Den Helder, Julianadorp, Anna Paulowna

A cycle route through the beautiful North Holland North, a unique piece of North Holland due to the combination of views over meadows and the sea. Cycle through the bulb fields, in full bloom between March and May. Get a breath of fresh air along the coast and through the beautiful dunes. Just before entering Den Helder, you cycle past the Donkere Duinen. This used to be a large swampy area, but is now a beautiful green recreational area where you will see all kinds of birds. Did you know that at least half of the wheatears that live in these dunes breed in the Botgat sub-area?

Den Helder, the northernmost town on the North Holland mainland, is a lovely place to get off your bike. Get a breath of fresh air at the lighthouse, dive into history at a fort of the Defence Line of Den Helder or step further into the greenery at the exotic greenhouses or the polder garden, the choice is yours.

A little further inland, you'll see traces of life centuries ago here and there, such as the sluice in Oudesluis, the oldest sluice in the Netherlands built as early as 1597. Check out the monumental windmill in 't Zand and be sure to visit the information centre of the Eendenkooi nature reserve. Perhaps you can join an excursion to the historic duck decoy.

Not finished cycling yet? Hop on the boat and continue your cycle route in the beautiful North Holland coast on Texel.