Why Cycle in the Netherlands?

Spin past windmills, roll through tulip fields, and pause at canalside cafés—cycling in the Netherlands is more than transport, it’s a way of life. With flat terrain, safe bike paths, and scenery that shifts from North Sea dunes to medieval towns, it’s one of the world’s easiest and most rewarding countries to explore on two wheels.

Here’s Why it Should Be High on Your List:

• Compact but diverse landscapes: tulip belts, dunes, polders, lakes, and rolling southern hills
• World-class bike infrastructure: 35,000+ kilometers of paths, clear junction networks, car-free sections
• Cycling culture: 27% of all daily trips nationwide are by bike, rising to 38% in Amsterdam
• More bikes than people: 23 million bicycles for a population of 17.5 million
• Mild climate: spring through autumn riding, with iconic tulip season in April–May
• Rich heritage: UNESCO windmills, historic cities like Delft and Maastricht, open-air museums
• Food & café culture: stroopwafels, cheese markets, apple pie stops, and fietscafés on nearly every route
• Safety & ease: low crime, strong public transport, and bike-friendly cities and towns everywhere

Let’s break down why the Netherlands continues to be one of Europe’s ultimate cycling playgrounds:

1. Compact Country, Wide Variety

The Netherlands may be small, but it delivers a huge variety of cycling experiences within short distances. 

One day you can ride past UNESCO windmills at Kinderdijk, the next through colorful tulip fields, and the day after that along the dunes of the North Sea or the castle towns of Limburg. 

Distances between towns are rarely more than 20–40 kilometers, making it easy to link highlights without long days in the saddle.

Whether you want flower-belt loops, island-hopping across Zeeland, or vineyard climbs in the south, Holland lets you experience diverse scenery without ever being far from your next stop.

2. Safe Country to Travel

The Netherlands consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and peaceful roads that make cycling stress-free. 

Even in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, bike paths are clearly separated, well-lit, and filled with fellow riders, adding to the sense of security. In rural areas, it’s not uncommon to ride for long stretches without seeing heavy traffic at all.

This safety extends to families and first-time cycle tourists, which is why South Holland — with its flat terrain, short distances, and tulip-belt routes — is a favorite choice. 

From historic towns like Delft and Leiden to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, it’s a region that balances cultural highlights with worry-free riding.

3. Bike-Friendly Country

The Netherlands isn’t just bike-friendly — it’s built around the bicycle. With more bikes than people and decades of investment, the cycling network here is unmatched:

• 35,000+ kilometers of dedicated cycle paths, most of them fully separated from car traffic
• Part of EuroVelo 2, 4, and 12 (Capitals Route, Central Europe Route, North Sea Cycle Route), all with consistent signage and maintenance
• 1,700+ official cycling junctions (knooppunten) — numbered waypoints that make navigation effortless, even without GPS
• Cycle Superhighways connecting major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam for smooth, fast travel
• Over 60% of Dutch people cycle daily, so infrastructure is designed for safety and ease everywhere from city centers to rural dikes

This all makes it one of the easiest and most enjoyable countries to explore on two wheels. Smooth, well-marked paths lead from urban canals to coastal dunes without ever feeling unsafe or confusing.

4. Seamless Train Connections for Cyclists

Cycling in Holland isn’t just about the bike paths — the public transport system is designed to support it. The Dutch railway (NS) runs one of the most cyclist-friendly networks in Europe, making it easy to combine rides with trains and ferries.

• 400+ stations nationwide with secure bike parking; major hubs like Utrecht Centraal offer 12,500+ covered spaces
• Bike carriage allowed on most trains outside peak commuter hours (06:30–09:00 and 16:00–18:30), with a small day-ticket supplement (€7.50, Fietskaart Dal)
• High-speed connections from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht link to Belgium and Germany, enabling cross-border cycling holidays
• Integrated ferries and local trains make one-way and loop tours simple to plan without complicated transfers
• Bike rental + train hubs at major stations let you pick up or return a rental directly on the platform

All of this provides cyclists with maximum flexibility — from shortening a long day to avoiding busy roads or rejoining a route after sightseeing. This convenience is especially valuable for families, who can adapt each stage of the journey to match their pace and needs.

5. Cycling Culture: More Bikes than People

Holland is the only country in the world where bicycles truly outnumber people — roughly 23 million bikes for 17 million residents. That ratio says it all: cycling here isn’t just a sport or hobby, it’s the default way of getting around. 

From school children pedaling to class to suited professionals riding to meetings, the bike lane is where daily life unfolds.

