perfect trip!
Cycling The Pieterpad sporty and E-bike
Bike Tour: Cycling The Pieterpad sporty and E-bike - 10 days
NEW TOUR 2025
The "Dutch Camino" for cyclists is called the Pieterfietspad, stretching from Pieterburen in Groningen to the Pietersberg near Maastricht in Limburg, follows, wherever possible, the Netherlands' most famous long-distance hiking route: the acclaimed Pieterpad. This 580-kilometer trail takes you past all the highlights of the (East) Dutch landscape. From the Groninger Wierden, through the forests of Drenthe, the hills of Salland, the castles of the Achterhoek, the Maasheggen in North Limburg, to the Maasduinen, you will eventually arrive in the hilly region of South Limburg.
The Pieterfietspad is the official cycling variant of the popular Pieterpad. While the Pieterpad connects the most beautiful walking paths, the Pieterfietspad does so with cycling routes. So hop on your bike and explore the Netherlands on two wheels!
NEW SERVICES
In addition to bike-friendly accommodations, 12/7 availability, luggage transport, etc., we also offer:
- The included map set of the Pieter Cycling Route from our partner Stichting Pieterpad (the guidebook and maps are only available in Dutch but you can use the maps for cycling)
- All routes and necessary travel information are available in English in our handy and user-friendly navigation app Guibo.
- Transfer to the starting point on the last day: see the practical information to find out more.
Welcome to Pieterburen – Starting Point of the Pieterfietspad!Have you arrived on time? Perfect! Take the opportunity to relax at the village terrace or hop on your bike to explore the sea dyke. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ever-changing Wadden Sea. In the evening have dinner in the village. Savor local cuisine and unwind in a cozy atmosphere.
Embark on an unforgettable cycling journey through the enchanting Wierdenland of Groningen, where picturesque creeks meander through expansive, flat landscapes. Discover charming villages perched on elevated ground, such as Eenrum and Winsum, each offering unique sights and local delights.Follow the scenic route along the Reitdiep, the oldest cultural landscape in Western Europe, leading you to the historic city center of Groningen. Here, you can marvel at stunning monuments and indulge in urban pleasures. As you explore the city, you’ll trace the banks of the Drentsche Aa, a winding waterway that will accompany you throughout your ride. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery around the Paterwoldsemeer and the Hondsrug, a 20-meter high ‘megaflute’ that provides stunning views over the surrounding valley. Your adventure culminates in the esdorp of Zeegse, part of the National Beek- and Esdorpenlandschap Drentsche Aa, where you can unwind and reflect on the beautiful landscapes you’ve encountered.
Begin your day in Drenthe with a scenic ride through the stunning landscapes of the 'velden,'(fields) including the tranquil and expansive Ballooërveld. This rugged terrain features serene ponds, heather fields, and lush forests that invite exploration. As you pedal past Rolde, the former capital of Drenthe, take a moment to admire two ancient hunebedden that dot the landscape. The journey continues along the impressive Rolderrug, guiding you through the heart of Drenthe—an untouched, forested nature reserve spanning 5,000 hectares. After passing 'De Kielse Keien,' consider a detour to the Ellert and Brammert Open-Air Museum in Schoonoord, where you can immerse yourself in local history. Your adventure leads you further into the Sleenerzand, where you’ll search for the intriguing 'Papeloze Kerk' and the historic 'Galgenberg.'Make a quick stop at the 'Driftplein' near Dalen, home to the northernmost artwork of the 'Kunstwegen' route, before continuing your journey to the "Geese" city Coevorden.
Once you're on your way, you'll pass by several installations from the "Kunstwegen" route, the longest avenue of contemporary visual art in Western Europe. Cycling along narrow paths, you’ll journey through the valley of the winding Overijsselse Vecht, the smallest of our major rivers. Enjoy the swaying reeds, majestic beech avenues, and the gently rolling meadows surrounded by hedgerows, where red farmhouse roofs peek out. You’ll travel through the charming es village of Rheeze, known for its authentic brink. It’s time for a coffee break and a farewell glance over the Vecht as you reach the cozy town of Ommen. Beyond the lovely Huize Het Laer, the landscape changes dramatically. Now, prepare for the "climb of the week" over the Archemer and Lemelerberg, which together rise 78 meters in the otherwise flat terrain. Enjoy the views and the diverse scenery of sandy plains, heath, juniper bushes, and forests. Just a flat stretch left, and then you’ll head over the Hellendoornse Berg to your destination, the "Ice Village" Hellendoorn.
