Upon arrival into Harderwijk, enjoy a wander round the city and spend the day exploring.
Today sees you cross Flevo Polder, the more modern part of the Netherlands, which was once sea! You will then cycle through rural landscape to Lelystad, followed by a ride on a dike to Enkhuizen.
Start the morning at the Zuiderzee Museum and learn about Zuiderzee’s trading history. Then its time to catch the ferry from Enkhuizen which crosses Lake Usselmeer before arriving in Stavoren. The artificial lake was created as a dam to detach Zuiderzee from the North Sea to stop the surrounding area flooding. The hour and a half boat trip is a great way to start your day. Once off the boat you will be in the province of Friesland, known for its hazelnut biscuits (“Fryske Dumkes”) and having its own language. You will ride through beautiful countryside, down country lanes and see virtually no traffic.
Today you head through Gaasterland before arriving in Wounda, a steam driven pumping station and a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. The next stop is the stunning Weerribean – Wieden National Park, rumoured to be some of the most sort after marshland in the north west of Europe.
After having the opportunity to discover the boat and water sporting city of Zwartsluis, you will cycle to the town of Kampen, riding on old sea dikes along the way. Make sure you visit the town centre and the impressive town gates of Kampen. For the final part of your journey, you will ride through the the fringes of Veluwe Forest as you make your way down to Harderwijk.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for your homeward travel.
It’s not called the lowlands for nothing as half the country is less than a metre above sea level. You can be assured of almost entirely flat riding from place to place and the experience of crossing the Dutch polders; land reclaimed from the sea that provides the Netherlands with unique fertile land.