Amsterdam to Brussels by Bike

Arrival during the day to Amsterdam, this is one of the crown jewels of Europe. There is so much to see and do.

Take a walk and marvel at the old buildings and architecture, the canal district with many 17^th century buildings is worthwhile hunting out as it is listing as a World Heritage Site.

Today’s cycle tour takes you through the Green Heart of Holland. Maybe this is your first experience of the wonderful cycle path network in Holland, the cyclist here really is “King”, and you shall certainly feel this as you head out on your bike. You shall pass today characteristic peat and polder landscapes, pretty historical towns like Oudewater and quaint farming communities. Oudewater has an interesting past associated with ancient witchcraft and where people accused of witchcraft came to be proven innocent by the act of weighing!  Your destination today is the beautifully preserved medieval town of Gouda. Take time to explore the old town, the town hall and the ancient church of St John.  Gouda is the home of the famous cheese but also the syrup waffle!

Today you shall see one of Holland true scenic gems in the village of Kinderdijk with is 19 windmills which have been standing since 1740. Visit the information centre and explore the complete site on foot or by bike. Some of the windmills are lived in and one of open to the public. These windmills were used to drain excess water from the low-lying polder up and into the River Lek. After your visit, continue your way cycling through the quiet countryside to Papendrecht. Papendrecht is reached by a short ferry crossing from one of Holland’s oldest towns, Dordrecht. Dordrecht is surrounded by rivers and beautiful bridges take you across the water into the heart of town.  Here you shall see many old buildings around the harbour, for certain a photo opportunity.

Your destination today is the 800-year-old town of Bergan op Zoom where you can explore the towns narrow streets and many historic monuments. To reach Bergen op Zoom you will cross one of the remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe, the Biesbosch National Park. You then cross a kilometre long bridge into the south Netherlands before reaching your destination. Now make sure you visit the Markiezenhof a late gothic mansion built in 1485.

Today you shall cross into Belgium. Some of the route today is through a forested area and a nature reserve. Then you cycle along with the Scheldekaaien areas of quays on the River Scheldt. You then cycle right into the historical and touristic heart of Antwerp. Antwerp is the largest town in Flanders and Belgium’s most important port city.  It has a good historic centre, zoo and many historic sites.  If you have worked up a thirst today why not try a for Belgian beer? Consider visiting De Koninck beer brewery. It has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors centre welcoming guests wishing to look around and do some tasting.

Today you shall follow a few rivers, first on the banks of the River Scheldt, then the River Rupel which is the shortest river in the country (only 10 km long). Then you join the River Dijle which takes you into the age-old town of Mechelen right up to the church tower of St. Rombold’s cathedral. If time permits stop for some lunch, maybe some Belgium French fries! Now you continue by bike beside the River Dijle to the university town of Louvain. It’s a pleasant town where the oldest houses date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Don’t miss the Grand Beguinage: Counting 100 houses, it was set up in 1234 as a community for spinsters; and now it’s part of the university campus. You also might like to see the early-Gothic church of St. John the Baptist (1304). Round off your explorations on the Oude Markt (Old Market Square).

Today your cycle ride is a little more undulating as you reach the Belgian Brabant hills and the extensive Sonian Forest.  If you don’t feel like cycling into the big city of Brussels, you can opt to catch a train at one of the stations along the route. Once in Brussels and you have checked in, the fantastic Grote Markt (Great Market Square) is one of the attractions. Nearby, the little statue of Manneken Pis still draws crowds. Your visit to Brussels can also involve some scrumptious hot waffles, Belgium chocolate, the famous beer and many other culinary treats.

Today you can take a flight home from Brussels or take the train back to Amsterdam.