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Cyclists on a small bridge over a canal in the historic town of Volendam

Around the IJsselmeer

Market towns, idyllic harbors, and the tranquil ocean

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
Cyclists on a small bridge over a canal in the historic town of Volendam

The Ijsselmeer was once part of the North Sea, but in the 20th century, it was separated from the open sea by the construction of the Afsluitdijk. Today, it stands as the largest inland lake in the Netherlands and a favored destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Along the shores of the IJsselmeer, you'll encounter picturesque harbor towns, dikes, beaches, and nature reserves. During the eight-day journey, you'll also have the chance to explore Amsterdam and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the capital city. So, hop on your bike and join us for an unforgettable adventure!

Your journey begins in the charming heart of the Hanseatic city of Harderwijk. As you venture through the Arkemheen-Eemland National Park, you'll revel in its exceptional flora and fauna. Discover the beauty of the old towns in Huizen and Naarden. On day 3, you'll encounter the impressive Muiden Castle before reaching the vibrant city of Amsterdam, where ample time awaits for you to explore the capital's treasures.

Pedal through quaint fishing villages to Volendam and continue on to the cheese haven of Edam before reaching Enkhuizen. Day 6 commences with a ferry crossing to Lemmer. The following day promises natural wonders with visits to the De Weerribben and De Wieden national parks. From Kampen, you'll cycle along the Veluwemeer lake back to your starting point, savoring once again the charming Dutch ambiance of Harderwijk.

  • Overlooking the canals in Amsterdam: From enchanting canal cruises to the poignant Anne Frank House and the remarkable Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam offers a captivating blend of art, culture, and history. Whether you're strolling through the serene Vondelpark or immersing yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, Amsterdam promises unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the globe.
  • Enkhuizen beckons visitors with its captivating maritime history and impeccably preserved old town buildings. Highlights include the Zuiderzee Museum, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past, and the imposing Drommedaris defense tower boasting magnificent panoramic views. The bustling harbor and picturesque old town are equally charming, while families will delight in the enchanting fairy tale theme park, Sprookjeswonderland, a beloved attraction for all ages.
  • Find relaxation in De Weerribben National Park: The distinctive landscape comprises lakes, fens, reed beds, canals, and wet meadows. De Weerribben stands as one of the largest continuous moor and marsh areas in Western Europe, harboring a diverse array of rare plant and animal species. The national park is also a haven for birdwatchers, offering unparalleled opportunities for observing avian life.

The Netherlands is renowned as a cyclist's paradise, with excellent cycle paths crisscrossing the country. Our team has curated a route for you that is brimming with attractions and recreational opportunities. Enjoy seamless mobility as we take care of transporting your luggage, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey ahead.

The fishing villages and harbors dotting the Ijsselmeer seamlessly blend the region's rich history with its present-day beauty. Whether you're indulging in water sports on the lake or observing birds in the nearby nature parks, a cycling tour around the Ijsselmeer promises pure cycling bliss!

Itinerary at a glance

Individual arrival in Harderwijk. Discover the medieval Hanseatic city. A walk through the city leads you almost always past the Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk). It is a basilica with a three-part elevation from the 14th and 15th century.

Look forward to the Arkemheen-Eemland National Park and the wide, flat landscape with its 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 with costumes and fishing museum. Naarden is 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.

During your tour alongside the IJsselmeer, you reach the medieval moated castle "Muidenschloss". Your way leads you to Amsterdam. Enjoy the historic buildings, the magnificent museums and the cozy 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 really unique! Due to the short stage you have enough time to explore the beautiful city.

After a few kilometers you reach the typical old Dutch town of Monnickendam, a real water city. Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the IJsselmeer to Volendam or Katwoude. Enjoy your breaks in traditional fishing villages, which have a past as thriving commercial cities. Volendam is famous for its costumes and is said to be home of a delicious smoked eel.

