Giethoorn: Dutch Venice & National Park

The highlight of this self-guided tour is Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest marsh and fenland in Northwest Europe. Shaped by centuries of peat and reed cutting, it is a landscape of lakes, canals, reedlands and forest, dotted with historic villages including Giethoorn, where bridges link narrow paths to small islands with thatch-roofed farmhouses.

From Apeldoorn, the route crosses the IJssel to Zutphen and follows largely car-free paths to Deventer. The next day leads through the Salland landscape past stately estates and Cold War bunkers, crossing the river by ferry to picturesque Hattem and on to Zwolle, the largest Dutch Hansa town.

A hand-operated bicycle ferry and a dyke ride lead to the pilgrimage town of Hasselt and into the national park for a night in Giethoorn. The final day passes fairytale Dwarsgracht and the harbour town of Blokzijl before finishing in Kampen.

Highlights:

• Weerribben-Wieden National Park and its visitor centre
• Giethoorn, the "Dutch Venice", with the option of exploring by boat
• Hansa towns of Zutphen, Deventer, Hattem, Zwolle, Hasselt and Kampen
• Traditional bicycle ferries across the IJssel, including a hand-operated one
• Thatched villages of Belt-Schutsloot and Dwarsgracht, and the harbour at Blokzijl
• Cold War bunkers of the IJssellinie and the Mastenbroek steam pumping station

Surface and terrain:
Flat riding on largely car-free cycle paths and river dykes through the IJssel valley, Salland countryside and the fenland of the national park. Several small ferry crossings. No shorter route options are published for this tour.

Suitable for:
Leisure riders comfortable with 41-50 km a day on flat cycle paths, with an interest in mediaeval towns, wetland nature and quiet rural villages. E-bikes are available for extra assistance.