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. Want to centre your ride on the prettiest villages? See our guide to the Dutch countryside villages near Amsterdam.
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.
If cycling in the Dutch countryside has inspired you to explore Amsterdam itself by bike, our private Amsterdam city bike tour brings that same sense of freedom to the streets and hidden canals of the city. For something more adventurous, the private Amsterdam urban adventure bike tour takes you into the city’s most creative and unexpected districts on two wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling from Amsterdam to the Countryside
Can you cycle from Amsterdam to the Dutch countryside?
Yes — it is very easy. The Netherlands has an extensive network of flat, well-marked cycle paths that take you from the city into open polders, waterways, windmills, and farmland within minutes. The route to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, for example, is just 10km along the River Amstel on dedicated cycle paths.
What is the best cycling route from Amsterdam to the countryside?
One of the best routes is along the River Amstel to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel — a beautiful, flat 10km ride on dedicated cycle paths. Other popular routes head to the windmills at Zaanse Schans or through the Waterland polder north of Amsterdam, passing wooden villages, farmhouses, and open meadows.
How far is the Dutch countryside from Amsterdam by bike?
The Dutch countryside starts almost immediately outside Amsterdam’s city limits. Within 10–15 minutes of cycling you can be in open polder landscapes with fields, canals, windmills, and cows. The route to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is just 10km along the river — an easy, relaxed ride for cyclists of all abilities.
Do I need a special bike to cycle in the Dutch countryside?
No special bike is needed. Standard Dutch city bikes work perfectly on the flat, well-maintained cycle paths. E-bikes are also widely available to rent if you want to cover more distance with less effort, and are an excellent option for families or those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
What will I see on a bike tour from Amsterdam to the countryside?
Cycling out of Amsterdam you’ll pass through urban parks before reaching open polder landscapes with drainage canals, traditional Dutch farmhouses, grazing cattle, historic windmills, and charming waterside villages. The route along the Amstel is quintessentially Dutch and largely unchanged for centuries.
Spring: The Best Time to Cycle from Amsterdam to the Countryside
April and May are arguably the finest months to ride out of Amsterdam into the Dutch countryside. By late March the cycle paths along the Amstel are dry and in excellent condition after winter, and from mid-April the tulip fields that line the route burst into extraordinary colour — pinks, reds, yellows and purples stretching to the horizon. Temperatures are comfortably mild (typically 12–16°C), making for relaxed riding without the summer heat or the tourist crowds that descend in July and August. The ideal weather window runs from mid-April through the end of May: catch it if you can.
