Description

Cycling around the IJsselmeer

Cycling around the IJsselmeer – Self-Guided Cycling Holiday around the IJsselmeer
From Saturday to Thursday, in May, June, and September
Daily in July and August
8 Days – 7 Nights
Total distance – 340km – 210 miles

One of the best-loved tours, it shows off the great variety of landscapes, towns, and waters in the Netherlands.

This is a shorter version of our IJsselmeer Grand Tour, which goes all the way around the lake, crossing Afsluitdijk (Closure Dam). Lake IJssel Tour, however, takes you no further north than Stavoren, where you catch a ferry to cross the lake. Ride your bike on the loveliest and quietest roads and bike tracks a cyclist could hope for.

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Cycling around the IJsselmeer is a memorable journey through water-rich landscapes, historic towns, and classic Dutch cycling culture. The route forms a varied loop along the former Zuiderzee, combining coastal paths, quiet dikes, and charming city centers. Starting and finishing in Huizen, the ride immediately offers wide views over the water and smooth cycling paths that set the tone for the tour.

Cycling the IJsselmeer Loop

From Huizen, the route leads toward Amsterdam, where modern cycling infrastructure blends seamlessly with historic canals and lively neighborhoods. Leaving the capital behind, the scenery opens up again as you ride north to Hoorn, a former VOC harbor town rich in maritime history, cobbled streets, and inviting harborside cafés. Continuing along the northern shore, the route reaches Rijs, one of the few places where forested hills meet the IJsselmeer. This section feels peaceful and green, with sweeping views across the water and quiet stretches ideal for steady cycling. Crossing into Overijssel, the landscape changes again on the way to Zwartsluis.

From Zwartsluis, the route heads south along the eastern edge of the IJsselmeer to Harderwijk, a lively historic town with a well-preserved old center and a bustling promenade along the water. The final stretch returns to Huizen, completing a diverse and rewarding loop. With its mix of nature, history, and well-maintained cycling paths, cycling around the IJsselmeer offers an unforgettable experience!

Happy Cycling!

Team Cycle Classic Tours

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Day 1

Arrival in Huizen

Day 2

Huizen - Amsterdam - 37km

Hit the tracks and head for Naarden. The town of Naarden is a good example of a star-shaped fortification (have a peek at Google Maps!). It’s very well preserved, complete with walls and a moat. Next up is the village of Muiden, at the mouth of the River Vecht. Although very picturesque in itself, it 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 stroll through the romantic canal district.

Day 3

Amsterdam - Hoorn - 61km

There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam! Make sure you have an early start. Have you visited the Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum after its makeover? Why not pop in for a quick visit before you hop back on your bike and plunge into the peaceful countryside? Waterland awaits, with wet meadows, wooden bridges and windswept reeds and rushes. Waterlandsmuseum “De Speelklok” in the pretty village of Monnickendam explains (in English) the history of this extraordinary cultural landscape. Then cycle up the shore of Lake Markermeer to the friendly town of Volendam. The quaint stone houses in the distinctive heart of the catholic fishing village seem to have been drawn up without an organized 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 held as a tourist attraction (10.30 -12.30 hrs) 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

Hoorn - Rijs - 58km

Continue up the shore of Lake IJsselmeer, atop the old sea dike, to the beautiful town of Enkhuizen. Opt to visit the fun Zuiderzee Museum, which tells the story of the days when ships from the Zuiderzee sailed the seven seas trading in bulbs and spices; the days 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. Before you know it, it will be time to catch the ferry from Enkhuizen to Stavoren. It’s a trip of 1 ½ hours, crossing Lake IJsselmeer. The lake was created in 1932 when a closure dike cut off the Zuiderzee from the North Sea. This was necessary to stop the sea from flooding towns on the Zuiderzee. Once the dike was in place, the sea became a lake. By 1940, the saltwater had been replaced by fresh water from the River IJssel. Except for the eel, none of the Zuiderzee fish survived. A new freshwater 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. Please be aware that in May, June, and September, the boat between Enkhuizen and Stavoren does not depart on Monday.

