Must-See Places on a Cycling Holiday in the Netherlands

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 windmills set in wide polders. Built in the 18th century to manage water levels, they remain one of the most photographed Dutch landscapes. Cycle paths run directly past the canals, giving close-up views of the mills and surrounding meadows. At sunset, the reflections in the water make this one of Holland’s most unforgettable stops.

Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof opens from March to May, showcasing more than 7 million tulips and spring flowers. Vast fields outside the park light up in stripes of red, yellow, and purple, creating one of the world’s most spectacular cycling backdrops. Inside, themed gardens and pavilions celebrate Dutch horticulture in style. For many, timing a bike trip to coincide with Keukenhof’s short season is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This medieval complex is the historic heart of Dutch politics and one of Europe’s oldest parliamentary centers still in use. Its Gothic Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) and cobbled courtyards reflect centuries of decision-making that shaped the Netherlands. Cyclists can easily lock their bikes nearby and explore the site on foot. With its setting beside the Hofvijver lake, the Binnenhof combines history with postcard-perfect views.

Famed for its Golden Age masterpieces, this intimate museum houses works like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. The collection is displayed inside a 17th-century mansion, adding to the charm of the visit. It’s a cultural highlight that pairs easily with a cycling stage through The Hague.

This Gothic church dominates Delft’s main square and has served as the Dutch royal burial site since the 16th century. Its 108-meter tower offers sweeping views over Delft’s canals, rooftops, and even as far as Rotterdam on clear days. Inside, ornate tombs and stained-glass windows reveal centuries of national history. Whether climbed for the panorama or visited for its heritage, the church adds depth to a cycling pause in Delft.

Rebuilt after heavy wartime destruction, Rotterdam showcases a striking contrast to Holland’s historic towns. Bold architecture like the Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge makes the city a modern design hub, while the vast port remains one of the world’s busiest. Bike paths link its contemporary museums, bustling markets, and riverside promenades seamlessly.

The Netherlands’ national museum, housing masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. Its grand galleries showcase 800 years of Dutch art and history, making it one of Amsterdam’s most important cultural stops. With secure bike parking nearby, it’s an easy detour for cyclists exploring the city.

One of Amsterdam’s most visited landmarks, the former hiding place of Anne Frank offers a poignant look into World War II history. Exhibits trace her life and legacy, while the preserved Secret Annex provides an unforgettable experience. Advance ticket booking is essential, especially during peak cycling season.

This vast storm surge barrier is considered one of the greatest feats of modern engineering. Stretching nine kilometers, it protects the low-lying land from the sea while doubling as a cycling route with panoramic ocean views. It’s both a practical necessity and a symbol of the country’s battle with the sea, often named the biggest anti-flood system in the entire world.

Built in the 15th century, this Gothic-style building dominates the small harbor town of Veere. Once a bustling center of trade, today it’s a charming stop where cyclists can rest and explore cobbled streets lined with historic houses. The town hall’s ornate facade and carillon bells add a touch of grandeur to an otherwise quiet village. A pause here feels like cycling back into the Dutch Golden Age.

The medieval abbey complex in Zeeland’s capital features three distinctive towers, one of which—known as Lange Jan—rises 90 meters above the town. Cyclists can lock up nearby and climb for sweeping views over Middelburg’s rooftops and the surrounding flatlands. Inside, the abbey houses museums that trace the region’s history and art. It’s a reminder that Zeeland is not only about sea defenses but also about centuries of culture.

This unique lighthouse is built directly into the tower of a former church, making it one of Zeeland’s most unusual landmarks. Its red beacon still guides ships safely along the coast. Cyclists approaching from the dikes see it rising suddenly above the low village rooftops. It’s a compact but striking symbol of how maritime history is woven into daily life here.

Rebuilt after heavy bombing in WWII, Middelburg’s old town has regained much of its former character, with lively market squares, canals, and gabled houses. Today it serves as Zeeland’s cultural hub, offering plenty of cafés and restaurants for a rewarding end-of-day stop. Cycling here mixes heritage with resilience, as the city blends its medieval past with modern energy. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this steam-driven pumping station from 1919 is still operational today. It represents a milestone in water management, designed to prevent flooding in low-lying Friesland. Visitors can tour the machinery halls and exhibitions, making it a fascinating cultural stop. For cyclists, it’s a reminder of the deep link between engineering and survival in the Netherlands.

The small fishing town of Hindeloopen is famous for its colorful painted woodwork, found in both furniture and building facades. A visit to the local museum explains this centuries-old craft, unique to the area. Narrow streets lined with decorated houses make for a picturesque cycling stop. It’s one of Friesland’s most charming examples of local identity and tradition.

This 17th-century water gate is one of Friesland’s most photographed landmarks. Built as part of Sneek’s defensive walls, it now stands as a symbol of the city’s history. The twin towers rising above the canal create a postcard-perfect scene. Passing through Sneek gives riders a chance to enjoy a lively town center while admiring its historic gateway.

Though Texel is often thought of as part of North Holland, its dune landscapes tie closely to Friesland’s seafaring and island culture. The park offers cycling routes through protected dunes, wetlands, and birdwatching reserves. Ferries connect the island easily, making it a natural extension to rides along the IJsselmeer. Riders can expect wide horizons, sea breezes, and encounters with unique wildlife.

Friesland’s capital blends old and new, with canals, historic buildings, and a leaning tower known as the Oldehove. The city also has a lively cultural scene, hosting festivals and exhibitions that celebrate the province’s heritage. For cyclists, it’s a convenient and rewarding base before venturing into Friesland’s lake country. Leeuwarden brings together Friesland’s proud history and modern energy in one compact hub.

Perched above the town of Valkenburg, these ruins are the only hilltop castle remains in the Netherlands. Once a medieval stronghold, the fortress was destroyed in the 17th century but still dominates the town’s skyline. Walking or cycling up to the ruins gives both history and views across the Limburg hills. The site ties seamlessly into Valkenburg’s reputation as a hub for Dutch cycling and culture.

This vast network of limestone tunnels runs beneath the St. Pietersberg Fort outside Maastricht. Originally quarries, the caves later became wartime shelters and even a hiding place for art, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch. Guided tours reveal their layered history and eerie underground passages. For cyclists, it’s a fascinating diversion from the roads above, connecting history with the landscape.

Dating back to the 11th century, this Romanesque church is one of the oldest and most revered in the Netherlands. Its heavy stone walls and candlelit interiors create a sense of timelessness. The treasury holds religious relics and treasures tied to Maastricht’s role as a pilgrimage site. Located right in the old town, it’s a rewarding cultural stop between rides.

The most famous climb in Dutch cycling, the Cauberg has been central to the Amstel Gold Race for decades. Though short at just over a kilometer, its gradients of 8–12% test even seasoned riders. Amateurs can tackle it themselves, riding in the wheel tracks of legends. The summit area buzzes with cycling cafés and a proud sense of local racing tradition.

One of the largest and best-preserved castles in the country, Hoensbroek spans centuries of Dutch history. Its moated towers, furnished halls, and interactive exhibits make it one of the most family-friendly castles to visit. Cycling up to the entrance feels like entering a storybook world. The castle’s scale and atmosphere set it apart from the many smaller manor houses scattered through Limburg.

The southernmost of Dutch cities, Maastricht combines Roman history, medieval streets, and a lively café culture. Its cobblestone lanes, riverside quays, and international character make it a highlight for both culture and cuisine. The city is also a cycling hub, hosting events and offering easy access to the surrounding hills. Maastricht ties together the best of Limburg: history, heritage, and hills.