Start with a gentle climb and descent into the vibrant textile town of Nijverdal. Then, cycle through Europe’s largest dry heathland: the Sallandse Heuvelrug, home to unique birds such as the redstart, nightjar, and the iconic black grouse. Enjoy cycling along the rolling, winding paths that offer beautiful views. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nature museum on the Holterberg, featuring its unique dioramas. After Holten, you’ll enter the feudal Graafschap: a historic, wooded landscape shaped by nobility in past centuries. Near the charming 18th-century Huis Verwolde, complete with a delightful tea garden, you can seek out the "thick tree," a 450-year-old oak. As you pass the Twentekanaal and the Berkel River, take a moment to admire Huize Enzerinck before cycling into the picturesque 8-castle village of Vorden.
Start your adventure with a beautiful bike path to Castle Vorden, an impressive medieval structure with a delightful tea garden. Continue through the characteristic landscape of hedgerows, tree lanes, small fields, and meadows. Marvel at the 18th-century Huis de Kiefskamp, styled in Louis XVI fashion, and Huis 't Zelle, known for its unique 18th-century lane system. After passing through Zelhem, home to the archaeological museum Smedekinck, you’ll catch a glimpse of the hilly Montferland in the distance. Cycle through the expansive Bergherbos before descending into Gelderse Poort, a unique area where the Rhine has carved through the moraine. Enjoy the water-rich Ossenwaard and the newly established bird-rich nature reserve of Revensweert before reaching the wide river. A bike ferry will take you across to Millingen aan de Rijn. From here you can already see the German border but after Leuth you turn off to the river Waal which leads you to today's final destination.
Through the beautiful Ooijpolder you soon experience the “seven hills” to reach Groesbeek. Here the Canadian War Cemetery of Honor, the Liberation Museum and the replica of an Allied glider on Klein Amerika remind you of the last bloody days of World War II. Through the beautiful Zevendal you descend into the Maas Valley, where just before lively Gennep you find the ruins of the historic Genneperhuis, a former castle and fortified fortress at the mouth of the Niers into the Meuse. You now enter the Maasheggengebied, the oldest cultural landscape of the Netherlands; a mosaic of meadows, old trees and hedges, where in spring the May and blackthorn bloom abundantly. You cycle past pretty farming villages along the Meuse. The many streams and old Meuse beds like the Sohr contribute to a green and varied landscape. The area around Lottum and Grubbenvorst is known for its rose cultivation and the "Gekke Maondaags" tradition. A ferry takes you to the other bank of the Meuse. Visit the chapel of Notre-Dame de Genooi, the patron saint of the nearby city of Venlo. This ancient Hanseatic city, located at the transition from lowland to hill country, is today's final destination.
Start your day cycling across the Jammerdaalse heath which seems to owe its name to the lamentations of Caesar's soldiers, who were massacred here by Ambiorix. The ancient clay pits with their steep banks are an eldorado for the rare natterjack toad and bank swallow. Then over the Prinsendijk, which in addition to being a geological boundary, was also once part of an ancient Roman road as well as the 1944 German Meuse-Roers Defense. After the nature around the meandering Swalm stream, you reach the imposing castle of Hillenraad. Then back to the border, through the terraced landscape of National Park de Meinweg with dry dunes and swampy marshes. At Herkenbosch you cross the winding Roer River and head for Montfort with its impressive, medieval castle ruins. The route continues its way through the so-called Green Waist of Limburg (“Smallest piece of the Netherlands”). An important link in the ecological chain is the IJzerenbosch. Among other things, you will find flower carpets of wood anemones, spotted arum and slender primrose. After this forest, you take a trip across the German border, before the stage ends in at the old monasteries in Sittard's city center.
The last leg of your journey takes you through the rolling green hills of Limburg, featuring fast-flowing streams, marl caves, limestone houses, and quaint chapels or crosses scattered throughout. The day begins with the challenge of climbing Kollenberg, the northernmost foothill of the Ardennes. A steep ascent with seven “footfalls” leads you to the highest point, where you’ll find the 17th-century Sint Rosakapelle. Pause at Castle Gerlach to admire the sculpture garden and enjoy a coffee at Burgemeester Quicx in the monastery courtyard. Between Rothem and Geulhem, you’ll cycle along the edge of the charming Geuldal. Ride along the brand-new “Groene Loper,” flanked by over two thousand linden trees, into the heart of Maastricht, home to more than 1,650 monuments. The route winds through beautiful old streets, but it’s definitely worth taking some time to explore on foot at the end of this cycling day. Before that, head to Pieterberg, a plateau nestled between the valleys of the Maas and Jeker. Here, a panoramic viewpoint marks the end of your “Pieterfietspad.”
