Holland Family Bike Tour

Your journey begins in the charming town of Zaandam, home to the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans. As you cycle towards Egmond aan Zee, you can watch traditional windmills spin lazily over the canals, explore a quirky chocolate and cookie museum, and navigate waterways on hand-operated ferries. Rolling through quaint villages like De Rijp, you’ll soon reach the coastline. Egmond aan Zee welcomes you with its sandy shores, perfect for an evening stroll by the sea.

Today, you’ll pedal along serene coastal bike lanes where dunes meet quiet beaches and forested paths. Schoorl, a delightful village en route, boasts a family-favorite climbing dune, ideal for a playful break and a scenic view from the top. Arriving in Alkmaar, you’ll uncover a vibrant historic town center known for its canals, lively squares, and traditional Dutch charm.

You can start your day at the renowned Alkmaar cheese market, where wheels of cheese and bustling traders create a feast for the senses. After breakfast, you’ll follow canals and country roads to the town of Hoorn, full of maritime history and waterside charm. You can opt to ride along Lake IJsselmeer’s sparkling shoreline or take a nostalgic steam train to Medemblik before continuing to Enkhuizen, a quaint fishing village. You will end your day exploring the Zuiderzeemuseum, a fun family stop filled with Dutch heritage.

First thing in the morning, you’ll board a ferry across Lake IJsselmeer and arrive in Friesland, a province known for its scenic beauty and charming villages. Whether you take the longer route through Sloten – a fairytale-like village – or opt for the shorter ride, the day ends in Lemmer. Here, you can visit a unique UNESCO-listed steam-powered pumping station and learn a bit about Dutch water management history.

Today’s routes will take you through the lush Wieden and Weerribben National Park, a tranquil wetland reserve brimming with cane fields, quiet waters, and picturesque villages like Blokzijl and Dwarsgracht, waiting to be explored! When you arrive in Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the North,” you’ll be enchanted by its narrow canals, charming bridges, and peaceful ambiance.

On your final day, you’ll ride through waterways, across bridges and sweeping lake views full of fantastic swimming spots. Feel free to explore, stop whenever you want and enjoy a little break. Your cycling holiday will end in Kampen, a historic Hanseatic town along the IJssel River. Its cobblestone streets, medieval gates, and lively squares provide a charming finale to your family adventure.

After a final breakfast, take a moment to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Kampen’s historic center. Whether it’s a last stroll through Kampen’s medieval gates or a relaxing pause by the water, you’ll leave Holland with hearts full of memories and stories to share.

You can also opt to add an extra day to your itinerary, and continue exploring Holland on your own, or stopping by the incredible tulip gardens in spring.