Netherlands

It's easy to understand why the Netherlands is one of the world's leading cycling countries. Here await thousands of kilometers of well-maintained cycle paths that connect historic cities, blooming tulip fields, windmills and long sandy beaches. The landscape is flat and easy to cycle, but the experiences are anything but monotonous. Cozy cafés, lively squares and thatched houses alternate in a country where water is always nearby and the bicycle is a natural part of everyday life. The Netherlands is best experienced at a leisurely pace, with time to stop for a local cheese, freshly baked apple pie or yet another picture-perfect canal.