Bike tour from Amsterdam to the Countryside

Amsterdam to the countryside by bike!

Feel like escaping the city for a day? It couldn’t be easier!

Soak up the fresh air and visit the countryside just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam by bike. Read on to discover some of the very best cycle routes from urban streets into fields of green, urban forests, polders, waterways, windmills and cows! Lots of cows.

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel:

The route out to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is perhaps one of the quickest and loveliest ways to spend a summer’s weekend. The best thing about cycling in the Netherlands is that it is pretty much completely flat, and there are designated bike paths everywhere, making it easy to travel long distances. This trip is a short 10km along the river Amstel, making it ideal for those wanting to take it easy. It’s also pretty much impossible to get lost, as you’re just following the river there and back! The route itself is the perfect place to experience the iconic Dutch countryside, complete with fields, dikes, the odd windmill, and herons. There are also some popular places for a dip along the way! Once you reach the little town of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, put your feet up and enjoy a refreshing beer, or some lunch at one of the lovely restaurants. We recommend trying Loetje aan de Amstel, or Restaurant Jaimie Van Heije. Ouderkerk is also home to the oldest Jewish cemetery in the Netherlands, which is worth stopping by before you head off back to the city…

The fishing village of Marken:

The peaceful cycle to the quaint traditional fishing village of Marken is a delightful journey, and a great way to explore the Dutch villages that lie just North of Amsterdam. Marken has a fascinating history: it was formally an island, which became detached from the mainland following a great storm in the 13th century. Reconnected by a dike in 1957, Marken is now reachable by bike! The rather windy route there gives you a real sense of rural Dutch life, as you pass farmlands and fields, and typical Dutch houses. In Marken itself we recommend finding a spot by the harbor, and encourage you to taste our version of sushi: traditional raw herring or eel!

Zaanse Schans: for windmill lovers!

A trip to Zaanse Schans is simply a must for those who get as excited as we do when they spot a picture-perfect windmill! You probably think of wooden clogs, lines of windmills, canals and charming little gingerbread houses when you think of the Netherlands right? So why not visit them in real life! Many of the remaining of around 600 windmills are open to the public, so you have a chance to check out the ins-and-outs of the milling process. Besides windmills there are lots of museums to learn about everything Dutch: from wooden shoemakers, to traditional Dutch cheese! Zaanse Schans has become rather touristy, but it nevertheless remains one of our top sightseeing bike rides.

Day trips by Bike with Amsterdam Experiences

Ok so we might be from the Netherlands, but that only makes us more enthusiastic to spend a day out of the city on our bicycles. Moreover, we love to share the sights and experiences of our hometown with like minded visitors. For a fully tailored experience guided by our friendly and knowledgeable local guides, just get in touch!

Do you prefer a group tour? Visit our sister company Mike’s Bike Tours and pick your favorite route.