The best traffic-free bike rides in Varkensland

Varkensland offers a wide selection of no-traffic touring cycling routes. You can find over 300 routes, with the majority being easy to moderate, making them accessible for various skill levels.

The flat, open landscape of Varkensland is beautiful year-round, but the best time for touring cycling is typically from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, you'll experience milder weather, and the peat meadows are vibrant with birdlife and blooming flora. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially colder, windier conditions.

Yes, Varkensland is very suitable for family cycling due to its predominantly flat terrain and numerous easy, traffic-free paths. Many routes are designed to be accessible for all ages. For example, the Drawbridge in Broek in Waterland – View of Broek in Waterland loop from Broek in Waterland is an easy 18.9 km route perfect for a family outing.

Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Varkensland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An excellent example is the Kanaaldijk – View of Broek in Waterland loop from Broek in Waterland, which offers a scenic 16.4 km ride.

Varkensland is characterized by a unique peat meadow landscape (veenweidegebied) with slightly brackish water, re-wilded polders, and extensive waterways. You'll cycle through flat, open green pastures dotted with small lakes, past wavy reed fringes, and traditional Waterland-style houses and bridges. It's a serene environment, recognized as an Important Bird Area, offering expansive views and a sense of tranquility.

Varkensland's strategic location allows easy access to several picturesque, cultural-historic villages. You can cycle to Broek in Waterland (7 km away), known for its Dutch East India Company history, or Monnickendam (5 km distant) with its charming inner harbor. The famous cheese town of Edam is also just 9 km away by bike. These villages offer great opportunities for a meal stop or a cultural detour.

Varkensland is very accessible by public transport, especially from Amsterdam. It's merely a half-hour bike ride from Amsterdam Central Station, making it convenient to reach the starting points of many routes without needing a car. Public transport options like buses often serve the surrounding villages, providing additional access points.

While the routes themselves traverse natural, tranquil areas, the proximity to charming villages like Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, and Edam means you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and shops for refreshments and meals. These villages are often just a short detour from the main cycling paths, perfect for a break.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 5,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the unique peat meadow landscapes, and the opportunity to combine nature exploration with visits to charming historic villages. The ease of access from Amsterdam is also frequently highlighted.

While Varkensland is generally flat, there are a few routes classified as difficult, offering a longer distance or more exposed sections that can be challenging in windy conditions. For instance, the Markermeer Sea Dike – Zuiderwoude Bridge loop from Broek in Waterland is a 20.5 km route rated as difficult, providing a more extensive ride for experienced cyclists.

Yes, parking is generally available in the villages surrounding Varkensland, such as Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, and Edam. These villages serve as excellent starting points for many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability upon arrival, especially during peak season.