The best cycling routes around South Holland

South Holland offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes. Our guide features 17 routes, ranging from easy to moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Yes, South Holland is ideal for easy rides due to its flat terrain. Our guide includes 11 easy routes. For example, the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail is a smooth, paved path perfect for relaxed cycling through wooded areas, and the Pennsy Greenway – Pennsy Greenway loop from Dyer is another easy option.

South Holland offers a rich tapestry of landscapes. You'll cycle through iconic polder landscapes with traditional windmills, along tranquil canals and lakes, and past expansive meadows. The region also features coastal dunes and beaches along the North Sea, and in spring, vibrant bulb fields. Parts of the 'Green Heart' provide peaceful peat meadows and traditional farmhouses.

Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, there are moderate options available. The Centennial Trail – Cal-Sag Trail loop from Robbins is a moderate 43.2-mile (69.5 km) route that provides a more extended cycling experience.

Many routes offer access to interesting sights. You can cycle past the Wolf Lake Boardwalk, cross the Calumet Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, or follow the Little Calumet River. The region is also home to historic cities like Delft, Leiden, and Gouda, and the famous Kinderdijk windmills, which are easily accessible by bike.

Yes, many routes in South Holland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Thorn Creek and Old Plank Road Trail Loop and the Maynard Lake – Pennsy Greenway loop from Munster, which leads through parklands and alongside a lake.

The touring cycling routes in South Holland are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.75 stars from over 13 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paved greenways, scenic creek-side paths, and beautiful lake views that define the region's cycling experience.

The spring months (March-May) are particularly spectacular for cycling in South Holland, as this is when the famous bulb fields burst into vibrant color. Summer offers pleasant weather for leisurely rides, while early autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. The flat terrain makes cycling enjoyable for much of the year.

Absolutely. South Holland is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, featuring 19 historic windmills. Many cycling routes are designed to pass directly through or near these iconic polder landscapes, offering picturesque views and a unique cultural experience.

Yes, the region's diverse natural areas, such as the Nieuwkoop lake district, the Loosdrechtse Plassen, and National Park De Biesbosch, are rich in birdlife and other wildlife. Cycling routes that traverse these areas, particularly those alongside canals and lakes, can offer excellent opportunities for observing local fauna in their natural habitats.

South Holland's cycling network often connects natural beauty with charming urban centers. You can plan routes that take you through historic cities like Delft, known for its blue pottery, or Leiden, with its academic charm. Gouda, famous for its cheese, is another delightful stop accessible by bike, allowing you to combine cycling with cultural exploration.

The touring cycling routes in South Holland are predominantly characterized by paved trails and greenways. This well-developed infrastructure ensures a smooth and accessible cycling experience, suitable for various types of touring bicycles and riders.