Cycling holidays in the Netherlands: discover Rotterdam and the surrounding region by bike

Looking for an inspiring cycling route? Our Discover Rotterdam brochure includes two walking routes and two carefully selected cycling routes. The first route, Discover West at its best, covers 14 kilometres and takes you from the city centre deep into Rotterdam-West. The second route, Smoothly through the North, is 17 kilometres long and leads you past the highlights of Rotterdam-Noord.

Both cycling routes start at Rotterdam Central Station, follow existing cycling junctions as much as possible and use dedicated cycle paths wherever possible. The Discover Rotterdam guide can be downloaded for free online, making it easy to plan your ride.

Rotterdam is easy to explore by bike thanks to its extensive network of well-designed cycle paths. Still feel a bit unsure cycling in a new city? Join a guided bike tour led by an experienced and enthusiastic local guide. This way, you can explore both famous sights and hidden gems in a safe and informative way.

Several tour companies offer guided cycling tours, often including bike rental. Options range from classic city rides to culinary tours and themed explorations. These providers include:

• BiteMe Food Tours - Discover the city by bike while enjoying tasty bites along the way.
• Inside Rotterdam - Guides lead you to surprising places that even many locals do not know.
• De Rotterdam Tours - Cycling tours focused on themes such as the port, architecture or specific neighbourhoods.
• UrbanGuides - Custom-made cycling tours available on request.

Prefer to explore independently? Create your own route using the cycling junction network and rent a bike or e-bike. Or get inspired by the selection of cycling routes below and make the most of your cycling adventure.

• Nieuwe Maas Route (27 km)
  A varied route following the Nieuwe Maas. You cross the Brienenoord Bridge, visit the natural area of Brienenoord Island and explore several neighbourhoods in Rotterdam-South. This route is also available in the free Rotterdam Routes app.
• Across the city by bike (23 km)
  Another route in the Rotterdam Routes app. This ride takes you from the Oude Noorden to the Markthal and from the southern harbours to typical Rotterdam shops in the west. Along the way, twelve locals share their personal stories.
• Parks Route (39 km)
  Want to discover green spaces in and around the city? This route connects parks, forests, windmills and quiet country roads both inside and outside Rotterdam.
• Polder Path Route: Rotte to Schie (30 km)
  Named one of the six most beautiful cycling routes in the Netherlands by NS. Starting at Rotterdam Central Station, you cycle through the city, along the River Rotte and the Bergse Voorplas, then through Polder Schieveen with its farms and meadows. The route continues into Midden-Delfland before returning to Rotterdam via the River Schie.
• River Route (35 km)
  Slightly south of the Polder Path Route, this refreshing ride introduces you to classic Dutch river landscapes and lush recreational areas around Rotterdam.
• Rotte Lakes Route (26 km)
  Follow the River Rotte towards the Rottemeren and back. Expect an authentic Dutch landscape with dikes, lakes, windmills and plenty of spots for coffee or a snack.
• Cycling among the windmills of Kinderdijk (up to 42 km)
  Explore the windmills of UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk by bike. You can rent bikes on site or take your own bike for free on the Waterbus from Willemsplein.
• Midden-Delfland
  A beautiful green area between Rotterdam and Delft, perfect for cycling through polders with pollard willows, sheep and cows. Combine your ride with a stop in Delft.
• Green Southern Edge of Rotterdam (43 km)
  Starting near Zuidplein and Zuiderpark, this route leads you out of the city past country estates, farmland and the impressive River Oude Maas. The route is available via Zuid-Hollands Landschap, which also offers the Living Landscape route (33 km) starting in Schiedam.
• KoeKaas Route (PDF, Dutch)
  A long and varied route through the Krimpenerwaard, cycling past historic farms and cheese dairies. The route runs from Rotterdam and Capelle aan den IJssel through green meadows to the cheese city of Gouda and back.
• Voorne-Putten island
  With over 300 kilometres of cycle paths, Voorne-Putten offers routes ranging from relaxed rides to more sporty challenges. Discover all options on the OP Voorne-Putten website.