The Netherlands by Bike

Planning the Tour: Logistics and First Impressions I’ve never cycled in the Netherlands before, though we all know it is world-famous for its excellent cycling culture and infrastructure. I’m usually cautious about committing to a flat cycling tour, yet my time pedalling through Flanders in the autumn of 2024 taught me that “flat” has its own rewards and challenges. There’s something about those big open skies — and the relentless rhythm of turning the cranks with nothing to interrupt your flow — that gives flat riding its own character. My first big decision was whether to plan my own route or follow the established long-distance (LF) cycle routes. In the end, I opted for a triangular route using three of these national trails. Together, they form a circuit of about 1,000 km around the country — long enough to allow for a few days off, some 400 km of detours, and flexibility to stay put when I find somewhere I like. The LF in "LF-routes" stands for Langeafstand Fietsroutes ...