You’ve heard of backpacking, travelling with all of your worldly possessions in your again by means of international locations of various cultures. And if a lot about tradition within the Netherlands, you’ll know biking is central to day by day life. Combine the 2 and also you get bikepacking, swapping jaunts on in a single day buses for journeys on two wheels. Eco-friendly, wallet-friendly and the possibility to spend extra time in nature; it’s the proper euro journey for the digital detoxers on the market.
Bikepacking has grown in reputation, particularly within the Netherlands, as travellers look to discover past Amsterdam. The nation’s intensive community of cycle lanes and famously flat terrain, makes bikepacking achievable for many people, from those that haven’t mounted a motorbike in years to the biking obsessed. With a selection of trails starting from light to demanding, from day journeys to fortnightly itineraries, right here’s every part it is advisable to know to bikepack within the Netherlands.
What do it is advisable to pack?
So, you’ve determined to go bikepacking, however how do you propose, decide which path to take and what to pack? There’s no proper or flawed relating to bikepacking. What’s essential is that you’ve got enjoyable and know your personal limits. Keep in mind you should carry all of your belongings on two wheels. There are hostels dotted alongside the route, most who’ve washing machines, so simply carry 2 units of garments and bear in mind to decorate in layers!
Clothes:
- Biking pants: Select good, comfortable bike shorts or pants which might be nice for lengthy rides. They’re actually essential for staying snug within the saddle.
- Informal put on: For evenings and days off the bike, carry garments that look good and are sensible. Permitting you to get pleasure from your night in consolation and elegance.
- Waterproof jacket: rain is frequent all year long within the Netherlands, so carry a light-weight waterproof jacket. You’ll be thankful for it!
- Headwear: a helmet isn’t necessary within the Netherlands. A biking cap for solar safety and preserving your hair out of the wind is a good accent although!
Gear and instruments:
- Restore package: only a primary package to vary a flat tire will do
- Lights and reflective gear: important for visibility
- Private objects: sunscreen, toiletries (small sizes) and a small towel.
- Navigation instruments: a GPS gadget or simply your smartphone with offline maps to be sure you don’t get misplaced. Obtain an app like Komoot or MAPS.ME for dependable offline maps.
- Cash (money or card) and your cellphone!
Last tip:
- Pack Mild: The lighter your load, the extra pleasant your experience might be.
Basic bikepacking suggestions: know earlier than you go
Earlier than starting your bikepacking journey, listed below are some issues you must know:
Bike rental: for those who’re not bringing your personal bike, renting is a good choice. Search for rental retailers that supply touring or gravel bikes, as they’re best for bikepacking. Most rental firms may even present restore kits and equipment like helmets. Many hostels additionally present bikes you possibly can lease, so for those who’re biking in a loop you possibly can lease from them and return it in your means again.
Finest time of the yr: the most effective time for bikepacking Holland is from late spring to early autumn (April to September). These months supply milder climate and lengthy sunlight hours. Nevertheless, be ready for some occasional rain and pack accordingly.
Biking expertise: you don’t must be an expert bicycle owner, however a primary degree of health and luxury on a motorbike is crucial. Some routes could also be tougher than others, so select one which matches your expertise and health degree.
Keep versatile: whereas it’s good to have a plan, a part of the journey is exploring sudden paths. Be ready to regulate your route or schedule as you go.
Value estimates: listed below are some tough estimates:
- Bike rental: €20-€40 per day
- Lodging: hostels can vary from €30 – €50 per evening
- Meals: count on to spend €10-€30 a day, relying on whether or not you prepare dinner or dine out (most hostels have visitor kitchens you should use)
Complete prices can vary from €75-€125 per day, relying in your decisions.
Zoom in on the map to see the locations and hostels alongside the route
4-day bikepacking itinerary
Relying on how lengthy you wish to bikepack for and what sights you wish to see, you possibly can tailor your itinerary. Right here, we’ll be sharing a 4-day itinerary for these searching for an extended weekend break and a 9-day choice for individuals who wish to see extra of the nation.
Day 1: Arrival in Rotterdam
Discover Rotterdam’s fashionable structure, go to the Market Corridor for native delicacies and stroll alongside the Maas River. That is additionally the place you possibly can choose up your rental bike from hostel ROOM and get your stuff loaded.
🏘Keep: Hostel ROOM Rotterdam
Day 2: Rotterdam to The Hague (31 km)
After breakfast you can begin your journey biking out of Rotterdam in the direction of Delft, a picturesque metropolis that mixes historic allure with a vibrant pupil environment. Discover Delft’s previous city, with its conventional Dutch canals, the long-lasting Oude Kerk & Nieuwe Kerk which has tons of historical past. After Delft, the route takes you thru a scenic countryside, resulting in The Hague. That is the political coronary heart of the Netherlands, the place you possibly can go to the Peace Palace and the charming previous metropolis middle.
Actions: The Hague affords one thing for everybody. Immerse your self in vigorous streets adorned with colourful markets and scrumptious native delicacies. Different good issues to do are Madurodam (miniature Holland), Scheveningen Seashore and social gathering at evening at Het Paard.
