← See all Amsterdam Bike Tours
Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: Cheese, Clogs & a Windmill
About This Tour
This tour is the most authentic Dutch experience you can have from Amsterdam. We guarantee that you will see the real countryside with its open fields, canals, windmills, and small medieval villages that look like postcards but are completely real. You will be out there with the locals, riding a 40 km / 25 mile e-bike route that’s comfortable and easy thanks to the electric assist e-bikes.
The highlight of the day is visiting a family run cheese and clog farm. The family has been there for generations, making their own Gouda cheese and carving wooden clogs by hand. You will taste the best cheese and see a side of the Netherlands most visitors miss.
It’s not just a bike ride. It’s the day people go home talking about.
The highlight of the day is visiting a family run cheese and clog farm. The family has been there for generations, making their own Gouda cheese and carving wooden clogs by hand. You will taste the best cheese and see a side of the Netherlands most visitors miss.
It’s not just a bike ride. It’s the day people go home talking about.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Rain jacket (if needed)
- Clog-making demonstration (if option 'countryside long' is selected)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Cheese tasting and 1 stroopwafel (if option 'countryside long' is selected)
- Helmets
- E-bike or normal bike (depending on option selected)
✗ Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Bottled water
Itinerary
1
Mikes Bike Tours Amsterdam – Where the Adventure Begins
Your countryside escape starts just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Train Station, right in the heart of the city. Here you will meet your local guide, get fitted for your e-bike, and enjoy a relaxed safety briefing before setting off together. As you cycle along the IJ River, the sound of the city begins to fade and the adventure opens up ahead. The first few minutes are an easy warm-up along wide bike paths, with views of boats gliding across the water and locals commuting by bike a perfect introduction to Amsterdam life.
Your countryside escape starts just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Train Station, right in the heart of the city. Here you will meet your local guide, get fitted for your e-bike, and enjoy a relaxed safety briefing before setting off together. As you cycle along the IJ River, the sound of the city begins to fade and the adventure opens up ahead. The first few minutes are an easy warm-up along wide bike paths, with views of boats gliding across the water and locals commuting by bike a perfect introduction to Amsterdam life.
2
Ferry to Amsterdam North – Crossing into a Different World
You’ll cycle onto the local ferry and sail across the IJ River, sharing the ride with locals heading home or to work. It’s a beautiful moment of contrast, one side of the river is bustling Amsterdam, the other a world of calm. As you arrive in Amsterdam North, the scenery transforms almost instantly into open skies, grassy fields, and winding levee roads. You’ll feel the shift in pace immediately, this is the Netherlands at its most peaceful.
You’ll cycle onto the local ferry and sail across the IJ River, sharing the ride with locals heading home or to work. It’s a beautiful moment of contrast, one side of the river is bustling Amsterdam, the other a world of calm. As you arrive in Amsterdam North, the scenery transforms almost instantly into open skies, grassy fields, and winding levee roads. You’ll feel the shift in pace immediately, this is the Netherlands at its most peaceful.
3
Krijtmolen d’Admiraal Windmill – A Living Piece of Dutch History
Your first stop is at the historic Krijtmolen d’Admiraal windmill, dating back to 1792. Here, your guide shares stories of how windmills once powered the Netherlands, draining water, grinding grain, and shaping the country’s very landscape. It’s a chance to step back in time and snap photos of one of the few remaining working windmills within Amsterdam’s city limits.
Your first stop is at the historic Krijtmolen d’Admiraal windmill, dating back to 1792. Here, your guide shares stories of how windmills once powered the Netherlands, draining water, grinding grain, and shaping the country’s very landscape. It’s a chance to step back in time and snap photos of one of the few remaining working windmills within Amsterdam’s city limits.
4
Waterland Countryside – The Dutch Countryside at Its Best
As you leave the last houses behind, the true beauty of Waterland unfolds before you. Smooth cycle paths trace narrow canals, and the horizon stretches endlessly across green meadows where cows and sheep graze quietly. Your guide will tell stories of how these polders, land reclaimed from the sea, were built and protected by generations of Dutch engineers. This stretch is pure freedom on two wheels, wind in your hair, fresh air in your lungs, and scenery so flat and vast that it feels almost endless.
