Cycling day trip from Amsterdam to Zaandijk

Ready for a classic Dutch ride? Start your journey in Amsterdam, the bustling capital famed for its canals and cycling culture, then cruise north to the historic village of Zaandijk. This 28-kilometer route is mostly pancake-flat, so you can genuinely enjoy the scenery without breaking too much of a sweat.

You’ll be riding on super-smooth cycleways for most of the trip (trust the Dutch to get bike paths right!). Don’t be surprised if you zip past windmills, grazing sheep, and postcard-worthy waterways as you approach the Zaan region. Zaandijk itself is a treat—step off your bike to explore the iconic Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood-turned-open-air-museum full of traditional windmills and old wooden houses.

Whether you’re new to cycling in the Netherlands or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this route is ideal—pretty, mostly paved, and very Dutch. Enjoy the ride!