7 day bikepacking in
the Netherlands
Untravelled Roads is expanding internationally, so why not in Europe—the birthplace of cycling and the world’s most bike-friendly continent. Join us in the late summer for a guided bikepacking journey through the Netherlands, the home country of our founder Barteld. In five stages you ride across iconic ice-age ridges such as the Veluwe, Kroondomein Het Loo, and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Led by our Dutch guide, who knows these roads by heart, this is bikepacking made effortless. No planning, no logistics—just arrive with your bike, and we take care of the rest.
upcoming editions
25 – 31 August 2026
06 – 12 July 2027
for this adventure to take place we need to reach the minimum number of participants at least two months before the start date. Once you sign up you will be kept up to date. We advise all participants to not book any flights before the tour is 100% guaranteed.
detailed itinerary
day 1: ARRIVAL
no stage details
We pick up the bikes in Bussum and make our way to the hotel where we have dinner and prep for our adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Dinner incl.
day 2:
112km / 440m ↗ / 50%
We explore beautiful gravel roads and heather fields when crossing the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, riding east until we reach ‘de Hoge Veluwe’.
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast, lunch & dinner incl.
day 3:
105km / 360m ↗ / 60%
Across the Veluwe and Kroondomein het Loo, a beautiful chance to encounter wildlife with an early start. We rest in Deventer, along the banks of the IJssel river.
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast, lunch & dinner incl.
day 4:
120km / 235m ↗ / 45%
We ride the flats, but off the beaten track. The only elevation today we find when we cross the Sallandse Heuvelrug. A completely different accommodation this time in the rural landscapes of Twente
Accommodation: B&B
Food: Breakfast, lunch & dinner incl.
day 5:
115km / 200m ↗ / 40%
We make our way south, riding as much gravel as we can until we reach ‘de Achterhoek’, famous for its patchwork countryside, castles and scenic cycling. We finish when we reach the historical city of Doesburg.
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast, lunch & dinner incl.
day 6:
70km / 400m ↗ / 70%
Arnhem is in sight. But before we reach our final destination and take the train back to the start we ride across the slopes of the Veluwezoom, a last reminder of the ice-ages and one of the most loved cycling destinations of the country.
Accommodation: Hotel
Food: Breakfast, lunch & dinner incl.
day 7: DEPARTURE
no stage details
Accommodation: none
Food: Breakfast incl.
what is included
Transportation to/from airport
Accommodation
Meals as indicated in itinerary
English/Dutch speaking guide
Nutrition, snacks & drinks
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa (if required)
Optional: Bikepacking Bike ($250) , Bags ($75), SGL room supplement ($575)
adventure notes
How to join
In order to join you simply notify us of your wish to book the tour. A deposit of $250 is all that is needed to guarantee your spot on this adventure. Once a tour has reached the minimum required ammount of participants we will guarantee the tour and update you directly. We advice you to not book non-refundable flight tickets before the tour is guaranteed.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands is a main hub for airlines. You can fly directly from many destinations around the world. If you bring your own bike we recommend checking the carriers’ websites for up to date rules and regulations.
We advice you to let us know of the tickets you are going to book if possible. This will help us streamline the logistics of the first and last day of this tour.
What can I expect
Five days of adventure-packed riding on some of the Netherlands’ most beautiful gravel roads.
This is not a race, but a time to soak in new surroundings and enjoy good company. The Netherlands is very bike-friendly. We ride back roads, but will encounter others on the road too. The guide is there to keep everybody safe and help you to respectfully enjoy this beautiful country by bike.
The route is largely non-technical, making it accessible to almost any cyclist. You’ll be carrying your own light bikepacking set-up, so the kilometers might feel a little longer and the achievement at the end of each day even better.
If you’re looking for a short but genuine bikepacking adventure on gravel roads through forests, past heather fields and along a patchwork countryside, this trip is for you!
Bike choice 
We recommend a gravel bike for this tour. We cover many kilometers on gravel roads and through the forest tracks. Some sections of loose sand ask for wider tyres, but we recommend anything from 40mm or more. A hardtail XC MTB is another great choice of bike for the terrain offered, but you will miss some speed at sections when riding on paved bike paths. This advice does not exclude any other options and if you are in doubt please contact us to discuss your options.
Both Gravel bikes and hardtail MTB are available for rent.
Food
This is a supported bikepacking adventure. Our experienced guide will make sure you stay hydrated and fed. Cycling with a loaded bike can be demanding and we will leave no chance unused to stock up, especially when we are to turn off-road away from nearby towns.
In general: the Netherlands offers something for everybody. We will have a wide range to choose from when we visit grocery stores or when we dine in a restaurant in the evening. This includes vegatarian and vegan options.
Accommodation
We ride like true bikepackers, but choose comfort in the nights. The Netherlands offers many kinds of accommodation and we choose mainly quality hotels during this trip. Making sure you are ready to go for another day in the saddle.
What to bring
Because we are bikepacking our packing options are kind of limited. We will travel by bike for five days and bring clothing for the moments off the bike too – this means we want to be careful what else we pack in order to keep the weight down and fit everything in the bags provided. A recommended packing list will be provided in preparation of the tour with all participants.
If you decide to rent our bikepacking bags you will get a frontloader, midloader, toptube bag and saddlebag to help you bring what you need on this trip.
General information
- Visa rules vary depending on your nationality. If you need a Schengen short-stay Visa one can apply online, or through the locally available visa application centre in your country. These visa are valid for a stay of 90 days.
- Weather: Expect 20-30 degrees Celsius during the day. The Netherlands can be unpredictable. It can rain on some days, but at the same time we could have five sun filled days.
- Vaccinations: no specific requirements, but please check your countries Travel Advice.
- Medical care in the Netherlands: Hospitals and Medical Care in the Netherlands is considered as one of the best in the world. Make sure you are covered for your time in the Netherlands and rest assured that any care you need can be provided for.
- Money: Euro. ATM are available in some towns, but bank cards are excepted at every shop throughout our trip and might be the best way to pay.
- This adventure requires a good physical fitness. Off-road cycling experience is recommended but not required.