Cycling guides and maps in the Netherlands
The Netherlands by bike
Exploring the Netherlands by bike means discovering a country where cycling is central to its way of life. With one of the most developed cycle route networks in the world and a deeply rooted cycling culture, it’s a dream destination for any cycle tourist, whether beginner or experienced.
The tourist and cultural advantages of a cycling trip in the Netherlands
Cycling in the Netherlands means riding between canals, windmills, blooming tulips, and small villages with red brick houses. Whether you’re crossing the northern polders, the North Sea beaches, or the forests of Brabant, every pedal stroke immerses you in a moving postcard.
Amsterdam, of course, is a must-see for any urban cycling enthusiast. The Dutch capital is ideally explored by bike, from its romantic canals to its world-famous museums. A true “Amsterdam by bike” experience not to be missed!
Often overlooked, cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, The Hague, and Groningen also offer a charming setting for a cycling trip.
Furthermore, cycling in the Netherlands provides access to protected sites such as the Hoge Veluwe National Park, the dunes of Texel, the dikes of the Zuiderzee, and the long beaches of Zeeland.
Great cycling routes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is crisscrossed by an extensive network of long-distance roads, the LF-routes (Langeafstand Fietsroutes), comprising more than 3,300 km of signposted cycle paths in both directions. This national network is perfectly integrated into the European EuroVelo network, several of whose major routes pass through the country :
- EuroVelo 2 – Capitals’ Route : From Dublin to Moscow, it crosses the Netherlands from west to east, notably via Utrecht.
- EuroVelo 4 – Central European Route : It runs along the Dutch coast from the Belgian border.
- EuroVelo 12 – North Sea Route : A route of over 7,050 km along the North Sea beaches, perfect for lovers of wind and freedom.
- EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Route : It reaches the Netherlands by following the Rhine to its mouth in Rotterdam.
- EuroVelo 19 – The Meuse by Bike : From France to the Netherlands, it follows the Meuse to its delta.
Nos produits incontournable pour explorer les Pays-Bas à vélo
- Carte cyclable Amsterdam Freytag & Berndt : Pour un week-end ou un séjour plus long, utilisez cette carte détaillée pour préparer votre voyage.
- Guide la Meuse à vélo de Bikeline : Traversez l’Eurovélo 19 qui passe dans les Pays-Bas, plus de 1080km sont répertoriés dans cette 1ère édition en Français.
- Atlas des LF-Routes : Réseau complet des longues distances néerlandaises avec des cartes au 1/100 000.
- La Hollande à vélo Bikeline : Dans ce guide que la Hollande et la Zélande à vélo retrouvez des moulins à vent, les polders et les champs de tulipes avec des cartes 1/75 000.
The cycle network in the Netherlands
The Netherlands now boasts more than 19,000 km of cycle paths, often separated from traffic, dedicated level crossings, and roundabouts for cyclists. The country was literally built to promote cycling, to the point of creating veritable cycle highways around major cities.
Today, the Netherlands has 18 million bicycles for a population of 16.4 million. It’s not uncommon for a Dutch person to own two bicycles: one to go to the train station, the other to get to work from the station. Cycling is used by all generations and social classes, from the Prime Minister to children transported on tricycles.
Some impressive figures:
- 30% of journeys are made by bicycle
- 909 km traveled per year per inhabitant (compared to 87 km in France)
- Average speed: 16 km/h
- Bicycles have priority under the highway code, even before pedestrians!
This cycling culture has also resulted in unique expertise in equipment: elegant panniers, designer baskets, handlebar muffs, and true expertise in electric bicycles, with more than a million e-bikes already in circulation from major local brands alone.
Even rain or snow doesn’t discourage Dutch cyclists, who prefer to equip themselves rather than give up their freedom on two wheels. The result? Cities where you can see traffic jams of bicycles during rush hour, like in Utrecht: a typically Dutch scene.
Whether you’re looking to cross the country on a EuroVelo, discover Amsterdam by bike, or enjoy a gentle hike along the water, the Netherlands offers an ideal playground that’s safe, flat, and inspiring. So, are you ready to discover the Netherlands on your bike?