As you leave the last houses behind, the true beauty of Waterland unfolds before you. Smooth cycle paths trace narrow canals, and the horizon stretches endlessly across green meadows where cows and sheep graze quietly. Your guide will tell stories of how these polders, land reclaimed from the sea, were built and protected by generations of Dutch engineers. This stretch is pure freedom on two wheels, wind in your hair, fresh air in your lungs, and scenery so flat and vast that it feels almost endless.
5
Broek in Waterland – A Timeless Village of Wooden Houses
Soon you’ll roll into Broek in Waterland, a postcard-perfect village of wooden houses, flower gardens, and still canals. Once home to wealthy sea captains, its 17th and 18th century homes are painted in soft pastel colors and surrounded by quiet beauty. This is one of the most photographed villages in the Netherlands, and your guide will share stories of its history and preservation as you enjoy a relaxed ride through its peaceful lanes.
Soon you’ll roll into Broek in Waterland, a postcard-perfect village of wooden houses, flower gardens, and still canals. Once home to wealthy sea captains, its 17th and 18th century homes are painted in soft pastel colors and surrounded by quiet beauty. This is one of the most photographed villages in the Netherlands, and your guide will share stories of its history and preservation as you enjoy a relaxed ride through its peaceful lanes.
6
Irene Hoeve Cheese & Clog Farm – Taste and Tradition Combined
Next, stop at a family-run farm where two classic Dutch crafts come together: cheese and clogs. Watch a clog maker carve wooden shoes by hand, then see how fresh milk is turned into rich, creamy Gouda cheese. You’ll taste different varieties, from young and mild to aged and nutty, and maybe even meet the cows who made it possible. It’s an authentic slice of Dutch life and a favorite stop for guests from around the world.
Next, stop at a family-run farm where two classic Dutch crafts come together: cheese and clogs. Watch a clog maker carve wooden shoes by hand, then see how fresh milk is turned into rich, creamy Gouda cheese. You’ll taste different varieties, from young and mild to aged and nutty, and maybe even meet the cows who made it possible. It’s an authentic slice of Dutch life and a favorite stop for guests from around the world.
7
Monnickendam – Medieval Beauty by the Water
Cycle through the cobbled streets of Monnickendam, a picture-perfect harbor town filled with centuries-old houses, quiet waterways, and history on every corner. Once a major trading port that rivaled Amsterdam, it’s now a charming village that feels like a step back in time.
Cycle through the cobbled streets of Monnickendam, a picture-perfect harbor town filled with centuries-old houses, quiet waterways, and history on every corner. Once a major trading port that rivaled Amsterdam, it’s now a charming village that feels like a step back in time.
8
Continue your ride through Zuiderwoude, a peaceful village of traditional wooden homes and quiet canals. It’s a perfect snapshot of rural Dutch life, where time seems to slow down and every corner looks like it belongs on a postcard. You’ll pause briefly to enjoy the view and take photos before cycling on toward the city.
9
As you ride back toward the city, the open fields slowly give way to Amsterdam’s skyline. You’ll cross the IJ River one last time with the wind in your hair and a smile on your face, carrying the sights, stories, and flavors of the countryside with you. Back at Mike’s Bike Tours near the OBA building, your guide will help you wrap up your adventure and share local tips for where to enjoy your evening in true Dutch style.
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age: 12 years (no exceptions or refunds for younger participants)
- Minimum height for e-bikes: 155 cm / 5'1"
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins. We will depart no later than 5 minutes after the scheduled start time.
- All participants must be able to ride a bike confidently. Anyone posing a risk to themselves or others will be asked to leave the tour without refund.
- Mike’s Bike Tours Amsterdam and its owners are not responsible for damages or injuries incurred during any of our tours or activities.
- Lunch is not included. Feel free to bring your own picnic or snacks for the route or at the cheese farm.
- Tours run rain or shine, so dress for the weather.