The whole of Amsterdam is a cycle path. For the people of Amsterdam, the bicycle is more than just a means of transport, it is a way of life. Cyclists account for almost 40 per cent of city traffic. Amsterdammers take their children to school by bike, cycle to work and do their shopping by bike. Courier services and the police also often use pedal power to get around the city, which is usually quicker than by car or van. But the colourful two-wheelers are also becoming increasingly popular with tourists. With almost 500 kilometres of cycle paths, the Dutch metropolis is relatively easy to explore by bike. Only the fast and risky riding style of some Dutch cyclists takes some getting used to at first. Even the tourist office gives a gentle warning: "Bear in mind that cycling is an important part of Dutch culture and lifestyle," says the information for holidaymakers. It also warns against bicycle thieves. It makes sense to secure your bike with two locks.
The best place to start exploring the city is at Centraal Station. Amsterdam's Central Station is not only the gateway to the city but also one of its most beautiful buildings. And next to it is the largest bicycle car park in the world.
Bike hire: Top bikes - even with 7-speed gears on request - can be hired from Bikecity in the centre at Bloemgracht 68-70, www.bikecity.nl
Tour planning: interesting route suggestions on what you can cycle in 48 or 72 hours on www.holland.com
Guided city tours: www.yellowbike.nl / www.macbike.nl
Map: Free maps for city tours and excursions "Fietsen in Noord-Holland" are available from the VVV Tourist Office, www.iamsterdam.com
Organiser: www.hollandradreisen.de
Travel offer: Four days of cycling in Amsterdam, with three stages of between 25 and 65 km, totalling 150 km, cost from 359 euros including overnight accommodation without travel.
Tour tips: Two cycle tours with refreshment stops, a classic city neighbourhood tour (40 km) and an excursion (50 km) to northern Waterland on the IJsselmeer.
Neighbourhood tour - 40 km
Cycle route 1 is the classic neighbourhood tour through the outer districts of the city. The 40-kilometre tour leads exclusively along low-traffic cycle paths, often in green zones, through the various districts. The route can be shortened or extended with a ferry ride to Amsterdam Noord. The waypoints mark a recommended bed and breakfast (www.sunhead.com), the top hire station Bikecity (www.bikecity.nl) and the perfect resting place, the Cafe Spaarndam.
Waterland Tour - 50 km
Cycle route 2 takes you to the Ijsselmeer lake in the north of Amsterdam and back to the city through Waterland. You can take a break in the picture-book town of Marken. We took a break at Atelier Elly Koot in Broek. If you don't want to cross the bridge, you can take the free ferry from Amsterdam Noord directly back to the city centre.
