The 10 Most Beautiful Motorcycle Routes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands may not be known for high mountains or spectacular mountain passes, but for motorcyclists, our country surprisingly has a lot to offer. From winding roads through extensive forests to long dikes with views over water and open landscapes.
Whether you're taking a short evening ride or want to ride all day, there are plenty of beautiful places where you can truly enjoy motorcycling.
In this article, you'll discover 10 of the most beautiful motorcycle routes in the Netherlands. Routes where nature, curves, and riding pleasure perfectly come together.
1. The Veluwe Route
The Veluwe is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas in the Netherlands for motorcyclists. Extensive forests, heathlands, and quiet roads make this an ideal place for a relaxed ride.
The roads around Apeldoorn, Hoenderloo, and Otterlo wind through beautiful nature and often offer long stretches of asphalt without heavy traffic.
Especially in the early morning or at the end of the day, the Veluwe is a fantastic place to ride.
2. The Posbank Route
The Posbank near Arnhem is a well-known spot for many motorcyclists. The area is renowned for its rolling roads, beautiful views, and pleasant curves.
The combination of elevation changes and nature makes this route unique within the Netherlands.
Especially during sunrise or sunset, the Posbank is an impressive place to ride.
3. The Limburg Hill Route
Those looking for real curves and elevation changes should head to South Limburg.
Around Valkenburg, Gulpen, and Vaals, you'll find roads that almost don't feel Dutch. Here, you ride through hills, past small villages, and through beautiful landscapes.
For many motorcyclists, this area feels like a piece of foreign land within the Netherlands.
4. The Zeeland Coast Route
Zeeland offers a completely different riding experience. Here, you ride along the sea, over dikes, and impressive bridges.
The route along the Oosterscheldekering, Neeltje Jans, and the Zeelandbrug is one of the most beautiful coastal rides in the Netherlands.
On sunny days, this route gives an almost holiday-like feeling. Keep in mind, however, that the wind on the dikes and over the Zeelandbrug can be strong.
5. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug
The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is known for its beautiful forests and rolling roads.
The area around Doorn, Leersum, and Amerongen offers nice curves and quiet roads where motorcyclists can truly enjoy riding.
The area is perfect for a relaxed afternoon ride.
6. The Sallandse Heuvelrug
In Overijssel lies one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands: the Sallandse Heuvelrug.
The roads here wind through forests and heathlands and offer a wonderful combination of peace, nature, and riding pleasure.
For motorcyclists who love nature, this is a great destination.
7. The Dike Route along the Lek
Riding over dikes is typically Dutch and can be surprisingly beautiful.
The route along the Lekdijk between Schoonhoven and Amerongen offers beautiful views over the river and picturesque villages.
The combination of water, nature, and quiet roads makes this route ideal for a relaxed motorcycle ride.
8. The Afsluitdijk
The Afsluitdijk is one of the most iconic roads in the Netherlands.
Here you ride for kilometers between the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. The feeling of open space and the endless horizon make this ride special.
Although it's not a winding route, it remains an impressive experience for every motorcyclist. Crosswinds are more the rule than the exception here, so clothing that doesn't flap around makes a big difference.
9. The Frisian Lakes Route
Friesland is known for its open landscapes and beautiful water areas.
The roads around the Frisian lakes offer long stretches of asphalt with magnificent views over water and meadows.
This is a perfect route for motorcyclists who enjoy relaxed cruising.
10. The Biesbosch Route
De Biesbosch National Park is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands.
The roads around this area lead along water, dikes, and small villages. It's a quiet and atmospheric route where you can truly enjoy the surroundings.
Especially on quiet days, this is a wonderful place for a relaxed motorcycle ride.
What will come in handy on these routes
You'll ride most of the routes above in changing weather: forest and shade on the Veluwe, open dikes in Zeeland and Friesland, and in Limburg, a day that's warm at eleven and wet at four. Waterproof and windproof is more important here than heavy off-road gear.
A jacket that keeps both rain and wind out makes the difference between enjoying and enduring on the dike routes.
Boots that are waterproof and still comfortable all day, because on these routes, you'll mainly be in the saddle for a long time.
Ventilated gloves for the summer days on the Veluwe and the Sallandse Heuvelrug.
And an adventure helmet with a visor and Pinlock, so you're not waiting halfway across the Afsluitdijk if it rains.
Discovering the Netherlands by Motorcycle
The Netherlands may not have Alpine passes, but the country is full of beautiful routes for motorcyclists. From forests and hills to coastlines and river dikes.
With a good route, good weather, and the right motorcycle gear, every ride becomes an experience in itself.
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