Vecht & Castles Cycling Day Trip

If you’re into cycling and want to see a side of the Netherlands that’s not packed with tourists, this one’s for you. My friend Sara tried it last summer and said it was the highlight of her Amsterdam trip. We start at Metro Gein and follow the Gein river through green meadows to Abcoude, then head toward Baambrugge and Loenersloot. That castle is straight out of a fairy tale, and the parking is free, which is a win. Then we continue along the Vecht river to Kasteel de Haar, the biggest castle in the Netherlands. It’s a 45-55km ride, completely flat, and mostly on dedicated bike paths. It’s not a challenge, but that’s kind of the point — it’s meant to be relaxing and scenic. The route goes through historic villages, dairy farms, and even past the old Defense Line of Amsterdam fortifications. You’ll pass merchant mansions and feel like you’re in a storybook. I’ve done it a few times and always love how quiet it is, especially if you go mid-week. I did it with my coworker Tom last spring, and he said he’s never seen the Dutch countryside so peaceful. The bike rental in Amsterdam is about 12 to 15 euros a day, and I always use the Fietsknooppunten app to plan the route. You can also do a shorter version if you don’t want to commit to the full 55km. My 62-year-old mom did the 30km version and said it was the best part of her trip. It’s seasonal, so late spring through early autumn is when it’s at its best. The return trip is by train from Vleuten station via Utrecht. I usually book the train ticket in advance to avoid last-minute hiccups. The only downside is that it gets pretty crowded during peak season, so if you want a quieter ride, go early in the morning or Thursday not Friday. The path is well-marked, but it’s still good to have the app on hand. Also, it’s all flat, so if you’re looking for a challenge, this isn’t it. But for a peaceful, beautiful ride through Dutch countryside, it’s hard to beat. I’ve seen a few people online trying to sell deals for this trip, but honestly, the best way to do it is just rent the bike, grab the app, and go. I always check if that deal’s still on, but it’s usually just the basic bike rental and train ticket. It’s a great way to spend a day and get a real feel for the Dutch countryside, minus the hustle of the city. It’s not fancy, but it’s a nice change from the usual touristy stuff. If you’re into cycling, or just want a peaceful way to spend a day, give it a shot. It’s one of those things that’s easy to do but hard to forget.