Together with my son Stefan, I set off on an eight-day Loop Tour "Around the IJsselmeer" – a route that takes us through some of the most beautiful regions in the Netherlands. Altogether, we cover 335 km by bike, exploring charming towns, diverse landscapes, and experiencing the warm hospitality of the Dutch people.
Our cycling vacation begins in the charming Hanseatic town of Harderwijk. Red-brick houses, classic gabled roofs, and winding alleyways create a unique atmosphere as we set out to explore. During a stroll through town, we visit the Grote Kerk, the old harbor, the Vismarkt, and the historic town hall – now a popular wedding venue with impressive wood-panelled walls.
A walk along the beach promenade feels almost Mediterranean, thanks in part to the many waterfront restaurants. We especially enjoy our evening at Restaurant Johannes, where we indulge in freshly prepared fish and soak in a breathtaking view of the harbor district.
The Netherlands is so much more than just cheese and windmills. Beyond the famous Gouda and Edam, we find a little cheese shop in Amsterdam selling truffle cheese – the perfect treat to bring home. And there’s no shortage of local breweries, inviting us to experience the Netherlands’ vibrant beer culture.
We set out on our first stage in the rain, but it doesn’t dampen our spirits. With our rain gear on, we cycle through lush meadows, passing sheep, gentle streams, and wide-open fields. The beautifully designed cycling network makes every mile a breeze. And the sparkling water is always by our side.
After a night at the elegant Vesting Hotel in Naarden, we continue our journey toward Amsterdam. Along the way, we pass Muiderslot, a magnificent water castle perched on its own island. Reaching Amsterdam, we set off to explore the city by boat. The canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are steeped in history. The Keizersgracht and Herengracht captivate us with their grand, stately homes built on wooden piles. A visit to the Anne Frank House leaves a lasting impression – the exhibition offers a moving and intimate glimpse into the Frank family’s life.
From Amsterdam, we cycle to Monnickendam, a picturesque lakeside village crisscrossed by charming waterways. We stop in a cozy café for a sandwich before continuing on to Volendam.
In Volendam, a lively fishing town, we stroll along the bustling harbor, passing colorful souvenir shops. Our route leads us on to Hoorn and finally to Enkhuizen – always accompanied by sweeping water views and countless sailboats gliding across Lake IJssel.
A culinary highlight awaits us in the evening: at Restaurant De80, I try kibbeling – crispy fried pieces of cod served with fries and salad. This classic Dutch dish is simply delicious.
The next morning, a ferry carries us from Enkhuizen to Stavoren. Feeling refreshed, we continue on to Lemmer, where we savor snacks at the local beach club with a beautiful view of the shoreline – pure vacation bliss. From Lemmer, we cycle toward Kampen. The weather is mild and overcast but dry, making it perfect for cycling. We especially love the ride along the Kalenbergergracht, an idyllic waterway lined with quaint houses.
A scenic highlight is the Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden, which we pedal through for part of our route. The park’s marshes, lakes, and rare plant and animal life make it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. In Kampen, we cross an impressive bridge that rises to let ships pass – an unforgettable sight.
On the final day, our route leads us back to Harderwijk. One last time, we cycle past windmills – the perfect photo opportunity to cap off our tour.
Time and again along our route, we come across those iconic windmills – as we do in Kampen. Here, a peaceful spot invites us to pause and rest. We settle onto a bench, soaking in the tranquility and taking in the striking view. In this quiet moment, we marvel at the lovingly restored mill and all its charming details. Many of these windmills have been preserved especially for visitors, and to this day, they give the Dutch landscape its unmistakable character.
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