Cycle through northern Holland

Welcome to Alkmaar, one of the Netherlands' most well-known historic cities. The city is world-famous for its traditional cheese market that is still held during spring and summer. Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming city center with canals, cafés and beautiful facades before the cycling adventure begins the next day.

Overnight in Alkmaar

The first stage goes across Noord-Holland to the historic trading city of Hoorn. You pass Schermerhorn and the UNESCO-listed Beemster Polder, one of the world's most famous examples of reclaimed land. Along the way, the classic windmills still stand as a reminder of how the landscape was once drained. The day ends in Hoorn where the Dutch Golden Age is still reflected in the city's magnificent buildings.

Overnight in Hoorn

Today you follow the IJsselmeer coast via the beautiful city of Enkhuizen. Here the Zuiderzee Museum tells the story of the old port cities, whaling and trade during the Dutch East India Company's heyday. Then the cycling continues on top of the old sea dike with views over the lake, fruit orchards and traditional farms before you reach the small coastal town of Medemblik.

Overnight in Medemblik

The longest stage follows the over 800-year-old Westfriese Omringdijk through nature reserves, small villages and historic fishing harbors. In spring, the road is lined with enormous tulip and flower fields that color the landscape in red, yellow and purple. Today's destination is Den Helder, the Netherlands' most important naval port and gateway to Texel. If you wish for a shorter cycling day, you can shorten the stage by about 7 km by continuing to follow the dike between Winkel and Kolhorn.

Overnight in Den Helder

A short ferry ride takes you to Texel, the largest of the West Frisian islands. Here you can choose between several different cycling loops through sand dunes, beaches, small villages and nature reserves. Don't miss De Slufter where the sea is still allowed to flow freely between the dunes and creates one of the Netherlands' most unique coastal landscapes.

Overnight in Den Helder

The last cycling day follows the North Sea coast southward through sand dunes, forests and seaside resorts. You pass the Zwanenwater nature reserve and the impressive sea dike Hondsbossche Zeewering before the route continues through the dune landscape at Schoorl. During spring you can choose an alternative route through the flower fields. Before reaching Alkmaar there is an opportunity to stop at the beach in Bergen aan Zee for a swim or lunch with sea views. Shorter alternative: Skip Bergen aan Zee and shorten the stage to about 58 km.

Overnight in Alkmaar

After breakfast the trip ends. If you have time before your journey home, a final stroll through Alkmaar's historic center or a visit to one of the city's pleasant outdoor restaurants is recommended.