Quick ride by bicycle from Leiden to Katwijk aan Zee

Hop on your bike in the heart of Leiden, a historic city famous for its charming canals, centuries-old university, and lively cafés. Your 11 km ride begins among Leiden’s picturesque old streets and quickly leads you out of town along mostly dedicated cycle paths—a Dutch specialty!

You’ll pedal through the pleasant green outskirts, passing fields and maybe catching a glimpse of the region’s famed tulip fields in spring. The bike path is mostly paved, so it’s a smooth and breezy ride. After a gentle ascent and descent—this is the Netherlands, so there aren’t any real hills—you’ll arrive in Katwijk aan Zee, a classic Dutch seaside town.

Katwijk aan Zee is a perfect spot to end your ride: unwind on the wide sandy beach, grab a snack from a beach pavilion, or just listen to the North Sea waves. This route is great for a relaxed morning or afternoon ride, and with so much of it on cycleways, you can just enjoy the views and the sea air.