Zandvoort, Hoofddorp

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while and cycle yourself to rest with this cycle route from Hoofddorp to the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen. The route starts in Hoofddorp and soon takes you past the Haarlemmermeerse Bos, a green oasis close to the inhabited world. In this park, you will meet local sports enthusiasts in the outdoor gym or at the recreational lakes. Lovers of culture and history are likely to hang out at the Historical Museum Haarlemmermeer, on the edge of this beautiful city park.

Paddle along the Ringvaart canal and enjoy the typical Dutch scenes. Molen de Hommel on the other side, the boats on the water and the Dutch polder landscape. The route continues past the historic Groenendaal and Bosbeek estate and Buitenplaats Leyduin before arriving at the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes.

This dune area is a protected monument and the oldest water catchment area in the Netherlands. You can't cycle there so we'll guide you around it, but do recommend parking your bike here for a while to take a look at this special area on foot. Enjoy the peace and quiet, but also the special flora and fauna. Walk into the visitor centre for more information or visit the House of the Wester which is a nice place for people and animals.

After all that beauty along the coast, it is time to cycle back inland. Along the vast expanse of the polder landscape and Toolenburgerplas, you return to Hoofddorp. Where a delicious snack on the terrace completes this relaxing day.