Alkmaar – The Best of What Holland Offers Cyclists

Alkmaar, known as the Netherlands' "cheese city," is the base for this cycling holiday, with riders staying at a brand-new boutique hotel in the historic city centre. Alkmaar was an important medieval trading centre, and its rich history is reflected in more than 400 national heritage monuments, alongside a lively old-town dining scene.

The city sits amid polders, nature reserves, dunes and beach, making it a natural starting point for cycling. Routes use the Dutch cycle node network to reach the coast quickly, passing through the artists' village of Bergen, with options to walk the beach or continue to Wijk aan Zee. Cycle paths thread through the extensive dune landscape, including the Schoorlse Duinen nature reserve, with plenty of picnic spots along the way.

A further ride heads to Schagen, an old market town with buildings from the Dutch Golden Age, particularly lively on Thursday market days with its Westfrisian folklore traditions.

Highlights:

• Explore Alkmaar's historic centre, home to over 400 heritage monuments
• Ride the coast via the artists' village of Bergen
• Cycle through the Schoorlse Duinen dune nature reserve
• Visit Wijk aan Zee for beach walking or further riding
• Ride to the historic market town of Schagen, especially lively on Thursdays
• Use of the Dutch cycle node network throughout

Surface and terrain:
Rated Level 1 (easiest). Flat polder, dune and coastal terrain implied by the routes described.

Suitable for:
Recreational cyclists, including families, wanting an easy coastal and countryside base-stay.