Ijsselmeer
Ijsselmeer
Ijsselmeer
Ijsselmeer
Ijsselmeer
Ijsselmeer
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Ijsselmeer Road Cycling Loop

4 days / 3 nights

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Cycle through Holland’s iconic landscapes, charming villages, and awe-inspiring engineering marvels on this remarkable four-day adventure.

Starting point

Zaandam

Finish point

Zaandam

Fitness level

4/5

Season

From May to October

Tour type

Self-guided

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Highlights

  • Conquer the iconic 32-kilometer Afsluitdijk with its sweeping water views
  • Explore historic landmarks, including Muiderslot Castle and medieval Kampen
  • Cycle over 100 kilometers per day through lush nature reserves
  • Experience the beauty of Giethoorn, known as the ‘Venice of the North’
  • Marvel at traditional Dutch windmills in the picturesque Zaanse Schans
  • Feel the tranquility of cycling through the Twiske nature reserve

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

3 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your tour
Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer
E-bike
Hotel upgrades
Road bike
Single supplement

The Lake Ijssel Road Cycling Loop showcases Holland’s mastery of living with water. From historic windmills and medieval towns to the iconic Afsluitdijk and tranquil waterways, this is a ride for those seeking both physical challenge and cultural immersion.

The Afsluitdijk – a 32-kilometer engineering feat – delivers stunning panoramic views as it separates the North Sea from the Ijssel Lake. Friesland’s vast polders and the serene Veluwemeer highlight the interplay of land and water, while charming fishing villages and canal-laced towns offer glimpses into centuries-old traditions.

This tour is designed for avid cyclists ready to push their limits. With daily rides often exceeding 100 kilometers, the journey demands endurance but rewards with unmatched scenery and experiences.

Each day presents its own unique challenges, from long stretches along dikes to rolling countryside paths and historic cityscapes.

Throughout the tour, all logistics are expertly handled so you can focus on the ride. Comfortable accommodations, a personalized digital guidebook full of recommendations, GPS navigation, and round-the-clock support ensure a hassle-free experience.

Whether you’re drawn by the physical demands, the cultural treasures, or the breathtaking landscapes, this cycling adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Top Places You'll See

From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Our Bikes

To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.

To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in the Netherlands.


The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.

We are always looking for the perfect fit for you. We use a few different accommodation providers that fit our standards but they are subjected to availability, especially in the high season. We can also adjust the holiday, keeping in mind your preferences and budget and can always find a more suitable solution for your taste.

We recommend booking as early as possible. Most of our tours run through very touristy places where accommodation is limited. Most of the great places start getting booked for summer before spring.

It really depends on the level of your restriction. Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Holland, also vegan dishes, but they may be a bit harder to find rural areas of the country and in smaller towns. Please note that the places where we stop for lunch are often traditional and may have difficulties accommodating you outside of their standard menu. We suggest you keep this in mind.

If you want to, sure! We are well aware that some people love to stay in groups while others prefer some more alone time on their trip. We wanted to give you the opportunity to do things your way. It is your holiday, after all! Please feel free to customize your itinerary and create your own adventure, with as much free time as you need. There are no set timelines (except having to reach your accommodation by the evening), so you can spend the days as you please.

Depending on the tour, generally, spring (April – May) and early autumn (September) are the best times, summer is of course also always great and some of our holidays are also possible in winter! It also depends on your preferences, if you wish to avoid heat, October can also be a great possibility.

Most of the tours can be done even in light rain, as long as you dress accordingly. It is not unusual in the summer that there are afternoon thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable. If the weather looks really bad, we will try to adjust the tour or skip a stage with a shuttle.

On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.

Hassle-Free

We take care of route planning, accommodations, luggage transfers, and all logistics, so you can focus purely on enjoying your ride.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Our cycling routes are hand-picked & tested, to ensure breathtaking landscapes, smooth roads, and maximum safety - giving you the perfect ride every day.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, ensuring your cycling holiday runs smoothly and your well-being is always our top priority.

Book with Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

from 650 € /person
Head on your cycling vacation in Holland with one of our expertly crafted bike tours and discover the picturesque countryside and delightful towns of the country.

Have questions? Talk to us.

Lan Lajovic
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