Rhine Cycle Route: Arnhem to Rotterdam

Begin your cycling adventure in Arnhem, a city steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Best known for the Battle of Arnhem during the Second World War, this charming destination offers visitors a fascinating blend of wartime heritage and modern attractions.

Today, Arnhem is a vibrant city where history meets culture and nature. You can explore its rich past at museums dedicated to the events of World War II, before discovering its contemporary highlights such as Burgers’ Zoo, the impressive Open Air Museum, and the serene Sonsbeek Park, one of the most beautiful urban green spaces in the Netherlands.

For those who love the outdoors, Arnhem is the perfect gateway to nature. Just a short ride from the city lie Hoge Veluwe National Park and Veluwezoom National Park, two of the country’s most stunning natural reserves. Both are ideal for cycling holidays and day trips, offering peaceful woodland trails, heaths, and abundant wildlife.

Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance or its scenic landscapes, Arnhem is an inspiring starting point for any bike tour in the Netherlands, setting the tone for a journey filled with discovery and adventure.

Today’s stage offers a wonderfully varied cycling route through the Netherlands, combining natural beauty, history, and charming towns. Your journey begins with a scenic ride through the woods of Veluwezoom National Park, one of the country’s most picturesque nature reserves. As you pedal through peaceful forests and rolling landscapes, you’ll pass the Grebbeberg, a 52-metre-high hill that offers sweeping views of the Rhine valley.

Along the way, you’ll encounter military cemeteries that stand as solemn reminders of the heavy fighting that took place here during the Second World War — poignant landmarks that connect the beauty of the Dutch countryside with its layered history.

In this region, the Rhine River divides into several branches, each taking on a new name as it winds across the Netherlands. You will follow the Nederrijn (Lower Rhine), cycling towards Amerongen Castle, a magnificent historic estate surrounded by elegant gardens and parkland.

Your destination for the day is Wijk bij Duurstede, a delightful town with a rich past. Known as Dorestad around 800 AD, it was once the most important trading centre in Northern Europe. Today, its historic town centre retains a timeless charm, with cobbled streets, old merchant houses, and a welcoming market square. If the weather allows, take a well-deserved break at one of the pavement cafés, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the relaxed pace of Dutch village life — the perfect end to another rewarding day on your cycling holiday in the Netherlands.

Leaving Wijk bij Duurstede, your cycling holiday in the Netherlands continues through one of the country’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. This charming town lies at a historic crossroads of waterways, where rivers and trade routes have met for centuries. Begin your day by crossing the Lower Rhine on the Wijkse Veer ferry, and ride into the Betuwe region, the Netherlands’ most renowned fruit-growing district. In spring, the orchards burst into blossom, creating a spectacular backdrop for your ride.

Your journey leads you past the historic town of Buren, with its royal connections and beautifully preserved architecture, before reaching the tranquil Linge River. Following the Linge offers a wonderfully peaceful cycling experience through the Dutch countryside, where quiet villages and green meadows line the route.

Soon, you’ll arrive in Leerdam, also known as the Glass City. Here, you can visit the National Glass Museum, watch skilled artisans at work in the glassblowing studio, or stop by the famous Royal Leerdam Crystal factory to see Dutch craftsmanship at its finest.

From Leerdam, you have two options. You can continue following the Linge River directly to the fortified town of Gorinchem, or take a scenic detour via Vuren, crossing a series of small ferries that bring you to Slot Loevestein and Woudrichem — two beautifully preserved medieval towns that tell stories of Dutch defence and trade. A final ferry ride takes you to Gorinchem.

Take your time to wander through the historic centre of Gorinchem, a charming fortified town with cobbled streets, quaint shops, and centuries of history at every corner. From here, a short ferry ride brings you to the picturesque fortress town of Woudrichem, known for its well-preserved ramparts and classic Dutch architecture.

Next, your cycling holiday takes you to the unique Biesbosch National Park, a remarkable freshwater tidal wetland unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands. Here, the ‘De Biesbosch’ ferry carries you across the Nieuwe Merwede River to the historic town of Dordrecht, where the highlight is the old harbour quarter, full of charming canals, traditional warehouses, and riverside cafés.

Finally, continue your journey by taking a waterbus across the Lower Merwede to reach Papendrecht, a welcoming riverside town that marks the perfect resting point after a day of cycling through history, nature, and iconic Dutch waterways. This stage offers a mix of scenic landscapes, cultural treasures, and memorable ferry crossings, making it a highlight of any Rhine Cycle Route or cycling holiday in the Netherlands.

Cycling through the scenic Alblasserwaard polder, you’ll arrive at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its network of historic windmills. The nineteen beautifully preserved polder windmills are an iconic symbol of Dutch water management and a major international attraction, offering a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to experience traditional Dutch engineering up close.

From Kinderdijk, the route continues towards Rotterdam, your final destination. This vibrant, modern city contrasts beautifully with the tranquil landscapes of the polder and the historic charm of the towns along the Rhine. Rotterdam offers striking architecture, bustling harbours, and lively cultural scenes, providing a fitting and memorable conclusion to your cycling holiday along the Rhine Cycle Route.

Departure from Rotterdam or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.

Arrival: Arnhem

Departure: Rotterdam

Nearest arrival airport(s): Amsterdam

Nearest departure airport(s): Amsterdam

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Arnhem by rail.

Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.