I have been busy cycling the past few months. A few days have passed since I arrived in the Netherlands. As I mentioned in my previous post, I have been exploring the country by car and bicycle. From cycling in Amsterdam to discovering the peaceful countryside, every day has been an unforgettable adventure.
My first time here, I instantly fell in love with the Netherlands. The lush green landscapes, the dark red brick houses, the large windows, the beautifully maintained gardens, and the simple joy of getting around by bicycle all make this country incredibly special. Beyond the capital, the little towns in the Netherlands are just as charming. Each one has its own character. Furthermore, you will find picturesque streets, canals, and a welcoming atmosphere, making them a joy to explore on two wheels.
The Little Towns in the Netherlands
Zwolle
It was the first town I stopped in, and I was ready to move here straight away. Or at least spend a few days shopping, dining, and exploring all the wonderful places this charming town has to offer. Zwolle is amazing! The historic houses are small and full of character, while the streets are alive with people and lined with countless parked bicycles.
If you’re exploring the little towns in the Netherlands, definitely make a stop in Zwolle. It is one of the cutest towns I visited, almost like a smaller and quieter version of Amsterdam. With its picturesque streets, historic architecture, lively atmosphere, and bicycle-filled corners, Zwolle is a place you will instantly love.
Amsterdam
I had wanted to come back to Amsterdam ever since my first visit 10 years ago. Back then, I fell in love with the city and its lively atmosphere, so it felt wonderful to finally return.
Amsterdam is a city full of character. Expect beautiful historic buildings, endless canals, narrow houses with gabled facades, and charmingly crooked walls. While cycling in Amsterdam, you will also pass plenty of small food shops. Here, burgers and fries seem to be the local comfort food of choice. Unfortunately, there were a few too many fried options for my liking, but the city’s charm more than made up for it.
One thing you immediately notice while cycling in Amsterdam is the sheer number of bicycles. They are everywhere! I couldn’t help but wonder if the city ever organizes a major clean-up of all the seemingly forgotten bikes. After all, quite a few of them looked as though they hadn’t been moved in years.
Amsterdam is also home to some of the world’s finest museums, showcasing masterpieces by Dutch artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Since it rained during my visit, spending time indoors seemed like the perfect plan. I visited the Rijksmuseum and the World Press Photo Exhibition 2019. Both were fascinating experiences that I would highly recommend.
The Cycling continues…
I had already cycled 70 km to get to the city. As I mentioned earlier, cycling in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands is an experience you simply shouldn’t miss. It was an amazing and incredibly rewarding ride.
I mostly followed the canals, just as I had done along the Main River in Germany (read about it here – Main River Cycling Path). One of the best things about cycling in the Netherlands is that the routes naturally lead you through beautiful landscapes and some of the most charming little towns in the Netherlands. This makes the journey just as memorable as the destination.
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Cycling in the Netherlands
The country, whether you call it Holland or the Netherlands, feels made for cycling. Technically, Holland and the Netherlands are not the same, but either way, this place is a dream for anyone on two wheels. There is hardly a road without a bike path running alongside it. Moreover, it seems like everybody rides a bike here.
From young to old, cycling is simply the preferred way to get from A to B. Whether you are cycling in Amsterdam, riding through the countryside, or exploring the little towns in the Netherlands, travelling by bicycle is one of the best ways to experience the country.
I usually park my car a few kilometers outside a town and take a leisurely bike ride into the city centre. It is definitely much less stressful than trying to find a parking spot in town. Alternatively, I simply cruise along the bike paths through the countryside and the little towns in the Netherlands.
This has become one of my favourite ways to explore the country. Whether I am heading into a city, riding through quiet villages, or cycling in Amsterdam, being on a bicycle makes every journey feel relaxed, scenic, and fun. I love it!
And so…
The weather was looking a little cloudy, but I still had a few more days left in the Netherlands and plenty more cycling to do. After all, there were no hills to worry about. In addition, there were so many more little towns in the Netherlands waiting to be explored.
Before I finally headed further west towards the coast of Holland, there was one more charming little town I wanted to tell you about. And it is definitely worth stopping for.
The town ‘s-Hertogenbosch. I stopped here because I read it was an old historical City. And although it didn‘t have as much of the historical charm as Zwolle, I would definitely recommend to stop here. ‘s-Hertogenbosch might be hard to pronounce, but it has plenty of cute streets with excellent shops and restaurants. So while you‘re nearby… x
(post 96)
