Around the IJsselmeer

Day 1: Weesp - Edam, 25 miles (40 km) 
Day 2: Edam - Enkhuizen, 27 miles (44 km)
Day 3: Enkhuizen - Lemmer, 27 or 34 miles (43 or 56 km) plus ferry crossing
Day 4: Lemmer - Giethoorn,  29 miles (47 km)
Day 5: Giethoorn - Kampen, 23 miles (37 km)
Day 6: Kampen - Harderwijk, 26 miles (42 km)
Day 7: Harderwijk - Weesp, 36 miles (58 km)

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Weesp - Edam, 24 mi. (40 km) + ferry crossing
Weesp is a true hidden gem with monumental houses from the 17th and 18th centuries and three working windmills. After your in depth tour orientation, cycle through the historic center of the fortified town to the imposing Muiderslot castle, built around 1285 at the mouth of the Vecht river into the then, Zuiderzee. You’ll pass charming villages like Durgerdam and Uitdam on your way to Marken. Now connected to the mainland by a dike, Marken was an isolated island until 1957 with typical green wooden houses and the traditional costume that is still worn by some locals. Take a short ferry ride to the fishing village of Volendam, where you can taste the deliciously prepared fresh catch, and ride to nearby Edam. This picturesque waterside village, famous for its cheese as well as it’s traditional sailing boats, is a great place to stay the night.

Sample accommodation: Hotel & Restaurant De Fortuna

Day 2: Edam - Enkhuizen, 27 mi. (44 km)
If you are in Edam on Wednesday morning in July or August, you can visit the weekly cheese market before you set off on today’s ride. You’ll ride along the IJsselmeer dike with green lowland ‘polders’ on one side and the open water on the other. Your first main stop is Hoorn, founded around AD 1000. It has a rich history and was one of the most prominent ports in the East Indian spice trade during the Dutch Golden Age. Its port, with many beautiful historic houses and home to a substantial fleet of traditional sailing vessels, is a great place for a coffee or lunch break. Your final destination today is Enkhuizen, another impressive historic harbor town. It hosts the Zuiderzee Museum, an open-air museum packed with houses, workshops, a school and much more from towns along the coast of the old Zuiderzee. And enjoy a stroll along its atmospheric quays in the evening from your hotel.

Sample accommodation: Hotel De Port van Cleve

Day 3: Enkhuizen - Lemmer, 27 or 34 mi. (43 or 56 km)
Cross the IJsselmeer lake in the morning by ferry boat to Stavoren (1h30m), an enjoyable nautical experience on a large, sturdy ship. Stavoren, the oldest town in Friesland province, is home to plenty of characterful Friesian houses and has a rich seafaring history dating back to before 1000AD. Cycle further through Friesland, which boasts beautiful lakes and canals, forests, small villages, and plenty of wildlife, with a choice of two different, equally attractive routes. Your final destination today is the charming town of Lemmer, home also to the largest, operational steam-powered pumping station in the world.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Lemmer

Day 4: Lemmer - Giethoorn, 29 mi. (47 km)
The highlight today is the National Park of Weerribben-Wieden, one of the most breathtaking nature areas in the Netherlands and the largest marsh and fenland in Northwest Europe. Thanks to human hands cutting peat and reed, a unique landscape was created, full of lakes, canals, reedlands, marshes and forests, dotted with historic villages. It’s a breeding ground for exceptional plant and animal species. There are also quiet remote villages like Dwarsgracht and Giethoorn. The latter is affectionately known as the 'Dutch Venice', but much more rural and a must-see destination. Its bridges link the narrow paths to small islands with quaint farmhouses adorned by painted shutters and thatched roofs. Great to explore on foot in the evening from your hotel.

Sample accommodation: Hotel De Harmonie

Day 5: Giethoorn - Kampen, 23 mi. (37 km)
Cycle further through the National Park Weerribben-Wieden on your way to the Hanseatic town of Kampen, set on the banks of the River IJssel. It has one of the best preserved old town centers of the Netherlands, including the gates of the ancient city wall and a windmill called d'Olde Zwarver (‘the Old Vagabond’). Colorful murals, old commercials from the last century, including elaborate Art Nouveau versions, are another attraction.

Sample accommodation: Boetick Hotel 

Day 6: Kampen - Harderwijk, 26 mi. (42 km)
Cycle through several picturesque villages before you arrive on the shore of the Dronten Lake. Once, fishermen would look out across the open sea from here, checking if the weather was good to set sail. Today, there is a very large polder just across a narrow strip of water, but the view is still beautiful. Ride along the water to Elburg. Its attractions include its quaint streets, an ancient monastery, an old blacksmith’s, the oldest still-working ropewalk in the Netherlands (from 1725), and cute little cafés and restaurants. It’s a great place for a lunch break and maybe have beer at its craft brewery. Your destination today is the old town of Harderwijk. One of the nine medieval Hansa League towns in the Netherlands, Harderwijk gained great status and wealth and its history comes alive if you just wander through the beautiful streets.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Marktzicht

Day 7: Harderwijk - Weesp, 36 mi. (58 km)
Today is your longest ride but with so much to see, time will fly. Visit the traditional fishing village of Spakenburg. A strong sense of the past pervades with every view of its port, fishermen’s houses, and old sailing vessels in its historic shipyard. The museum which showcases Spakenburg’s traditional costume is also highly recommended. To end the day, cycle through lovely forests and across heathlands before arriving in the adorable, ancient fortified town of Naarden. Finally, your route leads through one of the oldest nature reserves in the Netherlands, Naardermeer, for your return to Weesp. One of our representatives will be on hand for your personal end-of-tour meeting and bike return. The direct train back to central Amsterdam should take you no more than 15 minutes.

If you're looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.

Excellent 3 to 4-star hotels within walking distance of the local sights. In the itinerary, you will find the name of the preferred hotel but your final hotel list will be based on availability. If the preferred hotel is not available, you will be accommodated in an establishment of equal standard.

Bicycles

Standard bike

Your bicycle will be prepared for your arrival, taking into account your gender, height, personal requirements, and your accessory reservation. The rental bikes available are 8-speed multi-geared adult bikes, in both men's and ladies' models, and are manufactured by Koga. Their top-class aluminum standard models are built according to our own critical standards and specifications and are the best rental bikes you will find in Holland. Included with the bike rental:

• A toolkit
• Tire repair kit
• Mini-pump
• Cable-lock
• Water bottle
• Breakdown assistance

Electric bike

The Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor offers optimum service life and reliability. The seamless integration of strength, rotation, and speed sensors results in spectacular intuitive support. The E-bike is provided with 400Wh Li-ion batteries with the longest life cycle available and supports your daily bike trip without any problem. Charging is only necessary at night.

Road bike

Also available are Giant road bikes. They are lightweight and have either aluminum or carbon frames. Together with high-quality Shimano components and different types of cleat pedals, these road bikes are suitable for long-distance riding.

Children’s bikes and accessories

A wide range of bikes and trailers are available and suitable for children of all ages.

Bike Assortment	Age
Child trailer	1-3 years
Child seat	2-4 years
Trailer bike/tag along	4-6 years
Follow me	7-8 years
Child tandem	3-8 years
20" child bike	7-8 years
24 " child bike	8-11 years
26 " child bike	11-13 years