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Cycling & Walking Waterland

Two cyclists standing still near the Horse of Marken Walkers with their dogs in Hemmeland A signpost at a Meadow

Discover Waterland by bike and on foot - Explore the countryside at your own pace

Explore Waterland by bike or on foot and discover the landscape at your own pace. Follow one of the many cycling and walking routes past historic towns and villages, centuries-old dykes and the open peat meadow landscape. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views, meandering peatland rivers, colourful wooden houses and characteristic thatched farmhouses. Choose your favourite route and discover Waterland at your own pace.

Our top tip

Discover Waterland through its local produce. This varied cycle route takes you past historic towns and villages, the open peat meadow landscape and local producers. Along the way, you’ll discover how the landscape has formed the basis for the local produce made here for centuries. A route full of tranquillity, character and authentic flavours.

Discover the cycle route
A bottle of fresh dairy at 't Zuivelhuisje

Cycling routes through Waterland

Waterland is an ideal region to explore by bike. The routes take you past historic towns and villages, centuries-old dykes and the characteristic peat meadow landscape. Along the way, you can enjoy sweeping views, historic farmhouses and the water that has shaped the region for centuries. Choose a route and discover Waterland at your own pace.

Walking routes through Waterland

Take your time and discover Waterland step by step. The walking routes take you past historic towns and villages, winding dykes and vast peat meadow landscapes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views, reed beds and characteristic farmhouses, and experience how nature, water and history have been intertwined for centuries.

  • Yards route

    Yards route Dike in Marken

    Please note! Due to dyke reinforcement works on Marken, g...

    (7 km)

  • Boot trail route

    Boot trail route Sheep in the meadow in Watergang

    This walking route takes you from Broek in Waterland along the Broeker...

    (11 km)

  • Around Marken

    Around Marken Marken meadow with houses

    Please note! Due to dyke reinforcement works on Marken, g...

    (7.5 km)

  • Fiery Tail route

    Fiery Tail route Walking shoes in the grass.

    Get to know the narrow plots of the old polder De Vurige Staart e...

    (7 km)

  • Lighthouse route

    Lighthouse route Horse of Marken lighthouse

    Please note! Due to dyke reinforcement works on Marken, g...

    (6.6 km)

  • Gable brick route

    Gable brick route Gable stone of a cow in Monnickendam

    Monnickendam is bursting with facing bricks. The gable brick route takes you along...

    (2.6 km)

  • Historic Monnickendam

    Historic Monnickendam A photo of the centre of Monnickendam

    Historical tour of 'Old Crafts'. Picturesque Monnickendam is...

    (2 km)

  • Port neighbourhood route

    Port neighbourhood route Dike on Marken

    Please note! Due to dyke reinforcement works on Marken, g...

    (4 km)

  • Migratory bird trail | Stage 5

    Migratory bird trail | Stage 5 Harbourrak in Broek in Waterland

    Stage five of the Migratory Bird Trail starts in the sprawling ribbon village of Land...

    (24.2 km)

  • Fence route

    Fence route Sheep looking through the fence

    Start the walk in Ilpendam and walk through the vast polders of d...

    (11 km)

  • Route - Look Listen Dike

    Route - Look Listen Dike Logo Look Listen Dike

    The dyke between Hoorn and Amsterdam looks quiet. But hi...

    (45 km)

  • Rose yard route

    Rose yard route Lighthouse 'The Horse of Marken'

    Please note! Due to dyke reinforcement works on Marken, g...

    (5 km)

  • Monfranspad

    Monfranspad Crossing fence at the Monfrans path

    The Monfrans trail takes you through the beautiful farming landscape of Wate...

    (2 km)

  • Troeter route

    Troeter route Nature in Hemmeland

    The Troeter route takes you through Oud-Monnickendam and recreational area He...

    (8 km)

  • Tramway route

    Tramway route Photo of Broek in Waterland

    The Tramway Route is a diversion along the former railway line of the Waterl...

    (6 km)

  • North Lake Route

    North Lake Route Blue house in Broek in Waterland

    The North Lake Route is a circular walk on the grassy embankment of the dry-mapped...

    (6 km)

  • Church neighbourhood diversions

    Church neighbourhood diversions Church neighbourhood diversions

    This short walk takes you through Marken's church quarter. Join us o...

    (2 km)

  • Eel Route

    Eel Route The Kathammer mill in Katwoude

    The Eel Route is a themed route based on choice points from the wan...

    (16 km)

  • Round 'Broek' and Volgermeer

    Round 'Broek' and Volgermeer Bridge at Volgermeerpolder/BroekBroek in Waterland

    The Rondje 'Broek' and Volgermeer is a 7.57km walk through the m...

    (7.6 km)

Make sure you’re well prepared before setting off

Have you chosen a route? Then it’s time to set off. Prepare well by hiring a bike, choose a convenient starting point and, along the way, discover the rest stops where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.

  • Bike rental

    Two women exploring Broek in Waterland by bike.

    Don’t have your own bike? Simply hire one from one of the rental outlets in the region and explore Waterland at your own pace. That way, you’ll start your route well prepared.

    View bike hire

  • Rest stops

    The Rest Point Sheep farm Lammes-Hopman in Uitdam

    Take some time to rest along the way. Scattered throughout Laag Holland , you’ll find rest stops where you can enjoy the surroundings and catch your breath.

    View the rest stops

  • TOPs

    Tourist Transfer Point Marken

    Start your route from a Tourist Transfer Point (TOP). These easily recognisable starting points provide an excellent base for a cycling or walking tour through Waterland and the rest of Laag Holland.

    View the TOPs

There is much more to discover along the way. Visit the historic towns and villages along your route, take to the water or be inspired by the many activities Waterland has to offer.

Waterland | Towns & villages | Out on the water

Frequently asked questions

Waterland offers various cycle routes past historic towns and villages, vast peat meadow landscapes and the Markermeer. Choose a route that suits your interests and explore the region at your own pace.

Yes. In Waterland , you can walk through open peat meadow landscapes, past reed beds, historic dykes and characteristic villages. The routes introduce you to both the nature and the culture of the region.

You can easily hire a bike at various locations in Waterland . This means you can start your cycle route straight from a hire point.

Many routes start at a Tourist Transfer Point (TOP) or in one of the historic towns and villages. These locations are easily accessible and make ideal starting points.

Yes. Along the routes, you’ll find various cafés and restaurants, as well as rest stops where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, lunch or a short break whilst taking in the view of the countryside.

Absolutely. Most of the cycling and walking routes are ideal for a relaxing day out in Waterland. Along the way, you can combine nature, culture, historic sites and local eateries.

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