This cycling holiday around Lake Ijsselmeer will show you a great variety of landscapes, towns and waters in the Netherlands. You will cycle along the shores of this ancient sea. As you ride peacefully on quiet roads and bike lanes, you’ll pass a variety of interesting monuments and places of interest. You will discover the friendly atmosphere of the fishing ports, historical trading towns and small rural villages which all have a story to tell - we’ve also selected a series of comfortable accommodations along the way. The diverse and attractive scenery on this tour will never cease to surprise and delight you.
Day 1: Arrival into Harderwijk
Make your own arrangements for travel to Harderwijk. In the afternoon you get some information about the tour and pick up your bike (if booked). Later, you can explore this medieval Hanseatic city. A walk through the city will almost certainly take you past the Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk). This stunning basilica has a three-part elevation from the 14th and 15th century. You will stay one night in Harderwijk.
Day 2: Harderwijk – Bussum/Naarden (approx. 50-55 km)
On today's ride you can look forward to experiencing the Arkemheen-Eemland National Park; a wide, flat landscape with extraordinary vegetation. Black-tailed godwits strut across the moor. You cycle alongside the banks of the Randmeren to Huizen, the twin village on the Eemmeer thought to be the first area in the region where stone houses were built. Here you will find costume and fishing museums. Later you will reach Naarden, a beautiful city in the green Gooi region, and one of the best-preserved fortress cities in Europe. It was one of the most important defenses of the New Dutch Waterline, which still amazes people today. You will stay overnight tonight in Bussum/Naarden.
Day 3: Bussum/Naarden – Amsterdam (approx. 30 km)
Eventually, as you ride alongside the IJsselmeer, you will reach the medieval moated castle "Muidenschloss". As you continue on your route, you will eventually reach Amsterdam. Enjoy the historic buildings, the magnificent museums and the friendly atmosphere. Take a tour on the canals, walk through the Vondelpark, visit the floating flower market and shop in the old city center. Amsterdam is unique and one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe! Due to the shorter ride today, you should have plenty of time to explore the beautiful city. You will stay overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 4: Amsterdam – Volendam (approx 30 km)
Just a few kilometers after your ride begins, you reach Monnickendam, a typical old Dutch town, and a real water city. Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the IJsselmeer to Volendam or Katwoude. Along the way you can take breaks in traditional fishing villages, which in the past were thriving commercial cities. Volendam is famous for its costumes and is said to be home to delicious smoked eel. You stay overnight in Volendam/proximity.
Day 5: Volendam– Enkhuizen (approx. 55 -57 km)
Edam is a town with much more to offer than just the world-famous cheese. Hoorn, although small, is a shopper's paradise, with numerous terrace cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a well earned rest. The picturesque town of Enkhuizen attracts thousands of tourists every year. Some love it for its history, impressive old buildings and monuments, while others come because of its harbor and the wide range of excellent water sports facilities. Take a city walk to visit the Zuiderzeemuseum with its replicated old Zuiderzee town. Tonight you will stay in Enkhuizen.
Day 6: Enkhuizen –Lemmer (approx. 40 km)
On a ferry (not incl.) you cross the waves of the IJsselmeer before you disembark in Stavoren. Discover the nostalgic charm of the oldest of the eleven Frisian cities in the Netherlands. You cycle through the gently sloping and wooded Gaasterland with its cliffs to Lemmer or the proximity. The cozy center with its many terraces right on the water, the cafes and the many attractions, such as the old lock represent the zest for life in the town. You stay overnight in Lemmer.
Day 7: Lemmer–Kampen (approx. 65 km)
Today you will cycle through the national park "De Weerribben". It's not just canoeists who love this bogland area, which is home of rare plants and animals, due to the variety of canals. One of the jewels in this area is Blokzijl, the historic harbour area. It is not surprising that it is a protected heritage. The natural landscape De Wieden borders on the Weerribben. Together they form the largest contiguous flat moor in Western Europe. Zwartsluis (Black Lock) took over the role of the transit port for peat in the 18th century. Kampen has a tradition for centuries in the fields of trade and shipping and this is still evident today. In this Hanseatic city, you will see more than 500 monuments, including the Sint Nicolaaskerk, the Gothic Huis, the city gates and a replica of the medieval merchant ship 'De Kamper Hanze Kogge'. You stay overnight in Kampen.
Day 8 Kampen – Harderwijk und return journey (approx. 45 km)
Cycling alongside the dam you will eventually reach Elburg. The traditional sailing ships, originally called “Botte”, were, in times gone by used for fishing. Now, your journey will bring you back to your starting point: Harderwijk. Here you start your individual journey onwards or home, or alternatively you can book additional nights to your tour.
Route Map (For guidance only):
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Harderwijk
Total distance cycled: 322 km (approx.)
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
We recommend flying to Amsterdam Schiphol airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
This Around Lake Ijsselmeer cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.
You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.
Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
E-Bike Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
town | HOTEL |
Harderwijk |
Category A Accommodation is in well-kept 3- and 4-star hotels, mostly in a central location. All rooms have shower / WC or bath / WC. |
Bussum/Naarden |
Category B Accommodation is in Well-kept hotels, inns and guesthouses, mostly in the 3-star category, partly located on the outskirts. |
Amsterdam | Category A Accommodation is in well-kept 3- and 4-star hotels, mostly in a central location. All rooms have shower / WC or bath / WC. |
Volendam | Category B Accommodation is in Well-kept hotels, inns and guesthouses, mostly in the 3-star category, partly located on the outskirts. |
KAMPEN | Category A Accommodation is in well-kept 3- and 4-star hotels, mostly in a central location. All rooms have shower / WC or bath / WC. |
Lemmer | Category B Accommodation is in Well-kept hotels, inns and guesthouses, mostly in the 3-star category, partly located on the outskirts. |
Kampen | Category A Accommodation is in well-kept 3- and 4-star hotels, mostly in a central location. All rooms have shower / WC or bath / WC. |
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day | |
Season 1: | 23.04. to 11.05.2021 | and 15.09. to 21.09. 2021 | Daily |
Season 2: | 12.05. to 21.09. 2021 | Daily | |
Category B Information: | |||
Season | Prices per person including bike hire | ||
Season 1: | £635 | ||
Season 2: | £660 | ||
Single Room Supplement: | from £180 | ||
Rental Bike Hire 7/21 Gears: | £75 | ||
Rental Bike 30 Gears: | £125 | ||
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £180 |
Season | Prices per person including bike hire |
Season 1: | £690 |
Season 2: | £720 |
Single Room Supplement: | from £180 |
Rental Bike Hire 7/21 Gears: | £75 |
Rental Bike 30 Gears: | £125 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £180 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | Mainly 4 * hotels |
Category B: | Mainly 3 * hotels |
Location | Prices from (DBL/BB) |
Harderwijk: | from £75 per person per night |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
23 April 2021 | 21 September 2021 |