Amsterdam Countryside Bike Tour: Cheese Tasting & Windmill Ride

Summary

Cycle quiet villages, try Dutch cheese, see windmills up close

You’ll pedal quiet paths from Amsterdam into open countryside, tasting fresh Dutch cheeses on a working farm and seeing centuries-old windmills up close. Expect easy cycling with a local guide who keeps things relaxed—and maybe even makes you laugh at your own pronunciation attempts. It’s not just about what you see; it’s how it feels to slow down out there.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that tower?” our guide Bas grinned, pointing ahead as we coasted past a row of crooked houses along Nieuwendammerdijk. “It’s older than most countries.” He wasn’t kidding—Amsterdam’s countryside is full of these little surprises. The city faded behind us almost too quickly; one minute we were dodging trams near Central Station, the next we were gliding through Noorderpark with the smell of wet grass and someone grilling onions nearby (I swear it made me hungry before 10am).

The pace was easy—no Tour de France vibes here. We followed Bas along winding canals, past sheep that seemed to smirk at us from their fields. There was this moment in Ransdorp where time just slowed down: church bells echoing over flat green fields, a breeze carrying something sweet I couldn’t quite place (maybe clover?). I tried saying “Krijtmolen d’Admiraal” like Bas did but he just laughed and said my accent sounded Belgian. Fair enough.

The highlight for me? Definitely stopping at the farm. You can actually pet the cows if you want (they’re less slimy than I expected), and the cheese—fresh sheep and cow cheese, right there on the spot—tasted way creamier than anything I’ve found back home. They served cold drinks too, which hit the spot after all that pedaling. The farmer’s daughter explained how they make everything by hand; she had this way of talking that made it sound both simple and impossibly hard at once.

On the ferry ride back across the IJ River, I watched Amsterdam’s skyline reappear through a haze of sunlight and thought about how close all this quiet is to the city noise. If you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam that feels honest—not staged or rushed—this bike tour is still in my head days later. In a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam countryside bike tour highlights

• Ferry ride to Amsterdam North
• Cycle through Noorderpark green space
• Visit historic Windmill Krijtmolen d'Admiraal
• Stop at local farm for cheese tasting
• Meet cows, sheep, and lambs
• Ride through Ransdorp village
• Cycle Waterland polder landscapes
• Pedal along historic Nieuwendammerdijk dike
• Ferry ride back to Amsterdam city

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam countryside bike tour?

The guided bike tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is an e-bike option available for this Amsterdam bike tour?

Yes, you can choose between a regular bike or an e-bike.

Does this tour include cheese tasting?

Yes, you’ll taste fresh sheep and cow cheese made on a local farm during the tour.

Where does the bike tour start in Amsterdam?

The tour begins near Central Station in Amsterdam.

Is lunch included on this countryside bike tour?

No full lunch is provided, but you get drinks and generous cheese tastings at the farm stop.

Are there age restrictions for this Amsterdam countryside bike tour?

The tour is suitable for travelers aged 12 and older.

How big are the groups on this guided bike tour?

Groups are small, with a maximum of 15 people per guide for a more personal experience.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?

You should be comfortable riding a bike, but no advanced skills are needed; not recommended for those who have never ridden before.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfortable 3-speed bike (or e-bike), guidance from an English-speaking local expert, refreshing drinks served at the farm stop, and two types of fresh Dutch cheese made right on site—all woven together by scenic cycling routes through villages and past windmills before your return ferry ride to Amsterdam North.