The best traffic-free bike rides around Nieuwe Meer
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Nieuwe Meer offer diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to marshy peat environments. This area functions as a crucial "green lung" for the region, connecting the Schinkel river with the Ringvaart of the Haarlemmermeerpolder. The lake itself, significantly deepened by sand dredging, borders the Amsterdamse Bos, providing extensive natural recreational opportunities. The terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for touring cyclists seeking accessible paths through varied natural settings.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Nieuwe Meer
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is View of the Bosbaan – View of the Bosbaan rowing course loop from Olympic Stadium, a 5.5 miles (8.9 km) trail that takes 33 minutes to complete. This easy route offers views of the rowing course and surrounding green spaces.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Vijfhuizer Bridge – View of the water loop from Henk Sneevlietweg, a moderate 40.9 miles (65.8 km) path. This route explores extensive waterways and open landscapes, with minimal elevation gain.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Bosbaan Waterway and Bridges – Water Gardens With Boat Access loop from Amstelveenseweg, a 25.9 miles (41.7 km) trail leading through waterways and green areas, often completed in about 2 hours 22 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Nieuwe Meer is defined by extensive waterways, marshy peat landscapes, and connections to the Amsterdamse Bos. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and more challenging routes, catering to various ability levels.
- The routes in Nieuwe Meer are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 4,900 reviews. More than 61,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Nieuwe Meer's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
66
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
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856
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65.9km
03:46
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60m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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168
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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373
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74.5km
04:18
100m
100m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Nieuwe Meer
Tips from the Community
Dirk Eveleens, still the best eel! Been coming here for over 60 years.
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Classic manually operated lock. Considerable drop; can make for amusing scenes when the vessel is being locked through.
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The other of the two remaining gates in the city wall of Leiden
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As in probably every other profession, there are also a few so-called "black sheep" among the many honorable millers in the milling trade. In his book "The Flight to Egypt," the popular children's author Otfried Preußler recounts the following short episode: "And they didn't even make it all the way to Klostergrätz that evening, but a mill lay along their path, the Kloster Mill – and there they stayed until the next morning. At first, the miller was almost struck dumb when the Imperial and Royal Gendarmerie suddenly knocked on his door: Apparently, there had been some disputes with a customer last week over a few sacks of grain, which had inexplicably disappeared from his mill […] but it could have been that he was reported for it anyway – and now they were coming to get him… Naturally, all the disputed sacks of grain immediately fell from the miller's mind, as [Sergeant] Hawlitschek simply asked for lodging for the night."
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The Zijlpoort (literally "Zijl Gate") is, along with the Morspoort, the only one of the eight former city gates to have survived. The gate was built in 1667 in the neoclassical style according to a design by the Leiden architect Willem van der Helm and adorned with sculptures by Rombout Verhulst. The clock was cast by Hemony in 1668. Since the gate had to be connected to both the former city wall and the bridge in front of it, the building is shaped like a parallelogram. The Oude Rijn flows from the nearby River Zijl through the Zijlpoort into the city of Leiden. The Oude Zijlpoort, the predecessor of this gate, was located 300 meters further west on Haarlemmerstraat (between Koestraat and Havenplein), where the old city wall originally ran. Over time, the Zijlpoort, and especially the hall above the passage, served various purposes: in the early 18th century, rhetoricians met here; from 1736 onward, a school for poor children was established there; and in the 19th century, municipal goods were stored there. In the last quarter of the 20th century, the Zijlpoort underwent two major renovations. During the most recent renovation in the 1990s, supporting structures were added to both sides of the gate. Since 1999, one of these structures has housed a restaurant. The cemetery of the same name has been located next to the Zijlpoort since 1828. The gate has been a national monument since 1968. (Source: Wikipedia)
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At this spot, dotted with several benches, boats come and go constantly. Always a pleasant sight.
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SMS (SundayMorningSkate) will be the starting point for the most important roller-skating event of the year: Rondom Amsterdam. It will be held for the tenth time in July 2025!
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Beautiful museum about the origin and drainage of the Haarlemmermeer
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Nieuwe Meer?
There are over 260 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Nieuwe Meer, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. You'll find everything from short, easy loops to longer, more challenging rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic routes?
The routes around Nieuwe Meer offer a diverse landscape. You can expect varied terrain, from sandy beaches and open water views to marshy peat landscapes and lush reed beds. Many paths are well-paved, making them ideal for touring bicycles, and you'll often ride through areas bordering the Amsterdamse Bos.
Are there routes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Nieuwe Meer is an excellent destination for families and beginners. A significant portion of the no-traffic routes, over 190, are classified as easy. These routes typically feature minimal elevation gain and smooth surfaces, perfect for a relaxed ride. An example of an easy route is the View of the Bosbaan – View of the Bosbaan rowing course loop from Olympic Stadium.
Can I bring my dog on these touring cycling routes?
While many outdoor areas around Nieuwe Meer are dog-friendly, it's always best to check local regulations for specific sections, especially nature reserves or protected areas. Generally, dogs on a leash are welcome on most public paths, but please be mindful of other cyclists and wildlife.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring routes around Nieuwe Meer?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Nieuwe Meer are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for exploring different facets of the landscape. An example is the Bosbaan Waterway and Bridges – Water Gardens With Boat Access loop from Amstelveenseweg.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the way?
The routes offer numerous natural features and landmarks. You'll encounter the expansive Nieuwe Meer itself, the historic Bosbaan rowing course, and the lush green spaces of the Amsterdamse Bos. Keep an eye out for the distinctive marsh forests and reed beds, which are vital habitats for marsh birds. Some routes might even pass by iconic windmills, like the one near the Amstel, offering picturesque views.
How can I get to the starting points of these routes, especially regarding parking and public transport?
Nieuwe Meer is easily accessible from Amsterdam. Many routes start near public transport hubs, making it convenient to reach by bus or tram. For those arriving by car, there are often parking facilities available near popular access points, particularly around the Amsterdamse Bos or specific recreational areas. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Nieuwe Meer?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally considered the best time for touring cycling around Nieuwe Meer, offering pleasant temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the area's beauty can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing stunning foliage and winter offering crisp, quiet rides, weather permitting.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or food along the routes?
Yes, due to its popularity and proximity to Amsterdam, you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and picnic spots dotted around Nieuwe Meer and within the Amsterdamse Bos. These provide excellent opportunities to refuel and relax during your ride.
What is the typical difficulty level of the no-traffic touring routes?
The majority of no-traffic touring routes around Nieuwe Meer are classified as easy or moderate. With over 190 easy routes and 58 moderate ones, most cyclists will find suitable options. Difficult routes are less common, with only 11 available, typically involving longer distances rather than significant elevation changes. For a moderate challenge, consider the Vijfhuizer Bridge – View of the water loop from Henk Sneevlietweg.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Nieuwe Meer?
The touring cycling experience around Nieuwe Meer is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.38 out of 5 stars from over 4,900 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free paths, the beautiful natural scenery, and the excellent accessibility from Amsterdam, making it a perfect escape from urban life.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on these routes?
Absolutely! Nieuwe Meer and its surrounding areas, including the Amsterdamse Bos, are rich in wildlife. Cyclists often spot various marsh birds in the reed beds and marsh forests. You might also encounter cattle, rabbits, and other small mammals, especially during quieter times of the day.
Most popular routes around Nieuwe Meer
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