I have been chatting lots with my riding buddies, Janet and Debbie as we finalize the details of our Netherlands cycle trip. Exciting!!!
Vrienden op de Fiets (Friends on the Bikes!)
We got introduced to this fabulous organization from a lady we will be staying with along our route. We had booked with her 2 years ago under a different organization, and she has now joined Vrienden op de Fiets.
I received all the info in the mail a few days ago – the book with all the addresses, and my membership card. Basically what it is, is members opening up their homes for cyclists to stay for one night. They supply you with a bed, a place for your bike, and breakfast! And only 22.50 Euros per person for the night. In addition, you purchase a yearly membership which is only 10 Euros.
Spakenburg
We had difficulty finding a place in Spakenburg as we wanted to stay in the village. We are now booked to stay with a family right in Spakenburg through Vrienden op de Fiets!
Spakenburg is a village south of the IJsseleer Lake. It is one of the few places left in the Netherlands where some woman still wear local traditional clothes. At the end of July/beginning of August they have an event and celebration in their town each year where people dress up, the they have a big market and celebrate! Too bad we will miss their celebration but we are happy to be spending one night here.
I looked up the best things to do in Spakenburg and found this on Trip Advisor:
- Saturday Market (darn we will be there the next day on Sunday)
- Museum Spakenburg – learn about the history
- Klederdracht-en Visserrijmuseum – showing the national costumes to the town
- VVV Bunschoten-Spakenburg – market with lots of fish!
- Spakenburg Windmill – still working as a grain windmill where you can buy flour
- Tankversperring Spakenburg – ancient ruins at historic sites
- Botter.nl – boat tours
- De Eemlandhoeve – A farm with fun things to do!
- Rederij Zuidwal – Spakenburg Cruise – operates as a ferry between holiday park and Spakenburg
Spakenburg is our last place to visit before heading back to Amsterdam. So once we have been there, we will let you know if it is worth a day trip to come and visit if you are in Amsterdam.
One thing I love about cycling, is that I get to see so much more. Since you are travelling slower than a car, you have a lot more time to take it all in, process what you are seeing, and enjoy the views!! I think we are going to enjoy Spakenburg!
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