The best traffic-free bike rides around Delft

Delft offers a wide selection of traffic-free road cycling routes, with over 30 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 16 easy, 11 moderate, and 3 difficult tours.

You'll primarily experience the iconic flat polder landscapes, characterized by expansive skies, shimmering waterways, and traditional Dutch windmills. Many routes also follow historic canals, pass through the green oasis of Midden-Delfland, or offer access to the South Holland coast for refreshing sea views. Expect picturesque farms and glimpses of local wildlife.

Yes, Delft has many easy, traffic-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners. A great option is the Vliet Riverside Path – Tranquil Path Along the Vliet loop from Delft, which is 41.4 km long and takes you along peaceful waterways and green areas.

Absolutely. For a more challenging, longer ride, consider the Along the South Holland coast route. This difficult 139.4 km tour offers extensive coastal views and a substantial distance for experienced road cyclists.

Many of the traffic-free routes around Delft are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Along the Foppenplas – Windmills of Maasland loop from Delft Campus is a pleasant 32 km circular route that takes you past windmills and scenic water bodies.

The routes often pass by traditional Dutch windmills, historic canals, and charming villages. You might also encounter natural highlights like the Foppenplas lake or the Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area. Within Delft itself, you can explore the historic city center with landmarks like the Stadhuis, Nieuwe Kerk, and Oostpoort Gate.

Yes, the generally flat terrain and extensive network of dedicated cycle paths make many routes suitable for families. Easy, traffic-free loops through polder landscapes, such as the Adam Pijnackerpad – View of the Fields Bike Path loop from Delft (33.5 km), are ideal for a relaxed family outing.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally considered the best time for road cycling in Delft. The weather is milder, and the polder landscapes are vibrant with greenery and blooming flowers. The flat terrain makes it enjoyable even on slightly windier days.

Delft has excellent public transport connections. The city's train station is a central hub, and many bus lines serve the surrounding areas, making it easy to reach various starting points for traffic-free routes. You can often take your bike on trains outside of peak hours, or utilize bike-sharing options available in the city.

Parking is available in and around Delft, often near the starting points of popular routes. Look for designated parking areas in the city center or at the edges of recreational zones like the Delftse Hout. Some routes, like those near Delft Campus, may have specific parking facilities. The Wilhelminapark Delft is one such area with parking.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene, traffic-free nature of the routes, the picturesque polder landscapes with windmills and canals, and the well-maintained cycling infrastructure that makes for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

While many routes are popular, exploring the extensive network in Midden-Delfland can lead to quieter paths. Routes like the Polder Bike Path near the A4 – View of the Fields Bike Path loop from Delft (40.3 km) offer a peaceful experience through traditional Dutch scenery, often feeling less crowded than those closer to urban centers.