The Best Cycling Routes in Amsterdam

Ride southeast from Amsterdam and you’ll come across canal roads built to drain the old Dutch polders. What’s left behind are winding routes and picture-perfect views that really capture that classic Dutch feel.

Head west out of Amsterdam and you’ll start to hit some little hills. It kicks off in Spaarnwoude, then takes you through the dunes before looping back toward the city. You can ride each climb a few times if you’re looking to put in some training, or just stick to the route and enjoy the flow.

The Ringvaart loop is a go-to route for many riders heading out from Amsterdam, right up there with the Rondehoep. It’s simple to follow, has very few traffic lights, and keeps you moving. Just be ready for some wind, it’s pretty open out there. The loop follows the Ringvaart canal, which circles the Haarlemmermeer polder. This canal was built to drain water from the polder, and its name literally means “ring canal.”