Excursion à vélo d’une journée de Dordrecht à Rotterdam

Roll out from Dordrecht’s historic center—one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, tucked between the Merwede, Noord and Oude Maas—and follow the dike-top cycle paths northwest. The route hugs the rivers past places like Zwijndrecht and Ridderkerk on mostly smooth asphalt. It’s practically flat (around 50 m total climbing) and almost entirely on separated cycleways, making this 24 km spin easy and relaxing.

As you reach IJsselmonde, Rotterdam’s skyline appears ahead. Finish by crossing the Maas over one of the big bridges (Erasmusbrug or Willemsbrug) into the city center.

Fun bits:

• Dordrecht: medieval warehouses, the Grote Kerk, and nearby De Biesbosch National Park if you fancy a nature detour.
• Rotterdam: Europe’s maritime heavyweight, known for bold architecture—Erasmus Bridge, Cube Houses, and the Markthal.

Tips: expect wind along the open river dikes, and bring lights for any underpasses. Handy café stops pop up around Ridderkerk or at Rotterdam’s Kop van Zuid.