Day 5

Rijs - Zwartsluis/Vollenhove - 69km

In the morning, you will cycle through Gaasterland, undulating and woody, to your first port of call, the picturesque town of Lemmer, a favourite with boaters in summer. Next, it’s full steam ahead to a World Heritage Site - if you are a steam enthusiast, this is your lucky day... Wouda steam-driven pumping station 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 our 1600 pumping stations are electrically powered. In the afternoon, nature lovers will bask in the beauty of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, where water, reed, and rushes dominate the landscape. It is said to be the most valuable marshland of north-western Europe. In case our hotel in Zwartsluis is not available, you will spend this night in the lovely Hanseatic city of Vollenhove. You will have the chance to visit Zwartsluis the upcoming morning.

Day 6

Zwartsluis/Vollenhove - Harderwijk - 65km

After exploring Zwartsluis, popular with boaters and other water sports enthusiasts, you will set off atop the old Kamperzeedijken (Kampen sea dikes) to the marvellous town of Kampen. It has one of the best-preserved town centres in the country. Check out the town gates on the River IJssel side of town. Kampen was a member of the Hanseatic League, a northern European alliance of trading guilds in the 13th-17th centuries. Their 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. Perhaps this explains why Hansa towns, centuries on, are so attractive to tourists. The River IJssel, which emptied into the 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

Harderwijk - Huizen - 49km

Set those wheels in motion and pedal along the shores of Randmeren lakes. Arkemheen-Eemland is wide open, empty, and a National Heritage Landscape. The area was surrounded by dikes in the year 1360 to stop cropfields 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 abiding interest in the Age of Steam, you may like to visit the steam-driven pumping station Hertog Reijnout. It controlled water levels in the low-lying polder from 1883 to 1983. (Cycle distance without ferry-crossing: 55 KM)

Day 8

Departure day

After breakfast in your hotel, you will return home.

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Booking Information

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For inquiries, send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com

Hotels:

Fletcher Hotel Nautisch Kwartier 4* (Huizen)
Westcord Art Hotel 3*/4* (Amsterdam)
Hotel de Keizerskroon 3* (Hoorn)
Hotel Jans 3* (Rijs)
Hotel Zwartewater 4* (Zwartsluis)
Best Western Hotel Baars 4* (Harderwijk)

The nearest Airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
The train from Schiphol to Naarden-Bussum departees 4 times per hour. Travel time is about 40 minutes. A single ticket costs approx €7,- per person excl. bicycle.
For timetables and tickets, go to www.ns.nl/en. From Naarden-Bussum you should take the bus to Huizen. This is about 20 minutes and wll costs about €2,50 per person.
For timetables and tickets: www.9292.nl/en.

Extra Information

Please do not make travel plans until you receive our confirmation.
Please be advised that we make every effort to ensure that all the information given on this site is accurate. All statements and information have been researched and supplied by third parties.
The information given is accurate and reliable, to the best of our knowledge. Should errors be found, we will rectify them as quickly as possible. However, we accept no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies.

Included

3*/4* star hotels
7 Nights
Tourist tax
Breakfast
Detailed roadbooks with maps and tourist information
7-days a week service-hotline
Luggage transfer (Max. 1 piece 20kg p.p.)
Route information available in the app

Not Included

Road Bike Rental Carbon Ultegra Disc €325
Gravel Bike Rental €300
Child Bike €77
Hybrid €91
E-Bike €196
Child seat €35
Child trailer €126
Helmet €10
Extra piece of luggage €35
Ferry crossings
Extra night double room €85 p.p.
Upgrade Hotel Heavens, Hoorn €35 p.p.
Upgrade Westcord Art Hotel, Amsterdam €10 p.p.
Upgrade van der Valk hotel Hoorn, Hoorn €15 p.p.

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Cycling around the IJsselmeer

Cycling around the IJsselmeer is a memorable journey through water-rich landscapes, historic towns, and classic Dutch cycling culture.

Moderate

May 1 - Sep 30

3/4 Hotels

(On request)

+ €350

Included

Included

+ €85 p.p.

Included

Available

Description

Cycling around the IJsselmeer