After Breakfast, Your cycling journey comes to an end. We hope you’ve enjoyed every moment of your cycling adventure and created lasting memories along the way.
Starting dates:
Wednesday until Sunday from April until end of September.
*If travelling by train, check practical info!
| Price pp | € | |
| Double room, breakfast | 1,195.00 | |
| Single room, breakfast | 1,825.00 | |
| Extra night double room, breakfast only | 90.00 | |
| Rental bike | € | |
| Child bike | 99.00 | |
| Hybrid | 117.00 | |
| E-bike | 252.00 | |
| Extra services | € | |
| Bike Breakdown pass | € 4.00 x 9 | 36.00 |
| Bike helmet | per piece | 10.00 |
| SGR | per piece | 5.00 |
| transferpersonbus | per piece | 140.00 |
The hotels or B&Bs on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. A list of the hotels we work with appears below. If a certain accommodation is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a comparable alternative.
When selecting the accomodation, we try to take into account as much as possible a safe and closed bicycle shed. However, we cannot do this with all of them guarantee and this partly depends on the number of bicycles of other guests.
Alt hotels: Waddengenot & Dorpslogement-Pieterburen / De Oude Smidse-Westernieland
Alt. hotel: Brinkhotel - Zuidlaren
If you don’t bring your own bike, you can rent one from us. Our touring bikes are 27-speed gear. You can find all the information regarding our rental bikes below.
You will find your rental bike waiting for you at your first hotel. The hotel reception staff will give you the keys for your bikes and direct you to the bicycle shed. All bikes are provided with chain locks.
Why the Dutch don't wear helmets!
Instruction video hybrid bike and e-bike
Our hybrid bikes have 27-gears with hand brakes.
The hybrid bikes are circa 16,5 KG.
The e-bikes have a small electric engine Bosch 65 Nm and battery 500 Wh, which can be charged at the hotels. You still have to pedal: it just makes pedaling much easier. Some experience with e-bikes is recommended, as the bikes accelerate faster and are heavier than regular bikes because of the electric engine. The weight of the e-bike is ca. 27 KG. We recommend a minimum height of 160 cm for the e-bike.
For children who are at least 120 cm, we can also arrange bikes (these are 24”or 26” for children that are bigger than 140 cm).
The child bikes come with at least 7-gears and hand brakes.
The maximum body height for a child’s bike is 155 cm.
24" child bike:
26" child bike:
All our rental bikes come with a bell.
Brakes
All our adult bikes come with hand brakes.
Childseat
For children up to 30 months old (max. 15 KG) it is possible to rent a front child seat. This is not possible with e-bikes, due to the display.
For children older than 30 months (max. 22KG) it is possible to rent a rear child seat. This is also possible with e-bikes.
Both front- and rear child seats are €5,- per day.
Helmet
Helmets are not mandatory in the Netherlands, but can be rented for €10,- per piece.
Available sizes: Adult: 54-61 cm, Child: 50-55 cm (only available for children over 5 years).
Lights
All our bikes come with both front- and rear lights. You need to push the button on the lamp and it will flash three times. This means that the lights will automatically start working when it gets dark.
When you push again, the lamp will flash one time and the lights will be turned off.
Locks
Our bikes come with a defender lock with plug in chain (cable lock that is attached to the regular lock, see picture).
You need to turn the key a bit, take out the pin from the cable lock and attach it to a pole/other bike/fence etc.
When you push the pin back into the regular lock, you need to lock the regular lock as you always do, and both locks will be secured.
Pannier
1 pannier is included at the 'standard' bikes and the e-bikes.
Height: 42 cm
Depth front to the side: 17 cm
Wide top: 32 cm
Wide down: 23 cm
Volume: 20 liters
It has an easy click-on/click-off system. The panniers are water resistant, so everything will stay dry.
Pedals
The rental bikes come with regular pedals, so no click-in/SPD pedals.
Quickrelease
All our bikes come with a quick release system, which makes it very easy to adjust the height of the saddle and the handle bars.
Repairkit
There is one small puncture kit included, which can be found in the pannier. In case a rental bike has another problem, we always advise you to go to a bike repair shop or call the bike breakdown emergency number which is provided in the travel documents when you book this extra service.
