Cycling in Zandvoort is one of the finest ways to discover the coast, the Kennemerduinen, and the old village.
But which bike suits your day? A city bike for a lap around the village rides differently than a
An e-bike through the dunes or a fat bike on the beach. You notice the wrong choice immediately: a heavy frame in the loose sand, a cargo bike on a narrow dune path, or a children's bike on a long coastal route. This guide
helps you choose, so that you pick up the right rental bike at Behind the Beach right away, starting from just 6 euros.
Table of contents:
1. The three typical scenarios in Zandvoort 2. City bike: ideal for the village and short coastal rides 3. Electric bike: the all-rounder for dunes and wind 4. Fat bike and Monster bike: for the beach and loose terrain 5. Cargo bike and picnic bike: for children and leisurely tours 6. Kids' bike and go-kart: for the little ones 7. Overview: which bike for which scenario 8. What to bring and what to look out for 9. Frequently Asked Questions 10. References 11. Personal advice
The three typical scenarios in Zandvoort
Zandvoort has roughly three cycling environments, and each places different demands on the bike. The beach is wide and loose sand makes standard tires unusable, except on the hard layer right near the high tide line. Here you need wide tires and sometimes a bit of extra power.
The Kennemerduinen and the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen offer paved and semi-paved paths, often with slopes, narrow passages, and occasional shell sand. A lightweight bike with pedal assistance rides best here. The village itself and the ride along the boulevard towards Bloemendaal aan Zee or Haarlem, however, call for a maneuverable bike.
short distances and stopping regularly.
Do you already know which route you want to cycle? Then choose a bike based on the surroundings, not the other way around. And if you are still unsure, simply ask for advice at Behind the Beach on location at Haltestraat; you will be on the right bike faster than you think.
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City bike: ideal for village and short coastal rides
A standard city bike is the most underrated choice for Zandvoort. For a loop around the village, a visit to the Grote Krocht, a terrace on the boulevard, and a stretch towards the beach pavilion, a comfortable city bike is more than enough. You get on and off easily, the basket
The front is handy for running errands, and you don't have a battery that can run out. For families who want to take it easy, this is often the best and cheapest choice.
Where the city bike reaches its limits: longer dune routes with strong headwinds. Along the coast, there is almost always wind, and according to the established wisdom of seaside bike rental companies, it "almost always comes from the front." For routes exceeding fifteen kilometers or for less trained cyclists, it becomes tough.
Electric bike: the all-rounder for dunes and wind
The e-bike is often the best all-round choice for Zandvoort. With pedal assistance, you climb the dunes without any hassle, reach Bloemendaal or Haarlem at your leisure, and have energy left for the return journey. On
On a day with a strong westerly wind, the difference compared to a regular bicycle is enormous: what is an exhausting struggle on a city bike feels like a walk on wheels on an e-bike.
Behind the Beach rents out electric bikes with comfortable pedal assistance, suitable for both men and women. You pay slightly more than for a city bike, but for routes of twenty
For kilometers or more, the investment is well worth it. Important to know: you still have to pedal yourself; the motor only gives you a push.
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Fatbike and Monsterbike: for the beach and loose terrain
For a ride on the beach or through rougher dune terrain, a fatbike is the only logical choice. The thick tires float on the sand where a regular bike sinks, and the electric assistance keeps the ride light. Behind the Beach has two fatbike variants: a compact 20-inch fatbike that is maneuverable for the beach, and the 28-inch
Monster bike for those who want more power and dare to ride through loose sand, meadows, and steep dune slopes.
Please note one thing: according to recent regulations, an electric fatbike is only allowed on bike paths and in the village if it meets the requirements for a regular e-bike. Riding on the sidewalk or through pedestrian areas is not permitted, and separate rules apply on the narrow dune paths of the National Park. At Behind the Beach, you will receive an explanation of where you are and are not allowed to ride the fatbike before you set off.
Cargo bike and picnic bike: for children and pleasant trips
Are the children coming along, or do you want to head into the dunes with a well-stocked picnic basket? That is where the cargo bike or picnic bike comes into play. The standard cargo bike has a low center of gravity, allowing two children to fit safely in the front; the e-cargo bike does the same with electric assistance, which makes a difference on inclines and against headwinds. The picnic bike is a comfortable city bike with a spacious front basket.
for a basket with lunch, a drink, and a blanket.
Please note: the narrowest paths in Zuid-Kennemerland National Park are not suitable for wider cargo bikes and tricycles during peak season. Stay on the main cycle paths and paved routes with a cargo bike.
heading towards Bloemendaal, that is when you get the most enjoyment out of it. For a trip around Zandvoort, through the village and along the boulevard to a picnic spot on the edge of the dunes, a picnic bike is almost always the
coziest choice.
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Children's bike and go-kart: for the little ones
Children who want to cycle on their own need their own bike in the right size. A children's bike that is too big or too small makes every ride tedious. Behind the Beach rents out children's bikes in 20-inch and 24-inch sizes, so you can easily choose the right size for children from about six years old. For the very little ones, a child seat on the
A parent's bike or a wagon is the best solution.
