Idyllic rivers, villages and forts

Distance: 54 or 46 km

Windmill Oostzijdsemolen along the River Gein. Photo © Holland-Cycling.comWindmill Oostzijdsemolen along the River Gein. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com

This varied route takes you along many winding rivers through the remarkably quiet rural region just south of Amsterdam. Thanks to the open, flat landscape you get views of the skyline of the capital from several directions. Highlights of the route are the medieval Castle Muiderslot and the forts of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.

You follow the River Amstel - from which Amsterdam derives its name - to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Via the lovely rivers Bullewijk, Waver, Winkel and Gein you wind your way to Abcoude and the fortress town of Weesp. From here you cycle along the River Vecht to Castle Muiderslot on the banks of the former Zuiderzee. The route takes you through the Diemerpark back to the centre of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Amstel Cycle Route

Distance: 54 km (3h40) or 46 km (3h)
Type of route: Day trip, round trip
Starting point:

Amsterdam Centraal train station
- Bicycle rental
- Car parking

GPS: Download this route as a GPX file: 54 km or 46 km.

Find out more:

- For an overview of all of our must-do cycle routes, go to: Day trips.
- Do you need to rent a bike? Find out how on our Bicycle rental page.
- For an overview of guided day trips from Amsterdam, go to our Guided tours section.
- For an overview of cycling holidays that include Amsterdam, go to our Holidays section.

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