Leiden, Alphen aan den Rijn, Koudekerk

Leiden, the city with the oldest university in the Netherlands and beautiful old courtyards and canals. The area within the canals has the status of a protected cityscape and this cycle route gives you a good impression of this historic city.

The oldest monument in Leiden is De Burcht. An imposing monument on top of a hill, about which various stories circulate. For example, 15,000 Leiden residents are said to have hidden here from the Spanish. A herring is also said to have been caught in the well of the Burcht. Wonderful stories, but so unlikely that you can safely assume they are myths.

Cycle a little past the Burcht and get off your bike on the Middelste Gracht. You wouldn't expect it, but here lies the courtyard of the Sint Anna Aalmoeshuis.

Time to return to the junctions. Continue your cycle route to the hinterland of Leiden, where you can enjoy the green polder landscape. Here you will even touch the border of Alphen aan de Rijn.

Park your bike when you return to Leiden and visit the city's other historical sights. Would you like to take a look at the historical centre of the city? Then you are at the right place, where the Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn rivers converge.
Be surprised by Leiden and its history!