Amsterdam and Lake IJssel Cycle
Amsterdam and Lake IJssel Cycle
Amsterdam and Lake IJssel Cycle
8 Days Starting and ending in Huizen
Visiting: Huizen, Amsterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Kampen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AIJ
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Numerous highlights are packed into this carefully planned cycling route through the old fishing villages and trading towns situated around Amsterdam's Lake IJssel. As you pedal through classic Dutch landscapes, cycling below sea level at times, there is ample opportunity to visit the star shaped fortified town of Naarden and "Amsterdam Castle" (Muiderslot), along with Edam, famous for its cheese, the fishing village of Volendam, the island of Marken and the historical towns of Enkhuizen and Hoorn which flourished during the Golden Ages with the VOC (United East India Company). Explore the lakes of Friesland and the Weerribben-Wieden National Park with their rich birdlife, take in the Hanseatic cities of Kampen and Elburg and the old fishing villages of Harderwijk and Bunschoten-Spakenburg, where some locals still wear traditional costumes. If you plan to do just one cycle tour of Holland, this itinerary provides the quintessential Dutch experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Huizen
Location: Huizen
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to your hotel in Huizen (near Amsterdam). Take the time this afternoon to stroll through the historic old village with its unique houses and the fishing wharf with its authentic fishing smacks (traditional 19th century sailing boats).
Day 2 : Cycle Via Naarden To Amsterdam (37Km/23Mi)
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hit the tracks and head for Naarden. The town of Naarden is a good example of a star-shaped fortification (have a peek on google maps!). It’s very well preserved, complete with walls and a moat. Continue to the village of Muiden, at the mouth of the River Vecht. Although very picturesque in itself, Muiden is best known for its small moated castle, built around 1280 - well worth a visit! As the sun sets in Amsterdam, you could go for a leisurely stroll through the picturesque canal district.
Day 3 : Continue To Hoorn (61Km/38Mi)
Location: Hoorn
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam, so make sure you have an early start. We suggest a quick visit to the Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum, which has had a make-over, before getting on your bike and heading into the peaceful countryside. The municipality of Waterland awaits, with meadows, wooden bridges and windswept reeds and rushes. The Museum de Speeltoren in the pretty village of Monnickendam explains (in English) the history of this extraordinary cultural landscape. You'll then cycle along the shore of Lake Markermeer to friendly Volendam. The quaint stone houses in the distinctive heart of the fishing village seem to have been drawn up without an organised street plan. "De Dijk”, overlooking the harbour, is lined with souvenir shops, pavement cafes and restaurants. Just around the corner is the pretty village of Edam. For centuries, small, round, salty cheeses produced by dairy farmers in neighbouring polders were shipped out of Edam and exported all over Europe. For six weeks in summer a traditional Wednesday morning cheese market is put on for tourists (10.30am, 2hrs) by local volunteers. At the end of the day, you’ll reach the lovely, historical town of Hoorn. Like Enkhuizen (see day 4), it has a history in whaling, shipbuilding, fishery and of course shipping. Both towns housed branches (“chambers”) of the Dutch East India Company (along with Delft, Middelburg, Amsterdam and Rotterdam).
Day 4 : By Bike And Ferry At Lake Ijsselmeer To Oudemirdum / Rijs (64Km/40Mi)
Location: Enkhuizen
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue up the shore of Lake IJsselmeer, atop the old sea dike, to the beautiful town of Enkhuizen. You can opt to visit the Zuiderzee Museum which tells the story of the days when ships from the Zuiderzee sailed the seven seas trading in bulbs and spices, when Holland dominated world trade and the Dutch East India Company was the first-ever multinational. This period is known as the Golden Age and roughly spans the 17th century. The museum has also combined a collection of local historical architecture with demonstrations of traditional trades.
It's then time to catch the ferry* from Enkhuizen to Stavoren - a 1.5 hour crossing of Lake IJsselmeer. The lake was created in 1932 when a closure dike cut off the Zuiderzee from the North Sea, necessary to stop flooding of towns on the Zuiderzee. By 1940 the saltwater had been replaced by fresh water from the River IJssel. Except for eels, none of the Zuiderzee fish survived, and a new fresh water fish population replaced them. On the other side of the lake, you will find yourself in Friesland province. The people of Friesland have their own language (a proper language, not a dialect) closely related to English. When they say butter, bread and green cheese, it sounds like English and not like the Dutch "boter, brood en groene kaas”. The length of this day trip includes the boat.
