Few places in the Netherlands are as perfectly suited for a bike ride as Zandvoort. You hop on in the village and within five minutes you are riding along the sea or into the dunes. No traffic jams, no traffic lights, just wind, space, and the occasional Scottish Highlander watching you go.
Whether you want to roll along the boulevard for half an hour or take on a challenging 30-kilometer ride through the National Park, there is a route for every mood and fitness level. We have listed the five best bike tours from Zandvoort, with honest advice on distance, difficulty, and which bike to choose.
Table of contents:
- Why Zandvoort is perfect for a bike ride
- Tour 1: loop around the four centers (13 km)
- Tour 2: through the National Park along the Kraansvlak (21 km)
- Trip 3: along the Waterleidingduinen towards Noordwijk
- Trip 4: through the dunes to Haarlem (27 km)
- Tour 5: for the sporty types, the Kopje van Bloemendaal
- Which bike do you choose for your trip?
- Handy tips for the road
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Zandvoort is perfect for a bike ride
Zandvoort is nestled between the sea and the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. This means kilometers of paved cycle paths through a landscape you won't find anywhere else in the rest of the flat Netherlands: rolling dunes, patches of forest, views over the water, and a surprisingly hilly profile. You work on your fitness without even noticing, while above all enjoying yourself.
The convenient thing is that almost all the beautiful tours start in the village. Are you arriving by train or car and don't have a bike with you? Then you can easily rent a bike from us and ride right away. Below you will find five tours, ranging from short and easy to a substantial day trip.
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Tour 1: loop around the four centers (13 km)
Never cycled here before? Start with this loop of about thirteen kilometers past the four faces of Zandvoort: the beach, the circuit, nature, and the village. You ride along the boulevard towards Bloemendaal aan Zee, head into the dunes there towards Parnassia, and return via the circuit. Flat, manageable, and ideal for a first introduction.
This trip is perfect for the whole family. With a child's bike or child seat, you keep things lighthearted, and there are plenty of beach bars along the way to stop for an ice cream.
Tour 2: through the National Park along the Kraansvlak (21 km)
If you want to get into real nature, the route around the Kraansvlak is highly recommended. From Zandvoort, you drive into the dunes via Bentveld, past the forests of Koningshof and Elswout, and via the Zeeweg towards Bloemendaal aan Zee. Along the way, you pass through the habitat of Konik horses, Scottish Highlanders, foxes, and deer. Looking carefully around you really pays off here.
At over twenty kilometers and featuring a few dune climbs, this is a ride where a little help is welcome. Read more about this area in our comprehensive guide to cycling through Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
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Trip 3: along the Waterleidingduinen towards Noordwijk
One of the most beautiful coastal tours follows the cycle path along the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes to the south. You ride through a rolling dune landscape towards Noordwijk, where you can see the bulb fields turn colourful in the spring. Along the way, you pass the Noordvoort Beach Reserve with a viewpoint overlooking the sea, a perfect spot for a break and a photo.
Count on half a day if you drive all the way. Want to know more about this area? Check out our page about cycling in the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes.
Trip 4: through the dunes to Haarlem (27 km)
In the mood for a trip outside Zandvoort? You can cycle through the dunes to Haarlem in about half an hour. This loop of about twenty-seven kilometers takes you through greenery to the city, where you can recharge for a moment on a terrace at the Grote Markt, before riding back via the other route. A nice mix of nature and city life.
Because you spend a bit longer on the bike here, a comfortable city bike or electric bike is not an unnecessary luxury.
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Tour 5: for the sporty types, the Kopje van Bloemendaal
Is there a road cyclist in you? Then the Kopje van Bloemendaal is your challenge: a one-and-a-half kilometer climb with about forty-five meters of elevation gain and some nice steep sections. Combine it with a lap around the Waterleidingduinen and you have a tough training ride. There is also a mountain bike course of about ten kilometers surrounding the circuit for advanced off-roaders.
Which bike do you choose for your trip?
The difference between a great day and suffering often lies in the right bike. For a short loop along the boulevard, a regular city bike is fine. If you head into the dunes or take a longer ride towards Haarlem or Noordwijk, an e-bike makes the climbs and headwinds much more bearable. If you are cycling with children, a cargo bike, child seat, or a separate child bike is the perfect solution.
Unsure what suits your trip? Our guide on which bike suits the beach, dunes, or village will help you on your way, or just drop by.
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Handy tips for the road
A few things to make your trip much more enjoyable. When cycling along the coast, it is best to cycle against the wind on the way there, so that you return with the wind at your back when you are tired. Bring water and sunscreen, as there is little shade in the dunes. Plan a break at a beach bar or a dune café; it is simply part of the experience. And check your route before you leave, so you don't have to search along the way. You can find an overview of all cycling routes in and around Zandvoort on our route page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you allowed to cycle in the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes?
You are not allowed to cycle through the core area of the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen itself; this is a walking area for which you need an entrance ticket. However, a beautiful cycle path runs along the edge of the area towards Noordwijk. Check the website of the manager, Waternet, for current rules and rates.
Which bike is best to rent for a bike ride in Zandvoort?
For a short ride, a regular bicycle will suffice. For the dunes or a longer ride, an electric bike is recommended due to the climbs and the wind. If you are cycling with children, choose a cargo bike, child seat, or child's bike.
How long does a bike ride from Zandvoort take?
That is up to you. The loop around the four centers takes about an hour, the nature tours take two to three hours, and you should set aside half a day for a drive to Haarlem or Noordwijk and back.
Can you cycle with children from Zandvoort?
Certainly. The flat loop along the boulevard and the four centers is ideal with children. With a child seat or a child's bike, it remains manageable, and there are plenty of beach bars along the way for a break.
Where can you rent a bike in Zandvoort?
At Behind the Beach, you can rent a regular bike, e-bike, cargo bike, or children's bike right by the beach. You can ride straight away towards the dunes or the boulevard. Check out the selection on our bike rental page.
Can you charge your e-bike on the go?
At a few locations, yes, including the Port of Zandvoort and the National Park visitor center. For a regular day trip, charging is usually not necessary; a full battery lasts well over a day.