Cycling through nature: the 10 most beautiful cycling routes in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, you can't escape it: cycling. Whether you love forests, dunes, heathlands or water-rich areas: on your bike you'll experience it all close to home. Below you'll find ten beautiful cycling routes that take you along the most beautiful natural spots in our country. Grab your bike, put on some music or enjoy the peace around you and discover for yourself why the Netherlands is such a wonderful place to cycle.

1. Loonse en Drunense Duinen – Noord-Brabant

This 43-kilometer route takes you through the largest drift sand area in Western Europe, also called the 'Brabant Sahara'. You'll cycle over dunes, along vast heathlands and through forests. Along the way there are various places to pause at cozy cafés and farm shops where you can taste fresh local products. Perfect for spending part of your day in Brabant and enjoying nature in a relaxed way.

Starting point: Nationaal Park Loonse en Drunense Duinen
Distance: 43 km

2. Dwingelderveld – Drenthe

In Drenthe you'll discover the best of Dwingelderveld national park with this 32-kilometer route, the largest wet heathland area in Western Europe. The route runs through forests, along vast heathlands and through the village of Dwingeloo. Take a break along the way at Theehuis Anserdennen, a lovely place to relax with a cup of tea.

Starting point: Nationaal Park Dwingelderveld
Distance: 32 km

3. Fortenfietsroute – Utrecht

This 44-kilometer route takes you along a unique piece of Dutch history: the Dutch Water Lines. You'll cycle through the peat meadow area of De Ronde Venen and pass various forts, line dikes and batteries that once served to defend Amsterdam. The varied landscape consists of water, meadows and forests, making it a nice combination of nature and culture.

Starting point: De Ronde Venen
Distance: 44 km

4. Oisterwijk en Kampina – Noord-Brabant

This 33-kilometer route combines forests, pools, stream valleys and heathlands in a very varied landscape. You'll cycle past clear pools, farms and quiet roads. The area is known for its beautiful views and special nature. Along the way there are plenty of places to stop, for example at a cozy restaurant or picnic spot. Highly recommended for lovers of quiet, green cycling trips.

Starting point: Oisterwijk
Distance: 33 km

Vogelboulevard Texel – Noord-Holland

This 32-kilometer route on the Wadden Sea island of Texel starts at the harbor and takes you all the way to the lighthouse at the very tip. It's highly recommended for bird lovers, as there are multiple bird observation points along the way where you can spot all kinds of waterfowl. From oystercatchers and spoonbills to various colonies that have made their home there. Also enjoy the view over the Wadden Sea!

Starting point: Texel Harbor
Distance: 32 km

6. De Onlanden – Groningen

De Onlanden is a young nature area near Groningen that is still developing. During this 30-kilometer bike ride, you'll experience the vastness of the area, with plenty of space for birds and other wildlife. Especially in the early morning, you can spot special animals here, such as the otter. The route is peaceful and offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the silence and nature.

Starting point: Groningen
Distance: 30 km

7. Fochteloërveen – Drenthe

In this unique raised bog area, you'll cycle 30 kilometers along open plains and marshlands. The highlight is the 18-meter-high observation tower where you have a beautiful view over the landscape. The Fochteloërveen is one of the last remaining raised bog areas in Europe and harbors special plant and animal species. Bird lovers can spot the crane and red-backed shrike here, among others.

Starting point: Fochteloërveen National Park
Distance: 30 k

8. Zwaakse Weel – Zeeland

This 36-kilometer route takes you through the rural and water-rich landscape of the Zak van Zuid-Beveland. You'll cycle over winding dikes past orchards, fields and monumental farms. The area is beloved by birds, such as the marsh harrier, which regularly soars above the reeds. For those seeking peace and space, this is an ideal route.

Starting point: Zuid-Beveland
Distance: 36 km

9. Hazelbekke & Beneden-Dinkeldal – Overijssel

During this 24-kilometer route, you'll cycle through two different creek valleys, each with their own charm. Hazelbekke is known for its wild orchids that bloom from June onwards, while in Beneden-Dinkeldal thousands of birds settle during bird migration.

Starting point: Overijssel
Distance: 24 km

10. Landgoed Haarzuilens – Utrecht

This short 13-kilometer route takes you to the green heart of the Randstad. At Landgoed Haarzuilens, you'll cycle past expansive fields, forests and historic places. Despite its location near the city of Utrecht, this route offers surprisingly much peace and space. Perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle without traveling far.

Starting point: Haarzuilens
Distance: 13 km

Cycling in the Netherlands

What makes these routes so special is the diversity of landscapes and the tranquility you experience along the way. Whether you choose dunes, heather, forests or water, everywhere you'll come across nice spots that are worth discovering. And the great thing is that you often don't have to travel far to cycle such a beautiful route.