En route: Plan a cycling trip in the Netherlands
With its beautiful flat landscape stretching into the horizon, a mild climate that’s rarely too hot or too cold, and a cycling infrastructure that’s unmatched anywhere in the world, the Netherlands is the ideal destination for cyclists. Possibilities for adventure are endless across the country’s 37,000 kilometers of bicycle paths. Once you’ve traversed the urban jungle, the open country might beckon you with its vast network of cycle routes winding their way through dunes, open fields and villages. Planning a day or multi-day trip is easy when you know which apps and tools to use – we’ve got you covered.
Planning your route on your smartphone
There are countless apps available for iPhone and android that can assist you every step of the way in your route planning.
- The Dutch Automobile Association (ANWB) has a cycling app called ANWB Eropuit that utilizes the numbered-node cycle network – signposted cycle routes that reach across most of the Netherlands. The app allows you to set up a route, save it and follow it. As an added bonus, it details points of interest and places to eat along the way.
- The Fietsknoop app is similar to ANWB Eropuit with one advantage: with free registration, your saved cycling routes are available offline and can be accessed across multiple devices. There’s also an option to unlock more features with a small subscription fee.
- The Fietsersbond Routeplanner app makes it easy to map your own journey either from location to location or plan a cycle tour using the nodes.
- Are you a nature lover? The route app from Natuurmonumenten: Natuur Routes offers hundreds of routes that will take you on a journey through the natural wonders of the Netherlands. Take a moment to step off your bike, breathe in the fresh air and listen to the route point explained by a forest ranger. It’s also possible to download your route to use it offline.
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Apps for weather and bike services
You know your route and you’re ready to embark on your cycling adventure. Not sure whether to wear a raincoat or a t-shirt? Buienradar is very popular in the Netherlands. The app allows you to pinpoint when rain is expected, while Het Weer in Nederland uses data from the Dutch national weather service (KNMI) to provide current weather forecasts.
On the off-chance you need an emergency repair, the Fietsen 123 app features up-to-date information on the nearest bicycle repair shops. It’s also handy if you’d like to know where to rent a bike or where the nearest charging point is for your electric bicycle.
After all your research (and even if it rains!), the Netherlands offers near-limitless options for cyclists from all walks of life. Visitors and residents alike will enjoy the variety of cycle holidays to choose from. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day cycle tour, whatever your interest or skill level, there is a route for you!
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