Top Cycling Regions in the Netherlands

Did you know that around a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level? Thanks to centuries of water management—dikes, dunes, and pumping stations—the Dutch have turned reclaimed land into one of the smoothest cycling terrains in the world. For cyclists, that means accessible rides, short distances between towns, and almost no hills to slow you down.

This guide introduces the top cycling regions of Holland—each with its own landscapes, cultural highlights, and style of riding. Whether you’re drawn to flower-lined canals, open coastal routes, or the rolling climbs of Limburg, there’s a region here that matches your pace.

Top Cycling Regions at a Glance

1. South Holland – Tulips, canals, and heritage towns
2. North Holland & Amsterdam Area – Dunes, polders, and cycling capital charm
3. Zeeland – Islands, dikes, and North Sea views
4. Friesland & the IJsselmeer Rim – Water, wind, and wide horizons
5. Limburg – Hills, vineyards, and classic race terrain
6. Cross-Border Routes – Seamless links into Belgium and beyond

These are the Netherlands’ most popular cycling regions—and for good reason. We have gathered an in-depth look at what makes each one a must-ride:

1. South Holland – Tulips, Canals, and Heritage Towns

South Holland captures the essence of Dutch cycling: easy distances, world-class heritage, and landscapes that change with the seasons. Here you’ll pedal past the Kinderdijk windmills (a UNESCO site with 19 historic mills), stroll Delft’s canals, and ride through Leiden’s university quarter. In spring, the famous Bollenstreek flower belt explodes with tulip fields stretching over 30 kilometers.

What to Expect:

• Flat terrain, short stages (20–40 kilometers between towns)
• UNESCO landscapes at Kinderdijk, plus Delft and Leiden’s history
• Seasonal highlight: tulip bloom in April–May
• Terrain: paved cycle paths, car-free routes, urban connectors

Cycling types: hybrid, e-bike, leisure

Best for: first-time cycle tourers, cultural explorers, spring riders

2. North Holland & Amsterdam Area – Dunes and Canals

North Holland blends iconic Dutch culture with striking coastal landscapes. Starting in Amsterdam, the world’s cycling capital, you’ll roll past canals, museums, and lively neighborhoods before heading into the polders and dune reserves. 

Routes link historic sites like Zaanse Schans with its working windmills, the flower markets of Haarlem, and even ferries out to Texel island with its windswept beaches and red lighthouse.

What to Expect:

• Coastal dune trails with smooth tarmac and open horizons
• Cultural highlights: Zaanse Schans, Haarlem’s Grote Markt, Alkmaar cheese market
• Ferry access to Texel for island cycling
• Terrain: flat, well-marked bike lanes, occasional exposed stretches

Cycling types: hybrid, road, e-bike

Best for: city cyclists, cultural touring, island detours

3. Zeeland – Islands, Dikes, and Sea Views

Zeeland is where land and sea constantly meet, creating a landscape of islands, bridges, and tidal estuaries. 

Cycling here means tracing the tops of dikes with panoramic water views, pedaling across engineering marvels like the Delta Works (the world's largest flood-protection system), and pausing in historic towns such as Middelburg and Veere. 

Expect steady winds, open horizons, and the feeling of always riding alongside the sea.

What to Expect:

• Long dike-top paths with sweeping North Sea views
• Highlights: Delta Works, Middelburg Abbey, Veere harbor square
• Terrain: flat, wind-exposed, almost entirely car-free routes
• Ferry links between islands add variety

Cycling types: road, hybrid, e-bike

Best for: coastal riders, wind lovers, wide-open landscapes

Sections of Zeeland are included on the Amsterdam to Bruges Cycling Tour — one of Europe’s most iconic cross-border journeys.

4. Friesland & the IJsselmeer Rim – Water, Wind, and Wide Horizons

Friesland is defined by its big skies, open polders, and endless water landscapes. Routes circle the IJsselmeer lake, cross monumental causeways like the Afsluitdijk, and connect charming villages such as Sneek and Hindeloopen. 

The Wadden Sea coast adds a wilder edge, with dunes, tidal flats, and bird-filled reserves. It’s a region where the wind is always a factor—making it a favorite for e-bikes and road cyclists chasing long, steady rides.

What to Expect:

• Flat terrain with long, exposed stretches
• Highlights: Afsluitdijk, Sneek Waterpoort, Hindeloopen, Texel dunes
• Terrain: paved paths, dikes, and ferry connections
• Open landscapes with frequent tailwinds—or headwinds

Cycling types: road, hybrid, e-bike

Best for: long-distance riders, lovers of wide horizons, e-bike touring

5. Limburg – Hills, Vineyards, and Classic Cycling Terrain

Limburg is Holland’s outlier: instead of flat polders, you’ll find rolling hills, vineyard-lined roads, and the country’s only true climbs. The region is famous for the Amstel Gold Race, with iconic ascents like the Cauberg drawing pros and amateurs alike. 

Medieval towns such as Valkenburg and Maastricht add cultural charm, while the countryside mixes castles, caves, and river valleys. With warmer summers and long autumn rides, Limburg offers a completely different Dutch cycling experience.

What to Expect:

• Terrain: rolling hills, climbs up to 250–300 meters
• Highlights: Valkenburg Castle ruins, Cauberg, Maastricht, Hoensbroek Castle
• Vineyards and rural landscapes unlike the rest of the Netherlands
• Spring and autumn are the best times to ride

Cycling types: road, gravel, e-bike

Best for: riders seeking elevation, race fans, culture + countryside mix

A natural extension for flatland tours, Limburg is perfect for those wanting more elevation after exploring Holland’s coastal and lowland regions.

6. Cross-Border Routes – Belgium and Beyond

The Dutch cycling network doesn’t stop at the border. In the south and west, trails flow seamlessly into Belgium’s Flanders region and even into Germany’s Rhineland, opening the door to multi-country adventures. 

These routes combine Dutch polders and canals with Belgian medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent, plus rolling countryside dotted with abbeys and breweries. Cross-border rides are well-marked, making it easy to extend a holiday into a week-long cultural journey across nations.

What to Expect:

• Terrain: mostly flat, with occasional rolling hills in Flanders
• Highlights: Bruges medieval center, Ghent canals, Flemish countryside, cross-border paths
• Well-marked EuroVelo and LF routes linking towns and cultural sites
• Plenty of ferries, bridges, and rail links for flexible itineraries

Cycling types: leisure, hybrid, e-bike

Best for: culture seekers, long-distance riders, multi-country explorers

Find Your Favorite Region

Not sure which region matches your riding style or schedule? That’s exactly where we come in. We:

• Help you choose from the best Holland cycling tours
• Provide detailed GPS tracks and digital guidebooks with tips along the route
• Handle all logistics—luggage transfers, hotels, and on-tour support—so you can focus on the ride

Get in touch with our cycling team and let’s plan the Holland bike holiday you’ve been dreaming of. These are more than tours. They’re rides that stay with you long after the journey ends.