In Edam, you will soon discover that the town has more to give than the world-famous cheese. Hoorn is a small shopper's paradise with numerous terrace cafes and restaurants to enjoy and rest. The picturesque town of Enkhuizen attracts thousands of tourists every year. Some love it because of its many historic buildings and monuments, others because of its harbor and the optimal water sports facilities. Take a city walk to visit the Zuiderzeemuseum with its replicated old Zuiderzee town.

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 cycle through the national park "De Weerribben". Not only canoeists love this bog area, which is home of rare plants and animals - due to the variety of canals. One of the jewels of the place Blokzijl is the historic harbor 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'.

Cycling alongside the dam to Elburg. The traditional sailing ships, which are originally called “Botte”, were formerly used for fishing. On your journey alongside the Veluwemeer you come back to your starting point: Harderwijk. Here you start your individual return journey or the prolongation.

Itinerary at a glance

Enjoy the Ijsselmeer with its fishing villages and views of sailboats. Visit Amsterdam and explore the water city of Monnickendam. The De Weerribben marshland is popular not only with canoeists but also for its natural beauty.

Individual arrival in Harderwijk. Discover the medieval Hanseatic city. A walk through the city leads you almost always past the Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk). It is a basilica with a three-part elevation from the 14th and 15th century.

Look forward to the Arkemheen-Eemland National Park and the wide, flat landscape with its 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 with costumes and fishing museum. Naarden is 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.

During your tour alongside the IJsselmeer, you reach the medieval moated castle "Muidenschloss". Your way leads you to Amsterdam. Enjoy the historic buildings, the magnificent museums and the cozy 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 really unique! Due to the short stage you have enough time to explore the beautiful city.

After a few kilometers you reach the typical old Dutch town of Monnickendam, a real water city. Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the IJsselmeer to Volendam, Katwoude or Hoorn. Enjoy your breaks in traditional fishing villages, which have a past as thriving commercial cities. Volendam is famous for its costumes and is said to be home of a delicious smoked eel.

In Edam, you will soon discover that the town has more to give than the world-famous cheese. Hoorn is a small shopper's paradise with numerous terrace cafes and restaurants to enjoy and rest. The picturesque town of Enkhuizen attracts thousands of tourists every year. Some love it because of its many historic buildings and monuments, others because of its harbor and the optimal water sports facilities. Take a city walk to visit the Zuiderzeemuseum with its replicated old Zuiderzee town.

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 cycle through the national park "De Weerribben". Not only canoeists love this bog area, which is home of rare plants and animals - due to the variety of canals. One of the jewels of the place Blokzijl is the historic harbor 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'.

Cycling alongside the dam to Elburg. The traditional sailing ships, which are originally called “Botte”, were formerly used for fishing. On your journey alongside the Veluwemeer you come back to your starting point: Harderwijk. Here you start your individual return journey or the prolongation.

Route information

Easy

Easy - The path quality is above average. In Holland, there is a two-lane and paved bike path along almost every street.

Other variations of this tour

Prices & Dates

Category A: 3*** and 4**** hotels

Category B: Hotels and guest houses on 3*** level

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 7/8-speed
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality men's touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel

Rental bike partner e-bike
E-bike 5 to 9-speed
with coaster brake

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex rental bike PLUS 21 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • GPS-data is available
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Harderwijk train station
  • Amsterdam airport
  • Cat A: hotel parking for free, no reservation possible
  • Cat B: parking near by the hotel, 10 EUR per day, no reservation possible, to be paid for at the time

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Ferry trip from Enktuizen to Stavoren,  included in the tour price
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in the selected category
  • Breakfast
  • Digital briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Harderwijk train station
  • Amsterdam airport
  • Cat A: hotel parking for free, no reservation possible
  • Cat. B: Parking spaces close to the hotel, costs approx. EUR 15 per day, no reservation possible, to be paid for at the time

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Ferry trip from Enktuizen to Stavoren, not included in the tour price.
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

Antonia Kreiseder

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Antonia Kreiseder
Travel Specialist
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Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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