* Note: currently the ferry must be pre-booked (online, not included). You can do this yourself at: http://www.veerboot.info/en
Day 5 : Cycle Through The Weerribben-Wieden National Park To Zwartsluis (65Km/40Mi)
Location: Weerribben-Wieden National Park
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, you will cycle through Gaasterland, undulating and woody, to the picturesque town of Lemmer, a favourite with boaters in summer. Next you'll head to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wouda Steam Pumping Station, which has been operational since 1920 and was used to drain a lake. For centuries, windmills took care of water management in the Netherlands before steam engines took over. Nowadays most of the 1600 pumping stations are electrically powered. In the afternoon, nature lovers will enjoy the beauty of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, where water, reeds and rushes dominate the landscape. It is said to be the most valuable marshland of north-western Europe.
Day 6 : Pedal Past Kampen En Route To Harderwijk (65Km/40Mi)
Location: Kampen
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After exploring Zwartsluis, popular with water sports enthusiasts, you will set off atop the old Kamperzeedijken (Kampen sea dikes) to the town of Kampen, which has one of the best-preserved town centres in Holland. Kampen was a member of the Hanseatic League, a northern European alliance of trading guilds in the 13th to 17th centuries, whose main aim was to ensure safe passage for travelling merchants. They also helped each other with information, knowledge, contacts and privileges. This network generated income, allowing merchants to invest in culture and architecture and explains why Hansa towns, centuries on, are so attractive. The River IJssel, which emptied into Zuiderzee sea, counted several Hansa communities on its banks. In the afternoon, jump back on your bike and follow the fringes of Veluwe Forest down to Harderwijk.
Day 7 : Continue Along The Shores Of Randmeren Lakes To Return To Huizen (49Km/30.5Mi)
Location: Huizen
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you'll pedal along the shores of Randmeren lakes. Arkemheen-Eemland is a wide open, empty and National Heritage landscape. The area was surrounded by dikes in the year 1360 to stop fields from being flooded by the sea. Arkemheen polder is special because the original lots are still intact. The lots are divided by curvy creeks, remnants of Zuiderzee tidal streams. Some plant species still recall the influence of salt water. Part of the polder is being preserved as a bird habitat for “Natura 2000”. The visitors’ centre has more information. Should you have an interest in the Age of Steam, you may like to visit another steam pumping station, Hertog Reijnout, which controlled water levels in the low-lying polder from 1883 till 1983.
Cycle distance without ferry crossing - 55km /34.2mi
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights 3-4 star hotels -
7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually continental style and will consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks plus printed roadbook provided locally
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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24 speed bike rental with pannier, helmet, repair kit and lock (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to and from Huizen
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Bike Insurance
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Amsterdam
Travel arrangements to and from Amsterdam are not included.
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Meals not listed as included
All drinks, lunches, and dinners are excluded.
A dinner package can be booked which includes a 3-course dinner each night with a supplement. -
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Bike Insurance
Bike insurance is not included.
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E-bike
E-bike rental is available with a supplement.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no guide is included.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Transfers
Transfers are not included.
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Ferry crossings
Ferry crossing from Enkhuizen to Stavoren on day 4 is not included (allow EUR17pp including bike, subject to change).
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Excess Luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage.
Each piece of extra luggage will be charged and cannot weigh more than 20kg per piece due to work safety rules. -
Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal items are not included.
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GPS device
GPS device is available to hire with a supplement, or you can download the GPS tracks to your own device.
Grading
This trip involves 5 days cycling between 35 and 63km (21.7 and 39mi) per day, usually along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. In and out of the towns and cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour provides a 21-speed bike equipped with a pannier, helmet, repair kit, and lock. E-bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental style. All other meals, such as lunches and dinners, are not included, but a dinner package can be booked for an additional supplement.
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Is luggage transfer included during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included, allowing for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, each offering twin share rooms with ensuite facilities.
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Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, there is access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the tour.
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Is the tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, and no guide is included.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners. It involves 5 days of cycling between 35 and 63km per day, usually along paved cycle paths and quiet country roads across generally flat terrain.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.