Bike rental Volendam – Explore the Countryside of Amsterdam

Cycling through Holland’s flat, picturesque landscape with a bike rental in Volendam offers an accessible way to explore the Dutch countryside. Priced at just $20.75 per person, this tour provides a flexible experience that can last from one hour to an entire day, making it ideal for both casual visitors and enthusiasts. Departing from Haven 45 in Volendam, the tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 based on 16 reviews, and is recommended by 94% of participants.

Most travelers prefer to book this mobile ticket experience about three weeks in advance, ensuring plenty of time to plan their scenic adventure. The tour includes a bike rental and a detailed map of the area, guiding riders through charming villages, windmills, farms, and typical Dutch vistas. While not including meals or boat tickets, the tour’s affordability and flexibility make it a popular choice for those eager to see beyond Amsterdam’s busy city streets.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $20.75 per person for a flexible, self-guided cycling adventure
• Duration varies from 1 hour to full day, depending on your pace and interests
• Includes bike rental and map, with options to visit villages like Edam, Monnickendam, and Marken
• Scenic route features windmills, farms, and views over Gouwzee lake
• Highly rated with 16 reviews and perfect 5-star ratings
• Ideal for moderate fitness levels and those eager to explore the Dutch countryside independently

Exploring Volendam’s Harbor and Surroundings

Starting at Haven 45 in Volendam, the tour begins with a bike rental that’s praised for its efficiency, cleanliness, and comfort. The staff provides a quick, helpful check-in despite occasional initial booking system hiccups, and offers recommendations for routes that suit individual interests and family needs. The map helps navigate the area and plan stops, ensuring a smooth start to your ride.

From this central location, the countryside unfolds with views of meadows, farms, and windmills, characteristic of this flat landscape. The tour allows an easy escape from the town’s hustle, showing how the Dutch live below sea level behind impressive dike dams. Riding over the Dutch dikes, you get a chance to see the lake, Gouwzee, from atop the dike, or cruise beneath it, experiencing the practical engineering that protects these towns.

Visiting Edam: A Town of Cheese and Charm

A highlight of this tour is the nearby town of Edam, just a quick hour-long ride from Volendam. Its peaceful narrow alleys, small canals, and cozy houses evoke a quiet, traditional atmosphere. Visitors can explore boutiques, admire the beautiful façades, and enjoy the famous cheese market, where tasting and purchasing cheeses are easy options.

The history of Edam, nearly 800 years old, adds a layer of depth to the visit. The town’s serene streets and water canals make it a perfect spot for photographs and relaxed strolls, without feeling rushed. The easy cycling distance means you can comfortably visit, explore, and return to Volendam within a short timeframe.

Monnickendam: Historic Harbor Town with Local Flavors

Another attractive stop is Monnickendam, where a one-hour visit allows a glimpse into Dutch maritime history. The town’s light bronze bricks, old harbor, and pretty ships transport visitors back in time. The charming terraces along the water add to its appeal, perfect for a short break.

A notable highlight in Monnickendam is the local brewery, where visitors can see beer being brewed, taste homemade sausages, and enjoy the waterfront terrace. This spot offers a relaxed experience amid historic surroundings, with the chance to sample local flavors, complementing the scenic sightseeing.

Optional Visit to Marken: An Island of Wooden Houses and Waterways

For those with extra time, a visit to Marken is highly recommended. Known for its wooden façades, bridges, and small canals, Marken is a stunning town on a small island connected by a 10-kilometer-long dike. The town illustrates Dutch living below sea level, surrounded by water on all sides.

Reaching Marken involves a dike crossing and offers a chance to see close-up how the Dutch adapt to life beneath sea level. From Marken, travelers can take the Volendam-Marken Express boat back to Volendam, with bikes allowed on the boat, making the entire loop simple and scenic.

Scenic Views Along the Route: Windmills, Farms, and Lake Gouwzee

Throughout the ride, participants enjoy spectacular views of windmills, typical Dutch farms, and the lake Gouwzee. A cruise atop the dike offers unobstructed vistas of the water, while riding below reveals how the Dutch manage flood protection. The flat terrain makes cycling accessible, even for those with moderate fitness levels.

Photographers will love the opportunities: windmills against the sky, meadows filled with cows and sheep, and quaint houses along the water. The scenery is peaceful and authentic, showcasing the agricultural heart of the Netherlands.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Duration, and Booking

The tour departs from Haven 45 in Volendam. Riders should check in 15 minutes before the scheduled time, as late arrivals could lose some riding time. The bike rental and map are included, but meals and boat tickets are not.

The duration is flexible, with most riding comfortably completed within an hour, though longer rides or additional stops are possible. The booking window typically opens about three weeks in advance, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, offering peace of mind.

The Experience of the Guides and Reviews

While the tour is self-guided, the staff is praised for being professional, attentive, and helpful. One review highlights that bikes are in excellent condition and that route advice is tailored to the group, enhancing the overall experience. The positive reviews emphasize good value, stunning scenery, and smooth rental process.

Some comments note that Google Maps directions might take some getting used to, but overall, the process remains simple and enjoyable. The flexibility of the tour allows riders to customize their route, stopping as they wish at various charming villages and sites.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Scenic Dutch Bicycle Tour

The Bike rental in Volendam offers a cost-effective way to experience the Dutch countryside at your own pace. The inexpensive price, combined with scenic views, historic towns, and friendly staff, makes it a top choice for those wanting to explore beyond Amsterdam.

Ideal for moderate fitness levels and independent travelers, this tour provides flexibility and authentic scenery. While not including meals or boat tickets, the bike and map package delivers excellent value and freedom to create a personalized itinerary.

Travelers seeking beautiful vistas, historic towns, and a relaxed cycling experience will find this tour a worthy addition to their Dutch adventure. It’s perfect for short visits or full-day explorations, with enough options to suit varied interests and time constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the bike rental tour?
The tour includes a bike rental and a map of the surroundings to help plan your route.

How long can I ride?
The experience can last from one hour up to a full day, depending on your pace and stops.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, meals, drinks, and boat tickets are not included and would need to be purchased separately if desired.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Haven 45 in Volendam.

Can I visit other towns besides Edam and Monnickendam?
Yes, the route is flexible, and additional towns like Marken can be visited if you have more time.

What is the physical requirement?
The tour is suitable for moderate physical fitness, as riding on flat terrain is generally easy.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the bike rental and route can be adapted to family needs, and staff can recommend appropriate bikes.

How far in advance should I book?
Most often, tours are booked about three weeks ahead, but booking early is advised for guaranteed availability.

What should I do if I arrive late?
Late arrivals may have their riding time deducted, so arriving 15 minutes early is recommended.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.