The Netherlands is made for cycling. From sleek dikes and open polders to rolling hills in the south: as an amateur cyclist, you can choose from dozens of perfectly organized tours every season. Whether you want to open your season with a classic, test your form over long distances, or end the year in style—a good tour ride gives direction to your training goals and motivation.
For 2026, we selected the 10 absolute must-rides in the Netherlands. Each and every one of these tours has character: iconic, well-organized, and loved by both recreational and avid cyclists. These are the rides you really must have done at least once.
1. Zandvoort Circuit – Beach, dunes & wind
Zandvoort Circuit
Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Distances: 80 km · 120 km · 160 km
Starting location: Zandvoort
Registration: Sign up here for the Zandvoort Ride
Why this ride: A sporty route along coastal roads, dunes, and boulevards—technical, challenging, and beautiful.
2. Tour of North Holland
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Distances: 85 km · 110 km · 160 km · 250 km
Starting location: Alkmaar · Hoorn · Purmerend
Registration:Tour of North Holland
Why this ride: The Dutch opening classic. Flat, fast, and perfect for starting the season.
3. Betuwe Blossom Tour – Spring at its finest
Blossom Tour
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Distances: 30 km · 50 km · 80 km · 125 km
Starting location: Geldermalsen
Registration: Betuwse Bloesemtoertocht
Why this ride: cycling past blossoming fruit trees, peaceful dikes, and winding roads.
4. 7-Village Tour – North Holland at its purest
7-Village Tour
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Distances: 60 km · 120 km
Starting location: Wormer or Hoogwoud
Registration: Via Le Champion event page
Why this ride: Classic polder tour with a real club ride atmosphere.
5. Frisian Eleven Cities Cycling Tour – The ultimate long-distance
Frisian Eleven Cities Cycling Tour
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Distances: 235 km
Starting location: Bolsward
Registration: Frisian Eleven Cities Tour Registration
Why this ride: A real bucket list ride for every cyclist.
6. Limburg’s Most Beautiful – Climbing Classic of the Netherlands
Limburg’s Most Beautiful
Date: Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2026
Distances: 70 km · 100 km · 130 km · 160 km
Starting location: Heerlen
Registration: Via the official Limburg’s Most Beautiful website
Why this ride: Hills, curves, and an almost foreign feeling.
7. Dune Tour – Summer classic along the sea and dunes
Dune Tour
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Distances: 50 km · 75 km · 100 km
Starting location: Castricum
Registration: Register for the Dune Tour
Why this ride: Fast sections, fresh sea air, and smooth asphalt.
8. Castle tour – History and summer avenues
Castle Tour
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Distances: 60 km · 80 km · 130 km
Starting location: Baarn
Registration: Castle Tour
Why this ride: Varied route past castles and estates
9. Ride for the Roses – Zeeland at its finest
Ride for the Roses
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2026
Distances: 70 km · 100 km · 130 km
Starting location: Goes
Registration: Register for Ride for the Roses
Why this ride: Beautiful routes, strong community, and a good cause
10 Markertoer – Old classic around the Markermeer
Marker Tour
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Distances: 55 km · 100 km
Starting location: Spijkerman Eten & Drinken, Purmerend
Registration: Register for Markertour
Why this ride: Views over the Markermeer, villages such as Volendam & Monnickendam, perfect end to the season.