Saddle
Saddles can be adjusted in height without using any tools, see ‘Quick Release’.
Our saddles don’t come with a gel cover.
Waterbottles
Dutch Biketours does not provide water bottles. We can also not guarantee that there are bottle holders on the bikes. You will always receive 1x pannier, so you can always store your water bottle in your pannier.
We have limited family tandem bikes available on request.
The family tandems have 7-gears and can be used for one adult and one child with a minimum body height of 125 cm.
A tag-along bike is a good option for children between approx. 100 cm and 125 cm, as they can pedal themselves and on their own pace but don’t have to worry about other traffic.
Child trailers can be rented for a maximum of two children who are up to 100 cm (max. 35 KG in total).
We mostly use the XLC Duo 2 child trailer.
Child trailers are not possible in combination with e-bikes.
Mile after wonderful mile of untroubled cycling is what we would wish our clients. However there is a minimal chance of breakdown along the way. If this thought is a nagging worry to you, a Bicycle Breakdown Assistance insurance policy may ease your mind. If you buy this insurance from our partner ANWB pechhulp in advance, their service is as follows. The costs are €4,- per bicycle per day. If your bike breaks down by the roadside an ANWB bicycle repair man will drive to you in his repair van and fix your bike so you can continue your tour. You won’t have to pay him repair costs. If you are cycling on your own bicycle you will be charged for any new spare parts your bike may require. If you are renting a bicycle through Dutch Bike Tours any new parts are at our expense. If it turns out the bicycle cannot be repaired on the spot, or if you can't continue cycling, the repairman can drop you off somewhere in his van. One companion plus bikes may join you in the van.
Do you wish to insure your bike against theft? The cost is € 3,- per day per standard hybrid bicycle.
For an electric bicycle, premium bike or racing bike: € 6,00 per day per bicycle.
Please see the General Terms and Conditions for Bicycle Hire and Insurance.
If a rental bike gets stolen or damaged, we will hold the client responsible.
If your insurance does not cover this event, you will have to pay the costs yourself.
Article 1 Bike Rental Price
The bike rental price is determined by the rates mentioned on the Dutch Bike Tours website at the time of the booking; or as subsequently agreed.
Article 2 Payment
a. The rental price and any other due sums regarding the rental agreement must be paid before the bike is handed over to you.
b. If, for whatever reason, you cannot make use of the bike(s) you have rented, Dutch Bike Tours will not be held responsible for any resulting expenses or damage.
c. In the case of the article 2b, the client remains obliged to pay the full rental price and any other amounts mentioned in the invoice, in accordance with our General Terms and Conditions of Booking, unless the client can prove that his not being able to use the bike was the consequence of a defect that was already present at the beginning of the rental period.
Article 3 Rental Period
a. The rental period runs from the morning of the first cycling day (day 2) to the end of the holiday (the departure day), as stated in the booking confirmation.
b. Extension of the rental period is possible only after approval by us and according to the (extension) rates as mentioned in article 1.
c. No refunds are possible after the rental period begins. If you return the bike(s) to us before the end of your holiday, the rental agreement will automatically be terminated and you will not get any of your money back.
d. At the end of the last cycling day of your holiday, the bike(s) must be returned to the hotel from where it was/they were issued, no later than the time stated in the booking confirmation.
If you book a one way tour tour you can leave the bike at the last hotel of the trip.
e. If the bike(s) is /are not returned by the return time stated in the booking confirmation, we will continue to charge you rent until such time as the bike(s) is/are returned to us or is/are received by us. In the event of late return, the rates as mentioned in article 1 will continue to apply, plus a fine of €25 per day. We also reserve the right to demand payment for any costs and/or damages suffered by us due to late return of our rental bike(s).
f. Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, in the event of late return of our rental bikes, we reserve the right to dissolve the rental agreement without judicial intervention and immediately claim back our bicycles where ever they may be and from whomever has them. Dutch Bike Tours also holds this right in the event that the client does not comply with any of the other conditions stated in this rental agreement.
Article 4 Improper Use
a. The bicycle(s) may only be used for its/their intended purpose and only by the cyclists listed in the rental agreement.
b. The bike(s) must be returned to us in the same (clean!) state in which you received it/them.
c. You must take excellent care of the bicycle(s), as if it/they were your own. You must take every precaution against damage, loss or theft.
d. The bicycle may not be used on the beach; or on sandy paths in the dunes unless a paved path is unavailable.
