Amsterdam Countryside Bike Tour: Small Groups & Apple Pie

Summary

Cycle past cows, windmills and tiny villages north of Amsterdam

You’ll pedal out of Amsterdam with a small group, cross dikes and polder fields, stop for warm apple pie in Holysloot’s old schoolhouse café, and roll past cows and a centuries-old windmill — all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. It’s the kind of day you’ll remember when you hear bike bells or smell cinnamon again.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly wiped out on my first turn out of Amsterdam — I blame the cobblestones and maybe nerves. Our guide, Pieter, just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, everyone does that.” The city faded fast behind us and suddenly it was just fields, the air smelling like damp grass and something sweet from a bakery somewhere. We pedaled over these skinny embankments with water glinting on both sides — it’s wild how much is below sea level here. Pieter kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: a heron stalking in the reeds, a row of houses built right up against the dike.

The best part? We stopped in Holysloot — which Pieter made us pronounce (I definitely got it wrong). There’s this little café in an old schoolhouse where we had apple pie that was still warm in the middle. Honestly, I’m not even an apple pie person but this one… I still think about it. The crust was flaky and there was cinnamon everywhere. Some locals came in on their bikes too and nodded at us like we were all in on some countryside secret.

After that, legs a bit heavier but spirits high (and sticky with pie), we rode past more cows than I could count — Pieter called them “the big five of Holland” which cracked me up because… they’re all cows. We saw the old windmill from 1792 at the end, creaking gently as if it knew we’d been waiting for it. The whole day felt kind of timeless, just open sky and quiet except for our laughter or a distant bell from one of those tiny churches. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from Amsterdam so quickly — or to want to do it again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour through Waterland countryside

• Start bike ride in Waterland region
• Pass old fishermen villages
• Learn about Dutch water management
• Break at Holysloot village
• Taste famous apple pie
• Learn history of 80-years war
• See tower of Ransdorp
• Visit windmill from 1792

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam countryside bike tour?

The tour covers about 30 km (18 miles) over four hours.

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners?

You should have moderate fitness; the pace is leisurely but there are some longer stretches.

Does the tour include stops for food or drinks?

Yes, there’s a break in Holysloot village at a local café famous for its apple pie.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Are helmets provided on this bike tour?

Yes, use of helmet is included with your booking.

Can children join the countryside bike tour?

Infant seats and prams are available for small children; check fitness requirements for older kids.

What region does the bike tour explore?

The route goes through Waterland, north of Amsterdam, passing polder landscapes and villages like Holysloot and Ransdorp.

Will we see windmills on this Amsterdam bike tour?

Yes, you’ll pass by a historic windmill from 1792 near the end of the ride.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle and helmet, guided by a local expert through Waterland’s villages and landscapes. You’ll enjoy a four-hour small-group ride (never more than 12 people), with time to relax over apple pie in Holysloot before returning to Amsterdam together.