Explore Hanseatic cities, Afsluitdijk and Zuiderzee
The IJsselmeer was created by the construction of the Afsluitdijk to protect the country against the often wild Zuiderzee. And it is a beautiful paradise for sailors, kites and windsurfers on a 'lake' that still exudes the charm of a sea. The mainly flat area around the IJsselmeer is beautiful and ideal for cyclists.
Located in the picturesque Netherlands, the IJsselmeer is a vast freshwater lake formed from the former Zuiderzee. This stunning region offers an idyllic setting for cycling enthusiasts, combining breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and a rich maritime history.
Details about the cycle tour around the IJsselmeer
You'll encounter charming towns and villages that have retained their traditional Dutch charm. From the quaint streets of Enkhuizen to the bustling harbour of Hoorn.
This tour around the lake takes you through national parks with sometimes rare animals and plants, picturesque fishing villages and cities that have experienced glorious times as trading metropolises. Of course, a visit to Amsterdam should not be missed. A mix of fascinating cultures and the attraction of water characterise the landscape around the IJsselmeer.
The highlights of the Zuidersee cycling holiday at a glance
Amsterdam: Canal belts, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Amsterdam Red Light District, Royal Palace on Dam Square and Leidseplein
Volendam: Let yourself be photographed in traditional Volendam costume and the cosy harbour with old Dutch ships
Weerribben-Wieden National Park: The largest continuous peat bog in northwestern Europe. A labyrinth of lakes, ditches, swamp forests, vast reed plots and flowery meadows
Worth knowing about the bike tour that goes around the IJsselmeer
You will cycle a beautiful route along the banks of the former Zuiderzee (IJsselmeer) on paved (farm) roads, sometimes also on smaller service roads and good bicycle paths. It can be quite windy along the IJsselmeer. You will pass several traditional fishing villages where you should taste the local specialities!
Individual arrival in Harderwijk. In the afternoon, the informative welcome meeting and the handing over of the rental bicycles (if booked) will take place. Afterwards, discover the medieval Hanseatic city. A walk through the city inevitably leads past the Church of Our Lady, a basilica with a three-part elevation from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Look forward to the Arkemheen-Eemland National Park and the broad, flat landscape with its extraordinary vegetation. Black-tailed godwits fly over vast areas. You cycle along the banks of the Randmeren to Huizen, the twin village on the Eemmeer with a costume and fishing museum. Naarden is a beautiful city in the green Gooi region and one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe. The city was one of the most important defences of the New Dutch Waterline, which will still impress you today.
You will pass the medieval castle "Muiderslot" during your trip along the IJsselmeer. We continue to Amsterdam, enjoying the historic buildings, beautiful museums and the cosy atmosphere. Take a tour through the canals, stroll through the Vondelpark, visit the floating flower market and shop in the old city centre. Amsterdam is truly unique! The short stage gives you enough time to explore the beautiful city.
After a few kilometres of cycling, you will reach the typical old Dutch town of Monnickendam, a real water town. Enjoy a relaxing cycling day along the IJsselmeer to Volendam or Katwoude. You will pause in traditional fishing villages, whose past as thriving trading towns cannot be overlooked. Volendam is famous for its traditional costumes and is considered the home of a particularly delicious smoked eel. Be sure to take a walk on the Volendamse Dijk.
In Edam, you will quickly notice that there is more than the world-famous cheese. Hoorn is a small shopping paradise with countless terrace cafes and restaurants to enjoy and relax. The picturesque town of Enkhuizen attracts thousands of tourists every year. Some love this place for its many historic buildings and monuments, others for its harbour and optimal water sports opportunities. Take a city walk to visit the Zuiderzee Museum with its replica of the old Zuiderzee city.
With a ferry (not included) you cross the waves of the IJsselmeer and get off in Stavoren. Discover the nostalgic charm of the oldest of the eleven Frisian cities in the Netherlands. Today you will spend the night in the nearby village of Oudemirdum or in Lemmer and the surrounding area. The pleasant centre of Lemmer with its many terraces right on the water, the cafes and the many sights, such as the old lock, are buzzing with a zest for life.
With a ferry (not included) you cross the waves of the IJsselmeer and get off in Stavoren. Discover the nostalgic charm of the oldest of the eleven Frisian cities in the Netherlands. Today you will spend the night in the nearby village of Oudemirdum or in Lemmer and the surrounding area. The pleasant centre of Lemmer with its many terraces right on the water, the cafes and the many sights, such as the old lock, are buzzing with a zest for life.
You reach Elburg along the dam. The original 'blunt' you can see here are the traditional sailing ships that were once used for fishing. You continue your journey along the Veluwemeer and eventually reach the starting point, Harderwijk, where the journey ends.
ca. 45 km
Route information
All routes are mostly flat. You cycle on paved (farm) roads, sometimes also on smaller service roads. Perfectly signposted cycling routes.
7 nights in the chosen category, including breakfast
Personal welcome meeting (German, English)
Luggage transfer(s) max. 1 piece of luggage 20 kg per person
Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels)
GPS data available on request
Service Hotline
Not included
Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
Ferry Enkhuizen-Stavoren
Arrival information
Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol
Train: Harderwijk Station
Parking: Category A: Free parking spaces at the start hotel, reservation not possible. Category B: Parking at the hotel, approximately €10 per day, reservation is not possible