One-fifth of our country’s total area consists of water. In the Netherlands, you’re never far from the water. Rivers meander through the landscape, lakes glisten among the meadows, and the coastline invites you to gaze out over the sea for as long as you like. And what could be better than starting your motorcycle on a warm day and riding with the sunlight on your visor and the scent of water in the air?

Motorcycling Along the Water in the Netherlands

Fancy a relaxing motorbike ride along one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful rivers? This route starts and ends in Tiel and takes you along the mighty River Waal, right through the Betuwe and the Land van Maas en Waal. Think winding dyke roads, historic villages and endless views over the water. Ideal for a ride of around 90 kilometres. In around 3 hours – with plenty of opportunities to stop off and enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the river – you’ll take in a lovely stretch of our country’s most beautiful river landscape.

You start in the town of Tiel, the heart of the Betuwe. From Tiel, you cycle via Echteld towards the Waal dykes. The road winds its way through fruit trees and you’ll soon see the water glistening on your right. Via Echteld and Wamel, you’ll follow the Waal dyke, with stunning views over the river and the floodplains. In Rossum, you’ll experience the charm of the river region: quiet dyke villages, centuries-old churches and sheep grazing on the dyke. You’ll continue on to Zuilichem and then Brakel, where the route offers a special highlight: the ferry crossing to Herwijnen. The Brakel–Herwijnen ferry across the Waal runs every quarter of an hour, every day. For motorcyclists, it’s a wonderful interlude: a chance to step off your bike for a moment, enjoy the view of the water, feel the wind on your face and experience the powerful sensation of the river beneath you. Within minutes, you’ll be on the other side – in a completely different landscape. From Herwijnen, follow quiet back roads to Waardenburg, where the castle and pollarded willows provide the backdrop. Via Ophemert, where you’ll ride close to the river one last time, you’ll return to Tiel. 

Lakes: Exploring the Frisian lakes from Sneek

Friesland is the Netherlands’ very own lake paradise. With hundreds of glistening lakes, it is the ultimate destination for motorcyclists who want to experience the elements of water and freedom. Start in Sneek, the water sports town par excellence, and set off on a scenic circular route of around 100 km past the most beautiful Frisian lakes. Ideal for 3 to 4 hours of pure summer fun.

Start your ride in Sneek and cycle along the dykes towards Scharnegoutum, right past narrow ditches and close to the Sneekermeer, the large central lake that hosts the annual Sneek Week.  Follow the polder roads towards Tersoal. Continue on to Terherne, known as the ‘Chameleon Village’, situated right on the Sneekermeer and the Terhernster Poelen. Stop here for a coffee or a quick break on a terrace with a view of the water. Take quiet roads towards Joure, passing the vast Tjeukemeer, Friesland’s largest lake. A magnificent view, especially from the dyke surrounding Joure, where you can also take a short break. Carry on to Rotsterhaule, a small village but strategically situated on the shores of the Langweerder Wielen, a beautiful lake where you can watch boats setting off from the quay and follow the water’s edge. Continue the route to Echtenerbrug, on the edge of the Fluessen. Here you’ll cross a small bridge and hear the gentle flow of the water beneath you. The perfect moment for a short stop to enjoy the reflection of the sky in the water. Take the back roads to Sloten, one of the eleven Frisian Eleven Cities. The canals surrounding the town provide a picturesque backdrop, typical of Friesland. 

From Sloten, you’ll cycle past the Heegermeer towards Balk, where you can enjoy the open water and a lively harbour with facilities. Then head via Woudsend – known for the Fluessen, a water sports paradise and hub for sailing boats. Take the route back along the Snitser Mar, an idyllic little lake, and follow the road back to Sneek. You’ll round off the trip with a well-deserved drink by the water.

Along the North Holland coast: a journey of freedom from the sea to the city

For anyone longing for the salty sea air, dunes in the distance and villages full of character, this route comes highly recommended. Over a distance of around 110 kilometres, you’ll ride a beautiful loop from Badhoevedorp, along the North Sea coast and back again. You’ll start in the Randstad, but you’ll soon feel the open spaces of the coast, the tranquillity of the polders and the vibrancy of historic towns. Perfect for a half-day of motorcycling fun. The start and finish point of this tour is: Badhoevedorp.

As soon as you leave Badhoevedorp heading towards Haarlem, you feel the city gradually slip away from you. The motorway gives way to wide country roads, and within half an hour you can already smell the sea. You’ll be driving along the N201 towards Zandvoort. This road, via Zandvoortse Laan, takes you past Aerdenhout, one of the wealthiest villages in the country. In Zandvoort, you’ll drive almost right up to the surf. The promenade is bustling, with surfers, walkers and motorcyclists taking off their helmets at a beach bar. Take a short break here, breathe in the salty air and listen to the sound of the waves. This is why you’re on this ride. From Zandvoort, you’ll follow a beautiful route along the coast to Bloemendaal aan Zee and then through the inland dunes to Bloemendaal. Then, via Santpoort Zuid, through the Velser Tunnel. You’ll leave the A9 towards Heemskerk and then head through the dunes to Castricum aan Zee, Egmond, Bergen and Schoorl, continuing further north. You’ll ride through vast polders and past windmills towards Julianadorp aan Zee. Here, the coast is wider and quieter – a place where the wind has free rein. The road there winds through quiet villages, past ditches and straight fields. The sea is close by, always just behind a dune. From Julianadorp, you cycle inland towards Schagen. A charming little town with an old town centre and inviting terraces. Then on to Alkmaar – famous for its cheese market, but also simply a lovely place to have a stroll or enjoy a coffee by the canal. The final section of the route takes you back towards Badhoevedorp via Assendelft.

Hire a motorbike for your trip along the waterfront

Riding a motorbike along the water’s edge is pure enjoyment. The views are sweeping, the air is fresh, and the roads are often delightfully winding or quiet. With MotoShare, you can easily hire a motorbike in your local area, with no hassle. No deposit, insurance included, and you’ll always find a motorbike to suit your day trip.