For children who prefer not to cycle but still want to enjoy being outdoors, a go-kart is a fun option. All go-karts have an adjustable seat and a freewheel mechanism, so the pedals remain stationary even when the child stops pedaling. Ideal for racing around the beach path or square for an hour.
Overview: which bike for which scenario
For a loop around the village and boulevard up to ten kilometers: city bike or picnic bike. For dune routes and longer rides up to thirty kilometers: electric bike. For a ride on the beach and loose terrain: fat bike (20 inch) or Monsterbike (28 inch). For an outing with two children plus luggage: cargo bike or e-cargo bike. For a family picnic at the edge of the dunes: picnic bike. For children who want to cycle themselves: children's bike in 20 or 24 inches. For children who want to zoom around without cycling: go-kart.
For families with different preferences, a mix is often the smartest: the parents on an e-bike or city bike, an older child on a children's bike, and a younger child in a child seat or wagon. Behind the Beach
helps you on location with the combination.
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What to bring and what to look out for
Bring drinks, even on cool days, because at the coast you underestimate the wind and evaporation. A rain jacket is smart, even under a blue sky, because the weather at the seaside changes quickly. For children, a helmet is recommended.
Recommended; Behind the Beach has them in various sizes. If you cycle along the beach, check the tides first and stay on the hard sand strip close to the high tide line. In the dunes, the rule is: stay on the cycle paths, respect grazing areas, and watch out for unleashed animals.
Horses and Koniks grazing in the Kennemerduinen.
And finally: plan your route so that you cycle against the wind on the way out and with the wind on the way back. That sounds like a small difference, but on an afternoon heading to the beach, it really makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike should I choose for a day in the Kennemerduinen?
The Kennemerduinen have paved and semi-paved paths with gentle slopes and often headwinds. An electric bike is the
most comfortable choice, especially if you want to cycle thirty kilometers or more. A regular city bike is also an option, but requires more effort and
is less suitable for less trained cyclists.
Am I allowed to cycle through the village of Zandvoort on a fatbike?
An electric fat bike that meets the requirements for a regular e-bike (with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and a maximum of 250 watts) is allowed on
the cycle path and in the village. Souped-up fat bikes or models with a throttle are subject to moped or scooter regulations and have
License plate and helmet required. The fatbikes from Behind the Beach comply with standard e-bike regulations and can therefore be used anywhere without any hassle.
Can I enter South Kennemerland National Park with a cargo bike?
On main cycle paths and paved routes, yes. On narrower paths, especially in the high season, it becomes difficult: cargo bikes and tricycles.
are not recommended there due to crowds and limited width. For a ride through the park, a standard bicycle or e-bike is more practical.
How much does it cost to rent a bike at Behind the Beach?
The starting price for a city bike is from six euros. Electric bikes, fat bikes, cargo bikes, and specialized bikes have higher prices.
rates. You can view the current rates per bicycle type and rental period via the price list on the website.
Is a fat bike suitable for children?
A fat bike is heavier and has more power than a regular bicycle and is therefore not suitable for children under sixteen. It is possible for teenagers with experience on an e-bike, but only under supervision. At Behind the Beach, a minimum height of 1.50 meters applies to fat bikes.
Can I reserve a bike or do I have to come by?
You can make a reservation online via the Behind the Beach website. During peak season, school holidays, and good weather, reservations are recommended.
We advise, because popular types like e-bikes and fat bikes sell out quickly. Outside of the season, you can often just drop by at Haltestraat 51.
in Zandvoort.
Where do I pick up the bike?
Behind the Beach is located within walking distance of Zandvoort station, at Haltestraat 51. Are you coming from the direction of Bloemendaal? Then it is
Behind the Beach bike pick-up point on that side is also convenient; ask about the possibilities on location.
Source attribution
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| In Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, narrow paths are less suitable for wide bicycles during the high season. | ANWB | Factually correct. |
| An electric fat bike with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h falls under the e-bike regulations and is allowed on the cycle path without a license plate. | National Government, classification of bicycles and electric vehicles. | Factually correct as of 2026 |
| On the beach, you need wide tires because regular tires sink into loose sand. | Generally accepted practice of beach rental companies and the Cyclists' Union. | Factually correct |
| In the Kennemerduinen, wild Koniks and Scottish Highlanders graze and are present on and around the cycle paths. | PWN, manager of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. | Factually correct |
Personal advice
Do you know which bike suits your day in Zandvoort? Great. Don't wait until the last day of your visit: during peak season, e-bikes and fatbikes are often the first to go. Reserve in advance via the Behind the Beach website, and the right bike will be ready as soon as you arrive at Haltestraat. Still unsure? Walk in or call, and the team will advise you based on your route, company, and preferences. Renting a bike in Zandvoort doesn't have to be a gamble; your day truly begins with the right choice.