• Roads designed for bikes: infrastructure built around cycling ensures smooth, safe, and intuitive riding
• Drivers accustomed to cyclists: motorists expect to share space, making interactions predictable and stress-free
• Cycling woven into daily life: cafés, village squares, and even city centers naturally accommodate riders, so visitors blend seamlessly into local rhythms

It’s this cultural embrace of the bicycle that makes a cycling holiday in Holland feel effortless — you’re not just riding through the country, you’re part of the flow

6.Diverse Scenery in a Small Country

Did you know you can cycle from tulip fields to sand dunes, from medieval towns to open sea dikes — all in the space of a few days? Holland may be compact, but it’s a country of contrasts.

• Coastal dunes line the North Sea, with smooth paths winding through sandy ridges and pine forests.
• Polders and dikes stretch endlessly inland, offering wide horizons and postcard-perfect windmills.
• Tulip fields explode in color each spring, especially in April around the famous Bollenstreek.
• And in the far south, Limburg’s rolling hills break the stereotype of a flat Netherlands, giving a taste of vineyard roads and short but rewarding climbs.

For cyclists, this variety keeps every stage fresh — one day’s ride feels completely different from the next. Riders seeking the thrill of long, open horizons will especially enjoy the Lake Yssel Road Cycling Loop, a 4-day road-focused tour circling one of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes.

This mix of landscapes, packed into such a small country, is what makes Holland uniquely suited to multi-day self-guided cycling tours.

7. The Land of Flowers

The Netherlands may rank among Europe’s rainiest countries, but this damp climate has helped it become the world’s number one flower exporter. 

Dutch growers produce more than 4 billion tulip bulbs annually, and the country accounts for nearly half of the global flower trade.

Each spring, over 7 million bulbs bloom at Keukenhof Gardens, while the “Bollenstreek” flower belt near Leiden and Haarlem turns into a rainbow-striped canvas best explored by bike. For cyclists, pedaling past these fields offers a seasonal spectacle that defines Holland as much as its windmills and canals.

Get the most out of Dutch flowers on our tour here:

8. Safe Country to Travel

The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest destinations, making it especially welcoming for cyclists. In the 2025 Global Peace Index, it placed among the top 15 most peaceful nations, with low crime rates compared to the European average. 

Urban areas like Amsterdam and Utrecht have strong cycling infrastructure that separates bikes from cars, reducing accident risk, while rural provinces feature quiet lanes where traffic is minimal. 

The country’s reputation for safety extends beyond the roads—public transport is reliable, and healthcare access is excellent if ever needed. 

For travelers, this combination means peace of mind, whether you’re navigating busy cities or pedaling through quiet countryside villages.

9. A Sustainable Cycling Destination

Cycling in the Netherlands isn’t just convenient—it’s part of the country’s DNA and a global example of sustainable travel. Choosing to ride here means joining a culture that actively reduces its environmental footprint.

• Bikes outnumber cars: More than 23 million bicycles are in use, compared to just 8.8 million residents with driver’s licenses.
• 40% of all trips in Dutch cities are made by bike, keeping emissions low.
• The Netherlands is on track to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with cycling promoted as a central policy tool.
• Rail, ferries, and buses integrate bike transport, making car-free holidays seamless.
• Renewable energy is expanding fast: as of 2024, over 50% of Dutch electricity comes from wind and solar.

By cycling here, you’re not only enjoying flat landscapes and iconic windmills—you’re also traveling in one of the world’s most forward-thinking sustainable nations.

10. Dutch Culture Along the Way

Cycling through the Netherlands is also a cultural journey—UNESCO canal rings, medieval churches, Golden Age towns, and modern design all woven into short, easy distances.

The country is remarkably accessible to visitors: over 90% of Dutch people speak English, one of the highest rates in the world. This makes it simple to connect with locals, whether you’re asking for directions, joining a café conversation, or exploring museums in smaller towns. Cultural treasures are everywhere, often right along the bike path.

Looking for ideas? Browse our Must-See Places in Holland guide to match heritage stops with your rides.

11. Flavors Worth the Ride

Food in the Netherlands is simple, hearty, and exactly what cyclists need after long days in the saddle. 

From stamppot and erwtensoep to fresh herring, local cheeses, and sweet stroopwafels, Dutch cuisine delivers plenty of fuel and flavor. Cafés, markets, and village bakeries turn every stop into an opportunity to taste something authentic.

Each region adds its own twist—seafood in Zeeland, farmhouse cheese in North Holland, or Limburg vlaai in the south. Refueling never felt so connected to place. 

Curious? Explore our full Dutch Cuisine for Cyclists guide for the dishes you’ll want to seek out along your tour.

The Complete Package

Cycling in the Netherlands brings it all together: flat, safe roads, rich culture, welcoming people, and food that keeps you going. It’s one of the world’s most bike-friendly destinations—and made to be discovered on two wheels.

Let’s plan your ride!

Reach out to us and we’ll help you choose from our handpicked collection of Holland cycling tours.