by bike along the river.
Overnight in Gouda.
Day 7 : From Gouda to Utrecht – 60 km
The last day will take you over the dikes of the Hollandse IJssel to Oudewater! This route which follows the Hollandsche IJssel will give you picturesque views of rivers with marshy banks and of farms below the dike. You will end your cycling holiday in Holland passing through Woerden and Haarzuilens Castle (not included), before returning to Utrecht.
End of the tour after the stage.