Article 5 Damage, Loss and Theft
The renter will be held responsible for damages to or loss of the bicycle(s) or parts of it, as well as bicycle keys and chains and locks, for such an amount as is determined by us according to standard market prices. You must understand that you are not insured for damage to the bicycle(s) or for any damages to third parties.
Article 6 Theft Insurance
It is possible to purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance. Covered are: damages arising out of the theft of the bicycle; and damages to the bicycle as a consequence of the theft. Not covered are: theft of bicycle parts; and damages arising out of attempted theft.
Article 7 Theft Insurance Premium
a. The premium for Bicycle Theft Insurance is € 3,00 per day per standard hybrid bicycle. For an electric bicycle € 6,00 per day as well for a Premium bike and racing bike.
The number of insurance days is the same as the number of cycling days as stated in our booking confirmation.
Article 8 Liability in the Event of Theft
a. If you did not purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance from us before the start of the holiday, you will be held fully accountable for the sum determined by us according to standard prices.
b. If you did purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance from us, but you failed to lock the wheel lock and failed to produce the original wheel lock key and failed to produce an official theft report drawn up by the police, you will still be held fully accountable for the sum determined by us according to standard prices.
Article 9 Costs During the Rental Period
Any charges and taxes regarding the rental bicycle(s), such as fines and ferry tickets, are to be paid by you. You will also be required to pay all costs ensuing from the use of the bicycle(s) such as parking fees, maintenance and repairs.
9 nights included
3/4 Star Hotels
Tourist tax included
Breakfast included
Set of Pieterfietspad maps (in Dutch only) and the use of the Guibo App for navigation and information (in English)
Possibility of renting bikes
7-days a week service-hotline
Luggage transport to your next hotel
CS Groningen / Station Winsum / Bus Pieterburen. For more information:
For your information, the next 6 weeks the trains to Groningen will run to Groningen Europapark, from there there will be buses to Winsum/Baflo. Groningen Central Station is therefore limited or not at all accessible by train.
If you travel to your starting location by public transport, please take longer travel times into account.
Plan your journey in advance on 9292.nl or ns.nl, or in the app of these websites.
From Saturday 10 May to Saturday 12 July 2025, there will be large-scale track works around the station in Groningen.
As a result, many trains will not be able to run during this period. Arriva and NS will operate train replacement bus transport.
Please note that bicycles cannot be taken on the bus.
If your journey starts in Groningen, Pieterburen or Wiesternieland and you travel to the starting location of your journey by public transport and bring your own bicycles, we may be able to arrange a transfer for you or transport your bicycles from the station, so that you can take the bus yourself. The costs of a transfer are €30,- for 2 persons and 2 bicycles.
However, this service is based on the availability of the drivers and the capacity, so it cannot always be guaranteed.
If you are interested in this service, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can make an inventory of what is possible.
We only offer this service to people who travel to Groningen with their own bicycles. People who have booked rental bicycles can use the normal replacement bus transport because they only receive the rental bicycles at the accommodation. We hope for your understanding.
Free parking options Pieterburen
For this trip, route information is only available through our navigation app. You will not receive any travel information or route information on paper, with the exception of the official (Dutch) map of the Pieterpad.
ferry crossings are not included
- From Maastricht you can get back to Pieterburen in 5 hours by public transport. You need to change trains in Utrecht and Groningen. In Winsum you need to change to the bus to Pieterburen.
- From Maastricht to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by train takes about 3 hours, you need to change once in Eindhoven
- NEW - TRANSFER BY MINIBUS: On Tuesdays our special Pieterpad bus returns from Maastricht via Doetinchem to Pieterburen. You will be taken back to the starting point with your luggage and bike (either your own or a rented bike). The bus runs every week in June, July and August 2025. In May on the 13th and 27th & in September on the 2nd and 16th. The price is €140,- per person.
If you start your trip on a Sunday, the bus will connect with your trip. If you start on a Friday or Saturday, you will need 1 or more extra nights on the route or at the end.
The nearest Airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
The train from Schiphol to Groningen departs twice per hour. The travel time is approximately 2 hours. After that, you take the train to Winsum, with a travel time of 15 minutes. From there, you take the bus to Pieterburen, with a travel time of 25 minutes. The total travel time is around 3 hours. A one-way trip costs approximately € 35,- per person excluding a bike.
For timetables and tickets, visit www.ns.nl. For bus details and how to reach the hotel, click here: www.9292.nl.
Maybe you also like these cycling holidays:
Cycling The Pieterpad sporty and E-bike
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