The best traffic-free bike rides in Westerheide

Westerheide offers a wide selection of no traffic touring cycling routes, with over 180 options available. The majority, around 150, are rated as easy, making them accessible for various skill levels.

The terrain in Westerheide is generally flat to gently rolling, with subtle undulations rather than significant climbs, making it ideal for touring cyclists. Path surfaces vary, including mostly paved sections, compacted gravel, asphalt, and some unpaved paths, catering to different cycling preferences while ensuring a smooth, traffic-free experience.

Yes, Westerheide is very beginner-friendly. With over 150 easy routes, you'll find plenty of options. For example, the Bussummer Heath – Gravel path at Bussummerheide loop from Westerheide is an easy 13.3 km route that offers a great introduction to the area's beautiful heathlands.

The routes traverse expansive heathlands and shady forests, offering diverse scenery. You might spot Highland Cattle grazing, a distinctive feature of the area. Keep an eye out for the unique geological formation of the "Zwarte Berg" (Black Mountain), an old longitudinal dune. You can also visit the Bronze Age Burial Mound in Westerheide or explore the Westerheide Heathland Trail itself.

The best time to visit is typically late summer to early autumn (August-September) when the heathlands are in full bloom with vibrant purple heather, creating a spectacular landscape. Spring also offers beautiful scenery as nature awakens. The generally mild climate makes cycling enjoyable for much of the year.

Absolutely. The predominantly flat terrain and the absence of traffic make many routes ideal for families. The varied surfaces and scenic views, combined with the chance to spot Highland Cattle, provide an engaging experience for all ages. Routes like the Westerheide Heathland Trail – Bussummerheide loop from Hilversum Media Park are easy and offer a pleasant family outing.

Many parts of Westerheide are dog-friendly, but it's essential to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife and grazing animals like the Highland Cattle. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs on trails.

The komoot community highly rates the routes in Westerheide, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, the stunning open heathland vistas, and the varied landscapes that include both heath and forest sections. The well-maintained paths and the opportunity for wildlife spotting are also often highlighted.

Yes, Westerheide offers several excellent loop routes. The Bussummerheide – Gravel path at Bussummerheide loop from Johannes Geradtswegbuurt is a popular easy 8 km option. For a longer, more challenging ride, consider the Nieuw Bussummerheide – Westerheide Heathland Trail loop from Oud Bussem, a difficult 35.9 km route that explores more of the reserve.

While cycling through the natural reserve, you'll find opportunities to stop for refreshments. The Restaurant La Place is one option located conveniently near some of the routes, offering a place to refuel and relax during your ride.

Routes vary in length, from shorter loops around 8 km, such as the Bussummerheide – Gravel path at Bussummerheide loop from Johannes Geradtswegbuurt, to longer excursions up to 38 km like the Gravel at Lage Vuursche – Forest and Heathland Route loop from Hilversum Media Park. Given the flat to gently rolling terrain, elevation gains are minimal, typically ranging from 20 to 100 meters even on longer routes, making them very accessible.