It's spring in The Netherlands and therefore time to get the bike out of the shed again! Did you know that there are almost 35.000 kilometers of bicycle paths in the Netherlands? It is therefore extremely bicycle-friendly. Time to tell you where to go for the most beautiful and typically Dutch rides!
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Practical cycling tips
Although we as Dutch people get on our bicycles almost every day without any preparation, it is important if you plan to take a long ride. That is why we start with a number of practical tips for when you go cycling in the Netherlands.
- Expect rain! Always bring rain gear, even if no rain is forecast. Better safe than sorry, right?
- Bring a small first aid kit. Think of plasters and means to clean and disinfect wounds.
- Check your bike before you leave. Bring tools and/or gadgets to solve technical bicycle problems. This prevents you from being able to continue your ride.
Tip:: Bee Donrox Can you buy an electric tire pump? This allows you to inflate bicycle tires at lightning speed and without any effort. The bicycle pumps are USB rechargeable and you can also use them as a tire pressure gauge. In addition, they are nice and compact and ideal for on the go.
Flower fields
In April and May there is an explosion of color in the Netherlands due to the many types of flowers that are in bloom. The flower fields are mainly found in the bollenstreek† It is officially located from the lower reaches of the Oude Rijn west of Leiden to the area west of Haarlem. There are plenty of cycling routes for a ride in this region!
Usually the tulip fields are in bloom in the last 2 weeks of April to the first 2 weeks of May. It will depend on the weather conditions whether it will be an 'early season' or a 'late season'. But, if you stick to the last 2 weeks of April, chances are you're on the right track. In May, the tulips are cut and ready to be sold to markets, flower shops and supermarkets. In addition, they are also exported to America, Asia and the Middle East.
Kinderdijk
In the province of South Holland, the village of Kinderdijk is on the Unesco World Heritage List. Starting in Alblasserdam, you cycle past the beautiful windmills of world-famous Kinderdijk. In Kinderdijk you will find 19 windmills, 2 of which are open to the public. The mills were built from the end of the 15th century, but the mills that can be seen today in Kinderdijk, almost all date from 1738 and 1740.
Also read: Visit to the Kinderdijk windmills | UNESCO World Heritage
There are 2 windmills that function as a museum. Both mills have ladders that allow you to climb all the way to the top. If you're lucky while the wheel is still spinning! You also have the opportunity to attend a workshop where a guide explains how the windmills are maintained.
Don't forget your camera to capture this beautiful landscape!
Amsterdam
The last, but certainly not the least. Amsterdam! You will certainly not be the only one cycling in this city. Be careful! Although you may want to take the time to take in the city, the locals just want to get from A to B as quickly as possible. Make sure you get off the bike path when you stop. Explore for yourself or look for a pre-planned route on the internet.
Have we been able to inspire you to be a cycling tourist in our own country? Or do you know of any nice places to cycle in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: 5 original ways to discover the Netherlands
Seen a mistake? Ask? Remark? Let us know in the comments!