Amsterdam Beach Cycleseeing Route: forts, dunes and wildlife
Some of the Netherlands’ most hidden treasures lie just a few kilometres outside of Amsterdam. Jump on your bike and get-set to explore windswept beaches, quaint historic villages, unique dune ecology and even some 13th-century ruins. The route is primarily flat, with a few hilly bits here and there. You won’t regret it!
Cycle route highlights:
Zandvoort
This is a lively seaside resort with numerous cafés, shops and restaurants and, of course, the fishmongers where you can score a delicious portion of kibbeling or herring. Zandvoort is the go-to destination for tourists and locals alike who want to delight in summery activities, many of which include watersports.
Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is home to calcareous dunes, wide beaches and lush coastal forests. The combination of the sand, rain and strong winds create a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna.
View of the Forteiland IJmuiden
The Forteiland IJmuiden is an island fortress located near the town of IJmuiden, in the mouth of the North Sea Canal. It was constructed in the 1880s to help defend the surrounding area and restrict shipping traffic heading for Amsterdam.
Rent a bike
Zilt at Sea, Passage 33, 2042KS Zandvoort;
Behind the beach bike rentals, Zeeweg 60, 2051 EC Overveen;
Rent a Bike Haarlem, Lange Herenstraat 36, 2011 LJ Haarlem;
Green bikes Haarlem, Kruisweg 30, 2011 LC Haarlem.
