- Created: 7 juni 2018 12:04
- Updated: 1 september 2020 14:49
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- Distance Instructions
Some of the Netherlands’ most hidden treasures lie just a few kilometres outside of Amsterdam. Jump on your bike and get-set to explore windswept beaches, quaint historic villages, unique dune ecology and even some 13th century ruins – on a route which is primarily flat, with a few hilly bits here and there. You won’t regret it!
1. Kenaupark
Located in the centre of Haarlem, and formed part of the city’s historic defenses. It was once flanked with 18th-century mansions and villas, which were home to wealthy families.
2. Fabrics Quarter
In the 19th century, this area was known as the fabrics quarter. The cotton factories once contaminated Haarlem’s water supply, which led to the development of new floodgates that diverted water down a new route.
3. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
4. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
5. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
6. Kraantje Lek
Fishermen used to carry their wares from Zandvoort to Haarlem until the end of the 19th century. Many would stop en route at the Kraantje Lek. Originally built in 1542, it’s now a famous restaurant – and a great place to stop for pancakes.
7. Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland
Stop here for a few minutes to admire the views from Visscherspad Lookout. Rally cars can sometimes be heard at the nearby circuit. You can also see the city of Zandvoort in the distance, as well as the prestigious Kennemer Golf and Country Club.
8. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
9. Zandvoort
This small seaside resort town houses plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants, as well as the obligatory fi sh shops near the sea. Stop at one of the seaside vendors to try some salted herring, a true Dutch delicacy.
10. Sea Promenade
Zandvoort aan Zee’s 5-km promenade is great for a seaside walk. Relax at one of the 37 trendy pavilions, grab your kite and surf, or enjoy the beautiful sunset.
11. Zandvoort Racing Circuit
Cycle to the next beach flanked by the sea to one side and the racing circuit to the other. 3a. Dutch Dunes Explore the unique ecology of the dunes, where insects, birds, horses and Scottish Highlanders can be seen.
12. Bloemendaal aan Zee
Filled with trendy beach clubs that offer daytime meals and night-time dancing. Once you’ve explored, cycle around to junction 18, then turn left into the dunes.
13. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
14. Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland
Home to calcareous grey dunes, wide beaches and lush coastal forests. Notice the diverse fl ora and fauna in an area battered by sand, rain and wind which creates a unique ecosystem. Take the cycle junction 6 to 5 back to Haarlem, or cycle to IJmuiden.
15. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
16. Dutch Dunes
Explore the unique ecology of the dunes, where insects, birds, horses and Scottish Highlanders can be seen.
17. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
18. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
19. IJmuiden Beach
Windswept IJmuiden Beach is a great place for wind and water-sports enthusiasts. Wander the seaside boulevard, or pop into one of the restaurants for a window seat.
20. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
21. IJmuiden Harbour
Many people end up here to catch the ferry to Newcastle in the U.K. Others come here to visit the famous fish restaurants on Halkade and Kop van de Haven; we recommend that you do the same!
22. Detour: Catch the ferry
Visit the sealock by taking the free ferry across the North Sea Canal.
23. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
24. Detour: Beeckestijn Country Estate
A place of mesmerising old-world grandeur. There are revolving exhibitions, French and Baroque-style gardens, a park and a brasserie. Velserbeek has a great park and a petting zoo.
25. Driehuis
Take a short stop in the tiny village of Driehuis, known for one of the oldest crematoriums in the Netherlands – as well as some cute old cafés.
26. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
27. Duin and Kruidberg Estate
Drop by this old English estate, whose country house is both a hotel and restaurant. It’s a good place for a tea break, or to wander in the old English-style gardens.
28. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
29. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
30. Brederode Ruins
This castle has been built and rebuilt since the 13th century, before its restoration in the 19th. Climb the donjon tower for a view over the dunes. TIP: If you’re tired take the cycle junction back from 34 to 9 back to Haarlem or continue onwards to Spaarndam.
31. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
32. Old mill Zandhaes
No cycle trip is complete without a visit to an old windmill – this one dates from 1779, where you can still buy various baking products in the on-site shop.
33. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
34. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
35. Spaarndam
The village of Spaarndam is quiet, quaint and quintessentially Dutch. Admire the scattered monuments, or head to any of the restaurants for coffee and cake.
36. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
37. Beach or station?
Cycle along the Spaarne River to Vrouwehekbrug, or along Drosteboulevard on the opposite side. You’ll find the hipster haunt of Stadstrand de Oerkap further up, a great place to stop for an elderflower tonic. Alternately, follow Prinsenbolwerk back to Haarlem Station.
38. Haarlem Train station
Congratulations – we hope you enjoyed the trip!
39. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
40. Detour: Sea Lock
Drop by SHIP, IJmuiden’s big red visitor’s centre housed in a shipping container. You will learn about the largest sea lock in the world, which consists of 5 locks and connects Amsterdam with the North Sea.
41. Haarlem - Zandvoort aan Zee (9,4 km)
Level 1: Haarlem - Zandvoort aan Zee (9,4 km)
42. Level 2: Zandvoort - Dutch Dunes (12,1 km)
Level 2: Zandvoort - Dutch Dunes (12,1 km)
43. Level 3: IJmuiden beach, port and sea lock (23,2 km)
Level 3: IJmuiden beach, port and sea lock (23,2 km)
44. Level 4: Dutch Dunes - Haarlem (11,8 km)
Level 4: Dutch Dunes - Haarlem (11,8 km)
45. Shortcut
Shortcut: Take the cycle junction 6 to 5 back to Haarlem.
46. Shortcut
Shortcut: If you’re tired take the cycle junction back from 34 to 9 back to Haarlem.
47. Cetour
Detour: Visit the sealock by taking the free ferry across the North Sea Canal.
48. Zandvoort Train station
Zandvoort Train station
49. Haarlem Train station
Haarlem Train station
50. Start
Start of Route
Some of the Netherlands’ most hidden treasures lie just a few kilometres outside of Amsterdam. Jump on your bike and get-set to explore windswept beaches, quaint historic villages, unique dune ecology and even some 13th century ruins – on a route which is primarily flat, with a few hilly bits here and there. You won’t regret it!
