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Arrival and a first stroll along the canals
A relaxed arrival day with no cycling stage.
In the afternoon, there's time for a first stroll through the canals.
This is where your journey begins. From Köln Hauptbahnhof, you travel directly to Amsterdam by ICE or IC, with no changes needed.
The striking brick station sits right by the water in the heart of the city. From here, it's just a few minutes' walk to the first canals and your accommodation.
A family-friendly hotel in a historic building in the east of the city, with a secure bike storage room and good tram links to the centre. Quiet location near the large Oosterpark, perfect for letting the kids run off some energy.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Museums, canals and markets
A city day with no cycling, all on foot and by tram.
In the afternoon, there's time for a visit to the park or an ice cream.
The great national museum shows Rembrandt's Night Watch and Dutch masters in a magnificent building. There's a dedicated family route for children and a search game that keeps the visit entertaining.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The city's best-known street market stretches along a long row of stalls selling cheese, stroopwafels and snacks. A good spot for a lunch on the go and to try freshly baked waffles.
A relaxed boat tour shows the narrow canals, houseboats and leaning gabled houses from the water. For the children, it's a welcome break from walking and offers the best view of the city.
First cycling stage into the flat countryside
First cycling stage of around 25 km, flat and suitable for families.
Plan plenty of breaks in the villages.
This is where you collect the hire bikes for the coming days, including children's bikes in the right sizes. A trusted hire shop right by the station with straightforward returns at several locations.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The free ferry across the IJ takes you and your bikes to Amsterdam-Noord in just a few minutes. From here, the quiet cycle path out into Waterland begins.
A picturesque village with wooden houses, small canals and plenty of peace and quiet right on the cycle path. A good stopping point for a break on the green meadow by the water.
The old cheese town of Edam impresses with canals, drawbridges and the historic Waagplein. It's a lovely place for a wander, and you can try the famous Edam cheese right where it's made.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A charming hotel made up of several historic canal houses with its own garden by the water. Cycle-friendly with secure storage and a quiet location right in the old town.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Harbour villages and the IJsselmeer
A round trip of around 24 km, broken up by a ferry crossing.
A day trip without luggage, with your base staying in Edam.
The lively fishing village on the IJsselmeer has a bustling harbour promenade and stalls selling freshly smoked fish. Children enjoy the colourful boats and the view across the open water.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The small ferry carries bikes and passengers across the water to the former island of Marken. A short, pleasant crossing with views over the IJsselmeer.
The former island of Marken charms with green wooden houses on mounds and a small lighthouse on the edge. A quiet cycle path along the dyke leads back towards the mainland.
By land and train to the sea
Cycling distance under 20 km, with the long stretch covered by train.
There's time left on the beach for playing and relaxing.
Long cycling stage (46 km) — split it up or plan plenty of breaks.
A short ride from Edam brings you to Purmerend Station. From here, you take the regional train towards the coast, comfortably covering the long stretch to the sea.
In Alkmaar you get off and start the day's final cycling stage to the coast. The route leads through the green landscape of the Kennemerland region.
The quiet seaside resort lies behind high dunes right on the North Sea, with a wide sandy beach. A lighthouse and beach pavilions make it a relaxed destination for an afternoon by the sea.
A large family hotel near the dunes with a swimming pool and plenty of space for children. Cycle-friendly with lockable storage, just a few minutes from the beach.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Nature, walking and North Sea air
A rest day with a short cycling loop and plenty of time on the beach.
Walking in the dunes is easily manageable for children too.
The extensive dune reserve offers well-marked cycling and walking paths through sand dunes, woodland and heathland. With a bit of luck, you might spot grazing bison or fallow deer in the distance.
The wide sandy beach invites a long afternoon of sandcastles and paddling in the waves. Beach pavilions serve chips, ice cream and a wind-sheltered spot to relax.
Cheese town and journey home
Cheese market in the morning, followed by a relaxed journey home by train.
Plan to return the bikes in good time before your train departs.
On the historic Waagplein, the traditional cheese market with its white-clad cheese carriers takes place every Friday. The spectacle of the swinging carrying frames and ringing bells is one of the highlights of North Holland.
At the Kaasmuseum above the weigh house, you'll learn how cheese was made and once traded. Engaging exhibits and a view over the market square make it interesting for children too.
After returning the bikes in Alkmaar, you set off on your journey home from here. By train, you travel back to Cologne via Amsterdam.
The end point of the trip. From Amsterdam Centraal, the ICE International takes you directly back to Cologne.
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