Amsterdam Countryside Bike Tour: Cheese Farm, Clogs & Windmill

Summary

Cycle past canals and windmills to taste Dutch cheese in real village life

You’ll pedal out of Amsterdam with a local guide, cross quiet canals by ferry, visit a working windmill and taste fresh Gouda at a family-run cheese & clog farm. Expect laughter with locals, peaceful countryside rides on an e-bike route, and small moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left those green fields behind.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a laugh — our guide, Bram, teasing me about my helmet hair as we lined up the e-bikes near Amsterdam Centraal. I was nervous (hadn’t biked in years), but Bram just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, Dutch bikes do half the work.” The city faded fast: one minute dodging trams, the next gliding onto a ferry with locals clutching groceries or chatting quietly. Crossing the IJ River felt like slipping through some invisible door — suddenly it was just green fields and sky and that weirdly clean smell after rain.

The first real stop was Krijtmolen d’Admiraal, this old windmill that actually still works. Bram told us stories about how these things basically built the country — I’d never thought about wind shaping a place before. The wood creaked under my feet as we walked around it. There were ducks everywhere, louder than you’d expect. After that, we wound through Waterland’s flat paths where cows watched us like they owned the place. I kept getting distracted by the silence — just our wheels spinning and sometimes someone’s laughter echoing over the canal.

I didn’t expect to care much about clogs or cheese but honestly? The family at Irene Hoeve farm made it feel different. The father showed us how he carves clogs (I tried to say “klompen” right — failed miserably), and then his daughter handed out slices of Gouda so creamy I nearly forgot to take photos. You could smell hay and sweet milk in their barn. They let us meet the cows too; one licked my jacket sleeve and everyone cracked up. Lunch wasn’t included but we sat outside anyway, munching on cheese samples and stroopwafels they gave us — sun peeking through clouds for maybe five minutes all day but it felt perfect.

Later we rolled into Broek in Waterland — pastel houses reflected in still canals, flowers everywhere even though it was barely spring. Monnickendam looked almost too pretty, cobbles slippery under bike tires, old men waving from benches like they knew every tourist by name. On the way back I realized my legs weren’t tired at all (thanks e-bike), just sort of loose and happy. That last ferry ride into Amsterdam felt different — like I’d seen some quieter version of Holland most people miss. Still think about that Gouda sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Countryside e-bike tour from Amsterdam

• Meet guide at Mike's Bike Tours
• Get fitted for e-bike and safety briefing
• Cycle along IJ River warm-up
• Take ferry to Amsterdam North
• Cycle to Krijtmolen d’Admiraal windmill
• Explore Waterland countryside cycling
• Ride through Broek in Waterland village
• Visit Irene Hoeve cheese and clog farm
• Cycle through Monnickendam harbor town
• Pass through Zuiderwoude village
• Return crossing IJ River to Amsterdam
• End tour at Mike's Bike Tours

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam countryside bike tour?

The route covers about 40 km (25 miles) using comfortable electric assist bikes.

Is lunch included on this bike tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but you can bring your own snacks or picnic for stops along the way.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist for this tour?

You should be able to ride a bike confidently; moderate fitness is needed but the e-bikes make it easier.

What is included in the Amsterdam countryside bike tour?

The tour includes an English-speaking local guide, e-bike rental (with helmet), rain jacket if needed, clog-making demonstration, cheese tasting at a family farm, and a stroopwafel.

Are there age or height restrictions for this tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old (no exceptions) and minimum height for e-bikes is 155 cm (5'1").

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, tours run rain or shine; rain jackets are provided if needed so dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Where does the bike tour start?

The meeting point is near Amsterdam Central Train Station at Mike’s Bike Tours location; arrive 15 minutes early.

What villages do we visit on this day trip from Amsterdam?

You’ll cycle through Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, Zuiderwoude and visit Waterland countryside areas plus a family-run cheese & clog farm.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup of your electric assist bike near Amsterdam Centraal with helmet fitting and safety briefing from your English-speaking local guide. Along the way you’ll get rain jackets if needed, watch a clog-making demonstration at Irene Hoeve farm, enjoy cheese tasting with fresh Gouda varieties plus a stroopwafel treat before heading back to Amsterdam together by ferry.