Cycling in and around Utrecht

Cycling in the Netherlands is great. Our country is flat, relatively small and has a great infrastructure for cyclists. After Denmark, we are known to be the best cycling country in the world. However, The Netherlands is the only country in the world with more bicycles than inhabitants. In total we have about 23 million bicycles, 2.5 million of which are electric ones. On average, we yearly cover 880 kilometers per person with these. The map shows the density of individual bicycle paths in Europe.

The bicycle is part of the Dutch identity and resembles feelings and values hold high in the Netherlands: freedom, equality and independence. For example, the introduction of the bicycle, about 125 years ago, has had a tremendous impact on the emancipation of woman. Also, a well known image, engraved in our collective memory, is that of our former Prime Minister Kok commuting to his office by bike.

In the Netherlands everyone rides a bike.

Cycling around Utrecht is beautiful. There is a great variety in landscapes with excellent cycling paths.

North of Utrecht you will find a lovely landscape scattered with lakes. Because of people winning peat in  former times, this landscape has a lot of ditches, lakes and fields decorated with reed around it.

When heading east, you'll get to the national park Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Great cycle paths run through the forests and over the small hills. A very  popular area with people riding a mountainbike or road racing bike.

Leaving Utrecht from the south you'll enter a river landscape. Cycle along the river Krommerijn and further over the dike of the river Lek. Guarenteed beautiful sceneric views over the water. This area is also home to farmers growing apples, pears and cherries.

West of Utrecht starts the so calles 'Green Heart' of Holland. A typical Dutch landscape with fields, cows, ditches and a few windmills. Springtime and summer are a really good time to take a bicycle tour there.

You will of course make the most beautiful routes yourself, based on the junctions in the cycle route network. Drive carefree from number to number and enjoy the surroundings to the fullest. A map is available at almost all intersections to further plan your route. Creating a route in advance is easy with the bicycle route planner.

The Utrecht region is crossed by a couple of long distance cycling routes(LF-routes). The ANWB offers on its website beautiful signposted routes around Utrecht.  The Lustwarande route is my personal favourite.

You can rent a bicycle cheaply at Laag-Catharijne. They also have electric bicycles. Utrecht Fietsen also rents out bicycles. Friendly staff and good service.

In addition, we recently have bicycles from Donkey Republic in the street scene. I have no experience with this myself.

If you want to rent a bicycle for more than a month, the Swapfiets is a cheap option.