The Green Divide of The Netherlands

Day 1: Arrival in Naarden
Day 2: Naarden – Utrecht, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Utrecht – Rhenen, 38 mi. (58 km)
Day 4: Rhenen – Otterlo, 38 mi. (58 km)
Day 5: Otterlo – Harderwijk, 38 mi. (58 km)
Day 6: Harderwijk – Zwolle, 41 mi. (66 km)
Day 7: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Naarden
Arrive in the historic star-shaped fortress town of Naarden, where charming architecture provides the perfect introduction to your Dutch discovery tour.

Sample accommodation: Vesting Hotel Naarden.

Day 2: Naarden – Utrecht, 31 mi. (50 km)
Your tour begins this morning following breakfast. As you weave through peaceful woodlands and heathlands along gravel trails, you’ll get your first taste of the Netherlands’ diverse landscapes. The day’s ride ends in Utrecht, a vibrant university city where scenic canals, cobbled lanes, and the towering Dom Cathedral create an enchanting atmosphere. Many consider Utrecht to be Amsterdam’s more relaxed, charming counterpart.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Mitland Utrecht.

Day 3: Utrecht – Rhenen, 38 mi. (58 km)
Today’s route takes you into the rolling terrain of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, a forested ridge sculpted by the Ice Age. From panoramic viewpoints over river valleys to winding gravel tracks shaded by towering trees, this stretch offers a contrast to the Dutch lowlands. Along the way, quaint villages invite you to pause for a well-earned break, perhaps with a slice of traditional apple pie. Your day ends in Rhenen, a charming riverside town.

Sample accommodation: Hotel 't Paviljoen.

Day 4: Rhenen – Otterlo, 38 mi. (58 km)
Prepare for a day of breathtaking scenery as you enter Hoge Veluwe National Park, a landscape of forests, shifting sand dunes, and open heathlands. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, and the elusive mouflon. Midway through the park, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest Van Gogh collections and an impressive sculpture garden. After an inspiring mix of art and nature, you’ll finish the day in Otterlo, where a cozy wellness retreat on the park’s edge offers the perfect spot to unwind.

Sample accommodation: Hotel de Sterrenberg Otterlo.

Day 5: Otterlo – Harderwijk, 38 mi. (58 km)
Today’s journey takes you across Veluwe’s vast landscapes, leading to the architectural marvel of Radio Kootwijk. This striking 1920s-era radio station, once a key communication link between the Netherlands and its overseas territories, stands dramatically alone in the heathlands. From here, continue through dense forests and open moorlands before arriving in Harderwijk, a historic Hanseatic town by the water. With its charming harbor and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling.

Sample accommodation: Best Western Hotel Baars.

Day 6: Harderwijk – Zwolle, 41 mi. (66 km)
Your final day in the saddle takes you along some of the tour’s most scenic gravel routes. Before reaching Zwolle, pause in Hattem, a character-filled town with a rich past. Once a hub of political transformation in the late 18th century, Hattem now welcomes visitors with its well-preserved streets and a delightful bakery museum. From here, cross the IJssel River, with Zwolle’s skyline gradually coming into view.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Wientjes.

Day 7: Departure
Individual departure or extension of stay.

Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in four-star hotels, offering a mix of comfort and convenience. Each hotel provides comfortable or superior rooms, depending on availability, and is strategically located for easy exploration of the surrounding areas.

Bicycles

Standard Touring Bike (Gravel Bike)

Canyon Grizl 6 or equivalent

• Shimano GRX FC-RX600-10 & GRX RD-RX400 gears
• Aluminum

Electric Bike

Giant Explore E+2

• SyncDrive Sport 2, 75Nm, powered by Yamaha
• ALUXX aluminum
• Tektro HD-M275, hydraulic disc, 180mm brakes
• Shimano CS-HG200, 11-36T, 9-speed cassette