Tips & Info
Services
Bicycle shops
With so many bicycles in Holland, it's not surprising that you find bicycle shops everywhere, even in tiny villages. Some smaller shops focus on everyday cycling, others specialise in more adventurous types of bikes.
Bicycle rental
At tourist sites, your accommodation, train stations, bike repair shops - you will find somewhere to rent a bicycle wherever you are in Holland. Renting a bicycle is easy and not that expensive. It can save you the hassle of bringing your own bike along.
Bicycle repair
Flat tyre, chain come off, faulty breaks? Breakdowns do happen, but rarely in front of a bicycle repair shop. So bring your own repair kit and make sure you can do minor repairs yourself. If you need professional assistance, you’ll find a bicycle repair shop in most places.
Bicycle parking
From bicycles chained against bridges and lamp posts, to multi-story bike parking facilities with ingenious bicycle racks - you find bikes parked everywhere in Holland. Not surprising as the country is home to more bikes than inhabitants.
Cyclists Welcome!
Some hotels, campsites, restaurants and cafes give cyclists an extra warm welcome. You'll recognise them by the Fietsers Welkom logo.
Cycling lessons
Have you just moved to Holland and have you never learnt to ride a bike, or are you not yet confident on the busy Dutch cycle paths? Cycling instructors around the country offer lessons to all newcomers - adults and children.
Finding your way
Signposts for cyclists
Dutch cycle paths are so well signposted, that even if you might not always know precisely where you are, you can hardly get lost. Just cycle on to the next signpost which will point you in the right direction. The distances given on the signposts are in kilometres.
Numbered cycle network
There are around 50 numbered regional cycle networks in Holland, which are all connected. Together they form a large national cycle network that will take you all around the country. You can use the numbered cycle network to plan your own day trip.
Marked routes
Day trips, long-distance routes, sections of international routes: there are more than 1000 cycle routes in Holland. Many of the cycle routes are conveniently signposted, so you won’t need to stop to consult your map all the time.
Health
Health
There are no major health risks associated with travelling in Holland. No vaccinations are required. For general health issues, check out the official health recommendations issued by your government. There are some specific health issues to be aware of if you’re cycling in Holland.
Safety
Traffic rules & regulations for cyclists
Cycling with a child on the front and the back, having my dog running next to me on a lead, while holding a bag and pulling a trailer with my weekly shopping - is that allowed in Holland? Yes. It might not be safe, but it isn’t illegal.
Road signs for cyclists
Most road signs for cyclists that are used in Holland are universal and need no further explanation. However, some road signs for cyclists are specific to Holland, or might be used differently from what you're used to.
Bicycle theft - how to avoid the pitfalls?
Unfortunately, bicycle theft is a common occurrence in Holland. Every year, hundreds of thousands of bicycles are stolen. Here are some top tips from the Dutch police how you can avoid your bike from going missing.
Food & drink
Shops
From small village grocery stores to large supermarket chain stores - wherever you are cycling in Holland, there are plenty of places where you can do your shopping. Do be aware that limited shopping hours apply and not all rural towns have a supermarket.
Cafes, bars, restaurants
From coffee and traditional Dutch apple pie with cream to a bowl of hearty pea soup, from pancakes with all kinds of sweet or savoury toppings to raw herring with onions: the next place for a snack or refreshment is never far away.
Cycling with children
Cycling with children
Holland is the ideal country for cycling with children. The many separate bicycle paths and flat terrain make cycling safe and effortless. And at easy distance there are many exciting things to do and see for the whole family. A simple cycle ride soon turns into one great adventure!
Cycling with a disability
Cycling with a disability
Do you have a disability or other health problems? Thanks to innovative technology more bikes are coming on the market for cyclists who can't ride a regular bike. What options are there and where in Holland can you rent them?
