When we were planning this trip 3 years ago, I started this blog as part of my course I was taking at McMaster University at the time. I spent a lot of time researching the route we wanted to cycle, and what towns we were going to stay in. Since cancelling our trip 2 years ago, so much has left my brain (lol) about the details of the places we are staying and what we should see along the way, so you can say we are almost at “square one” in our planning of “things to do along the way”. I am going to share a map showing all of our stops. For all of you that know these towns/areas that we are travelling, I would love for you to comment, recommend things to see, or suggest any changes.
Another website I found while searching around that had some good info on cycling in the Netherlands. Planning your route It made me think that not only do we need the directions on our phone, I think we need to make sure we have a hard copy of our map and directions as well. I have been known to have a dead battery on my phone many times!! Lots of Planning!
Our Route!
The Afsluitdijk (the dike that you see from Den Oever blocking the Sea from the Ijsselmeer and Markermeer) is closed until 2025 for bikes. It is under major construction to deal with the water issues in Netherlands. If you are interested read my blog on the water issues in the Netherlands as it explains a lot of what is going on. And if you ever get a chance to visit the Watermusuem in South Netherlands, I found it very interesting (very emotional too). Sorry my brain got off topic but it starts wandering when I think of all the great things to see and do in the Netherlands. So……they have a bus that will take you over the Dijk. Bart’s cousin sent me the schedule yesterday. That is our longest day about 68 km cycling and 35 by bus. Yikes!! But I think it will be a gorgeous ride. Our destination that day is Hindeloopen.
I remember how pretty this sea-side village was and the gorgeous folk art they are known for. You see it everywhere in town – the tables and walls in restaurants, the wooden shoes. In the 17th and 18th century, the shipping trade brought richness to Hindeloopen, they were the golden times. People in Hindeloopen spent a lot of money in Amsterdam on precious things, and they developed their own costume and a completely individual style with colorful painted walls and furniture.
Bart and I were lucky to find some authentic Hindeloopen pieces here near Hamilton on Kijiji and we scopped them up about 6 or 7 years ago. We have them in the livingroom and kitchen and we make good use out of them! Have a look – they are gorgeous!
A few weeks ago we had an awesome surprise – a package sent to us from the Netherlands. Bart’s cousin sent us a box of goodies (some of my favorites – stroopwaffles, drops, pintakaas) and included were some beautiful pieces from Hindeloopen that they found in their attic and thought we might like to have. There were right!!
Last time I was in Hindeloopen I didn’t purchase any souvenirs. But I am saving room in my bike pannier so that I can pick up something from this cute little village!
QUESTION
When I started this blog, I had a question that I was hoping others could help me with, especially my family and friends in the Netherlands. And then I got side-tracked thinking of Hindeloopen! (but can you blame me – it was such a nice place!)
Question – Regarding the cycle from Enkhuizen to Hindeloopen, should we take the ferry from Enkhuizen and then cycle to Hindeloopen? or should we cycle all the way around and take the bus across the dijk? I am thinking that route will be very pretty along the water.
I am so happy that we are “back on the bike!” and in 9 weeks on our way!!
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