The best traffic-free bike rides around Amsterdam

Komoot offers a selection of 7 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Amsterdam. These routes vary in difficulty, ensuring there's something for every skill level, from easy rides to more challenging adventures.

Yes, there are several options suitable for beginners. An excellent choice is the Vijfhuizer Bridge – Big Spotters Hill loop from Vijfhuizen. This easy route covers about 25 km and offers a gentle introduction to gravel biking in the region, featuring flat terrain and scenic views.

The gravel trails around Amsterdam offer a diverse range of landscapes. You'll encounter flat polder landscapes, tranquil forest paths, and expansive heathlands. Many routes follow dikes and sandy paths, providing a true 'gravel paradise' experience away from traffic. Areas like the Amstelland Green Area offer open meadows and green pastures, while routes near Hilversum explore woodlands and heathlands.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the IJmeer Cycle Path – Bussummerheide loop from Amsterdam Muiderpoort is a difficult route spanning over 100 km. Another demanding option is the Water Line Loop from Haarlem, which covers nearly 67 km and explores diverse terrain.

Yes, many of the recommended no-traffic gravel routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bussummerheide – Zuiderheide loop from Weesp and the Vijfhuizer Bridge – Big Spotters Hill loop from Vijfhuizen, which are designed for convenient round trips.

The routes often pass by or are close to various points of interest. You might encounter historic estates like Duin en Kruidberg Estate or Boekesteyn Estate. Scenic viewpoints such as Big Spotters Hill are also accessible. The region is rich in natural beauty, including the expansive heathlands of Bussummerheide and the tranquil Amstelland Green Area.

While not directly on every gravel trail, the region around Amsterdam offers several recreational areas with swimming opportunities. Gaasperplas, southeast of Amsterdam, features a large lake with a beach. Het Twiske, north of Amsterdam, is also known for watersports and swimming. The Vogelmeer (Bird Lake) – Parnassia Beach and Dunes loop from Santpoort Noord brings you close to coastal areas where beach swimming is possible.

The no-traffic gravel trails around Amsterdam are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful escape from city life, the well-maintained unpaved paths, and the diverse natural scenery, from open polders to quiet woodlands and heathlands. The ability to explore the Dutch countryside without vehicle interference is a frequently highlighted positive.

Yes, several areas stand out. The heathlands around Bussummerheide and Zuiderheide offer extensive gravel paths. The Amstelland Green Area provides a tranquil rural experience along the Amstel River. Additionally, the region around Hilversum and Het Gooi is known for its diverse woodlands and heathlands, perfect for longer gravel adventures.

Absolutely. Many gravel routes are situated near or pass through significant natural areas and parks. For instance, the Amsterdamse Bos, a vast natural area, offers numerous cycling paths. National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, with its dune valleys and beaches, is also accessible for a longer ride. You can often plan your gravel ride to include stops at these locations for a more varied outdoor experience.

Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times for gravel biking in the Amsterdam region. The weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are vibrant with blooming flowers or rich autumn colors. Summer can also be pleasant, but trails might be busier. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet or muddy conditions on some unpaved sections.