🏘Keep: Will & Tate City Stay in The Hague
Day 3: The Hague to Noordwijk (26km)
Noordwijk Seashore
Depart from The Hague, biking by means of the Westduinpark, a wonderful dune space providing beautiful sea views and nature. This path leads you alongside the coast in the direction of the seashore city of Noordwijk, recognized for its laid-back environment and delightful seashores. Have a pleasant chilly glass of wine and a gastronomic lunch on the fashionable De Branding. You too can benefit from the seashore, borrow one of many hostel’s surfboards or go to the Area Expo.
Actions: throughout the spring months, don’t miss the close by Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. In Leiden, not removed from Noordwijk, discover the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, the place you’ll discover a outstanding assortment of pure historical past specimens, and the progressive Corpus Museum. In Leiden you can too get pleasure from picturesque rides alongside Leiden’s canals.
🏘 Keep: Flying Pig Beach in Noordwijk
Day 4: Noordwijk to Haarlem by means of Flower Fields (spring solely) – 30 km
That is by far probably the most colourful a part of your journey, particularly in spring when the flower fields bloom. Cycle previous fields of tulips and different flowers, a wonderful patchwork of colours. The route leads you to Haarlem, a metropolis recognized for its wealthy historical past, lovely previous buildings, and cosy little streets.
Actions: Typically referred to as a “mini-Amsterdam” in Haarlem you possibly can expertise the normal Dutch canals; lease a ship for the day and cruise alongside the canals. Be sure you take a while to discover the Teylers Museum, within the metropolis middle, the Netherlands’ first and oldest museum – it opened in 1784! Simply exterior Haarlem are the idyllic seashores of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal. The bike route from Haarlem central to the North Sea is notorious for its magnificence as you move by means of the nationwide park and dunes. Right here you’ll go from metropolis to sea in lower than half-hour.
From Haarlem you possibly can take prepare again to Rotterdam and return your bike in Hostel ROOM. You possibly can take the bike within the prepare off peak hours for €7.50. However, you probably have an urge for food for extra, you can too proceed your biking journey.
🏘 Keep: Hello I’m Local in Haarlem
9-day itinerary: The Lowlands Loop
If the solar is shining and you continue to have the power and the time, why not proceed your Dutch biking journey? Right here we’ll clarify how one can proceed your journey for an additional 5 days.
Day 5: Haarlem to Zaandam by way of Zaanse Schans (29 km)
Zaanse Schans Unesco World Heritage Website
After a tasty breakfast at Hello I’m Local, prepare to go off in the direction of Zaandam the place you’ll discover UNESCO world heritage website, Zaanse Schans. This open-air museum affords a peek into 18th and 19th century Dutch life, with working windmills, conventional homes, and artisanal workshops.
🏘 Keep: City Trip Hostel in Zaandam
Day 6: Zaandam to Utrecht by way of Amsterdam (57km)
Utrecht canals
Right this moment you’ll really feel like a real native while you cycle into Amsterdam! Admire the long-lasting canals and the colourful metropolis life whilst you transfer your self on two wheels by means of the capital. From there, expertise the serenity of the Dutch countryside and see the well-known forts of the Dutch Waterline. The day ends in Utrecht, a metropolis with a wealthy medieval historical past, mixed with a youthful power with a lot of terraces, cafés, and eating places.
🏘 Keep: Strowis Hostel in Utrecht
Day 7: Utrecht to Tilburg by means of Nationwide Park Loons & Drunense Duinen (83km)
Library LocHal in Tilburg
Right this moment is a difficult day and also you is perhaps drained from the previous few days, however its value it! This leg affords a mix of cultural and pure landscapes, together with a passage by means of the beautiful Loonse and Drunense Duinen. The shifting sand dunes present a dramatic backdrop in your experience to Tilburg, a metropolis recognized for its historical past in textiles and wool. Tilburg College brings a vibrant pupil group and a terrific cultural scene. Anticipate museums, theatres, and dwell live shows.
Actions: Highlights embrace Piushaven’s occasions, Spoorpark’s metropolis park and viewing tower, and Stadsbos 013 for mountain biking. Go to the LocHal library, a constructing that has received a number of awards together with World Constructing of the Yr. And don’t neglect to take a look at the world well-known Koningshoeve Abbey, the place monks brew La Trappe beer!
🏘 Keep: Hostel Roots in Tilburg
Day 8: Tilburg to Dordrecht by way of Nationwide Park De Biesbosch (63 km)
Nationwide Park De Biesbosch
Leaving Tilburg, cycle by means of extra of the countryside earlier than reaching the water-rich Nationwide Park De Biesbosch. The world is a heaven for nature lovers, providing a tranquil distinction to the city environments earlier within the journey.
🏘 Keep: Stadsklooster in Dordrecht
Day 9: Dordrecht to Rotterdam by way of Kinderdijk (29 km)
Kinderdijk Unesco World Heritage Website
The final day of the route and its a straightforward one to finish the journey. The ultimate leg takes you thru the long-lasting Kinderdijk, an UNESCO website recognized for its 19 windmills set towards the backdrop of the Dutch panorama. From right here you’ll return to Rotterdam, finishing your biking loop by means of the Netherlands. Put your toes up and luxuriate in a well-earned meal to finish your journey in Rotterdam.
🏘 Keep: Hostel ROOM Rotterdam
Searching for extra?
Go to Bikepacking Holland for extra routes and take a look at extra bikepacking hostels alongside the way in which:
🏘 Kings Inn City Hostel, Alkmaar
🏘 Hostel & Bar De Basis, Zwolle
Obtain the Hostelworld app to begin assembly folks from the second you guide
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