Choosing the right cycling trip in Holland & Belgium
Canals, coast, tulip fields, beer, medieval cities or peaceful archipelagos?
By Dahn
Europe's cycling paradise awaits
The Netherlands and Belgium are two of Europe's best cycling countries – but the trips differ far more than you might first think. Some focus on iconic Dutch sights, others on coastal landscapes, historic cities, foaming beer or scenic river valleys. Here we guide you to the right trip depending on what you want to experience.
And is it the Netherlands or Holland? The first is the name of the whole country, while Holland is the central part along the coast, above Zeeland and below Friesland. It is divided into North Holland (where Amsterdam is located) and South Holland. So that's settled.
Holland - the classic round trips
Cycling the Highlights of Holland
6 days, level 1 of 5
Character: The most classic Holland trip where you get "everything". Amsterdam, windmills, polders, canals, fishing villages, tulip landscapes (in season) and typically Dutch scenery.
Suits you if you are looking for
Your first trip to Holland. You want to tick off the country's most iconic sights on an easy, varied cycling trip.
Cycling the Gems of Holland
7 days, level 2 of 5
Character: A cultural trip between Holland's most beautiful historic cities. Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda are combined with peaceful countryside and canals.
Suits you if you are looking for more city life, history and charming old town centres than nature. Perfect if cafés, squares and culture matter as much as the cycling itself.
Cycling in North Holland
7 days, level 2 of 5
Character: Sea, sand dunes, long beaches, the IJsselmeer, traditional fishing villages and open coastal landscapes. Here nature takes the leading role.
Suits you if you are looking for the calmest and most nature-oriented Holland experience, with plenty of coastline, few big cities and many fine cycle paths.
Cycling in South Holland
5 days, level 2 of 5
Character: Historic trading towns, canals, windmills, polders and classic Dutch cultural landscape. A fine mix of city and countryside.
Suits you if you are looking for a varied Holland trip where culture, history and landscape get roughly equal space.
Tulip cycling in Holland
5 days, level 2 of 5
Character: The Netherlands at its most colourful. Tulip fields, flower farms, Keukenhof and classic spring landscapes take centre stage.
Suits you if you are looking for the ultimate spring trip. For you who want to travel during the few weeks when the tulips bloom and experience the Netherlands at its most photogenic.
The rest of the Netherlands
Friesland's 11 cities
8 days, level 2 of 5
Character: The classic route through northern Friesland where small historic towns, canals, lakes and a peaceful landscape follow one after another. More authentic than touristy.
Suits you if you are looking for the undiscovered Netherlands. Perfect if you appreciate small towns, local culture and a relaxed pace.
Coastal cycling in Zeeland
6 days, level 2 of 5
Character: The sea is constantly present. Dikes, sandy beaches, islands, ferries and impressive coastal defences make Zeeland the Netherlands' most maritime cycling region.
Suits you if you are looking for long stretches of coastline, fresh sea air and an open landscape rather than city life.
Cycling from Amsterdam to Bruges
8 days, level 2 of 5
Character: A classic long-distance journey through two countries. From Amsterdam via Gouda, Dordrecht, Zeeland and Flanders to fairytale Bruges. You get both Dutch canals and Belgian medieval cities.
Suits you if you are looking for the most complete trip. For you who want to feel that you are truly travelling through the landscape and experience many different environments on the same trip.
Cycling trips in Belgium
Beer & Bike – The Flemish Beer Route
8 days, level 3 of 5
Character: A taste journey through Flanders where Belgian beer culture is combined with some of the region's most beautiful cities, picturesque villages and a string of local breweries. The experience here is broad – beer, food, culture and classic Flemish scenery.
Suits you if you are looking for the most accessible beer trip. You want to discover Belgian beer culture without being a beer enthusiast, and appreciate historic cities, good food and cosy squares as much as brewery visits.
Beer & Bike – The Trappist Route
7 days, level 3 of 5
Character: A deep dive into the Belgian Trappist tradition. The route runs between historic monasteries, countryside and some of the world's most legendary breweries, where the beer is still brewed by or under the supervision of monks.
Suits you if you are a beer enthusiast. You are curious about the history behind Trappist beer, want to visit monasteries and iconic breweries, and appreciate a calmer landscape with more cultural history than city life.
Cycling along the Meuse
8 days, level 2 of 5
Character: River cycling at its best. Follow the Meuse through green valleys, historic cities, vineyards and a Belgium that feels considerably hillier and more varied than Flanders. Starting in the Netherlands and ending in France.
Suits you if you are looking for more nature, river landscapes and longer continuous cycling than on the classic Belgian cultural trips.
Still finding it hard to decide?
Choose Highlights of Holland if you want to see the most classic Netherlands.
Choose Gems of Holland if historic cities appeal most.
Choose North Holland or Zeeland if sea and coast are the highlight.
Choose Tulip cycling if you are travelling in spring.
Choose Amsterdam–Bruges if you want a real cycling journey through two countries.
Choose the Meuse if you want to follow a river beyond classics like the Moselle or the Rhine.
...and choose one of the Beer & Bike trips if good food, Belgian beer culture and local flavours are as important as the cycling itself.
Call or email us and we will gladly help you find the trip that suits you best.
Related articles
This is what sets our hiking and cycling trips in Provence apart
By Dahn·