- Created: 5 november 2018 12:40
- Updated: 1 september 2020 14:45
- Distance 53.14 km
- Time 13 h 17 min
- Speed 4.0 km/h
- Min altitude -5 m
- Peak 15 m
- Climb 0 m
- Descent 0 m
- Distance Instructions
Amsterdam has long been known for its enchanting city centre, crooked canal houses and winding waterways. Yet a few km’s west, the scene changes from urban to pastoral as you head toward Haarlem – every bit Amsterdam’s match in terms of ornate 17th century architecture, bustling restaurants and a thriving arts scene. Hop on a bike and experience the best of times in the Netherlands’ twin cities.
1. Haarlemmersluis
The 17th century Haarlemmersluis Bridge was once a fi sh market, given its proximity to the IJ River. Haarlemmersluis links Haarlemmerstraat with Nieuwendijk, both popular shopping streets.
2. Haarlemmerstraat
Notice the West India House – former HQ of the Dutch West India Company. They built some of the first forts on Manhattan Island in 1625.
3. Haarlemmerpoort
In the 17th century, Haarlemmerpoort functioned as one of Amsterdam’s four gates. Nearby, a train line connected Amsterdam and Haarlem, which was eventually replaced by Central Station.
4. Westerpark
Leafy Westerpark offers up a chance for a pitstop and a drink. It’s also the site of the former gas works, in operation from 1883-1967. Its buildings have been largely repopulated with cool cafes, art galleries and restaurants.
5. Sloterdijk
Stop to admire the Petrus Church. It was built in 1663 to serve the municipality of Sloten, which was annexed by Amsterdam in 1921 as the city grew. A church was built in about 1479; however, it was destroyed in 1573 by the Geuzen following the siege of Haarlem.
6. Volkstuincomplex
Cycle past the expansive Volkstuincomplex, an area known for its cute ‘n quaint country cottages. Vendors operate here during the summer, where you can stop for a coffee.
7. Spieringhorn
Follow the cycle paths alongside the wooded glades of Spieringhorn. Tip: see if you can spot a rose-ringed parakeet; these tropical birds formed a colony after escaping from the zoo years ago.
8. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
9. Halfweg
Roughly half-way between Amsterdam and Haarlem, Halfweg became a lively stopover for porters, tradesmen and inns. Take a pleasant cycle then stop for coffee and cake at the quaint Koffie van Kaatje.
10. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
11. Veenweidegebied
This area is a typically Dutch vista. Centuries ago, this was all peat meadow. Today, it’s a protected area that modernity cannot touch – and a gorgeous place to cycle.
12. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
13. Fort Penningsveer
You’ll happen upon Fort Penningsveer in Haarlemmerliede along the banks of the Liede River. Part of the UNESCO site ‘Stelling van Amsterdam’, it was built circa 1886 and used as a WWII internment camp, before spending decades as a storehouse for ammunition.
14. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
15. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
16. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
17. Veerplas
This is a recreation area surrounded by an artificial inland lake, where you can sit for a bit. There’s also the Veerkwartier restaurant, a cool and cosy hipster haunt.
18. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
19. Restaurant and Mill
Stop off at Restaurant Zuidam, located next to the 18th-century Molen de Adriaan Windmill. You can enjoy a delicious sandwich and sit on a terrace overlooking the Spaarne River. Walk on over to Molen de Adriaan. This windmill was built in 1779 and was used to grind volcanic rock, shells and bark and later tobacco. It has been a museum since 2003.
20. Teylers Museum
Take some time to explore the arts and science-focused Teylers Museum. It’s filled to the brim with lovingly-displayed with fossils, drawings, paintings and minerals.
21. Grote Markt
Admire the Haarlem Town Hall, one of the oldest in the country that dates back to 1370. Take a tour of the imposing St Bavo’s church built in 1520.
22. Frans Hals Museum
Stop off at the Frans Hals Museum. Opened in 1862, it’s home to a permanent collection of modern art, as well as paintings by the 17th century master himself.
23. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
24. Burgemeester Reinaldapark
It’s a great place to park your bike, take a stroll around, or just to sit and people-watch for a while. If you’re peckish, pick up a pancake at the delightful Pannenkoeken Paradijs.
25. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
26. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
27. Cycle Junction
Cycle Junction
28. Detour: Planespotting
This is one of the best spots for aircraft lovers, where you can get some of the best views over the landing strip that belongs to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
29. Het Rijk van de Keizer
A few gourmet delights can be found along the way back to Amsterdam. Het Rijk van de Keizer is an industrial hangout with a laid-back vibe.
30. Sloterplas
The inland lake of Sloterplas is a perfect place to stop and soak up the sun or stroll in the woods. It’s fl anked by the popular Hotel Buiten, great for an afternoon pick-me-up.
31. Rembrandtpark
As you arrive back in Amsterdam’s New West, leafy Rembrandtpark is an ideal place for a stop to relax any aching calves.
32. Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest and most famous park. Stroll through the woods, sip tea at the famous Blue Teahouse, or visit Vondelpark3 Restaurant.
33. Antiques Quarter
Amsterdam’s Antiques Quarter houses the famous Kramer Art & Antique shop on the corner of Prinsengracht which has plenty of famous Delft Blue china that you can surprise a loved one back home with.
34. Westerkerk and Anne Frank Huis
Stop by Westerkerk, then venture to the Anne Frank House, home to the wartime Dutch child whose diary moved the world.
35. Brouwersgracht
Stop to snap a photo on picturesque Brouwersgracht. This canal-side street is home to shuttered warehouses, houseboats and gorgeous 17th-century houses.
36. Haarlemmersluis - Sloterdijk (± 4 km)
Level 1: Haarlemmersluis - Sloterdijk (± 4 km)
37. Sloterdijk - Halfweg (8,4 km)
Level 2: Sloterdijk - Halfweg (8,4 km)
38. Halfweg – Haarlem (± 8,5 km)
Level 3: Halfweg – Haarlem (± 8,5 km)
39. Haarlem Centre - Reinaldapark (4,4 km)
Level 4: Haarlem Centre - Reinaldapark (4,4 km)
40. Haarlem - Zwanenburg (8,3 km)
Level 5: Haarlem - Zwanenburg (8,3 km)
41. Zwanenburg - Sloterplas (7,3 km)
Level 6: Zwanenburg - Sloterplas (7,3 km)
42. Sloterplas - Haarlemmersluis (±10 km)
Level 7: Sloterplas - Haarlemmersluis (±10 km)
43. Shortcut
Shortcut
44. Shortcut
Shortcut
45. Detour
Detour
46. Amsterdam
Amsterdam City
47. Centraal Station Train station
Centraal Station Train station
48. Start
Start of Route
49. Sloterdijk Train station
Sloterdijk Train Station
50. Haarlem Train station
Haarlem Train Station
Amsterdam has long been known for its enchanting city centre, crooked canal houses and winding waterways. Yet a few km’s west, the scene changes from urban to pastoral as you head toward Haarlem – every bit Amsterdam’s match in terms of ornate 17th century architecture, bustling restaurants and a thriving arts scene. Hop on a bike and experience the best of times in the Netherlands’ twin cities.
