How difficult is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?

This tour is easy (Level 1): the daily rides cover 20 to 52 km on flat, well-paved cycle paths with almost no elevation. Shorter route options are available on most days, and e-bikes can be rented for extra comfort.

Is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour suitable for families?

Yes. The cycling is easy and flat, the IJsselmeer is an enclosed inland lake with calm, protected water, and the cabins can accommodate up to four people, so families can stay together.

When is the best time to do the IJsselmeer tour?

The season runs from spring to autumn. Summer offers warm weather and long daylight, while late spring and early autumn are quieter with mild temperatures ideal for cycling.

How much does the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour cost?

Prices vary by cabin category and departure date. The 8-day tour is based on a per-person cabin rate, and bike rental is available separately. Contact us for a tailored quote for your dates and group.

What is included in the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?

The tour includes 7 nights on board with breakfast, seven three-course dinners and packed lunches, coffee and tea on board, GPS tracks, maps and a welcome briefing. Bike rental, drinks and transfers are not included.

Sail & Bike IJsselmeer & National Parks

IJsselmeer

See all the photos

from€1,499

Bike & BoatTrekking bikeE-bike8 days / 7 nights217 km2/5Medium-EasyLoop

Short Description

Sail and cycle the calm IJsselmeer on this 8-day self-guided bike & boat holiday from Amsterdam. Glide aboard a traditional sailing ship, then ride easy flat paths past Giethoorn's canals, tranquil national parks, and the historic harbour towns of the former Zuiderzee.

Tour Program

Day 1: Amsterdam (embarkation)
You board your sailing ship in Amsterdam and settle into your cabin. After a welcome drink and the skipper's briefing, the evening is free to explore the city before your first night on board.

Day 2: Volendam – Hoorn (35–48 km)
Your first ride leads through the cheese town of Edam, along the Volendam dikes and across the Purmerend polders to the old harbour town of Hoorn.

Day 3: Hoorn – Enkhuizen – Urk (26–44 km)
You cycle to Enkhuizen, then in the afternoon the ship sets sail across the IJsselmeer to the former island of Urk.

Day 4: Urk – Vollenhove (30–44 km)
Ride across the Noordoostpolder and visit the UNESCO former island of Schokland before reaching Vollenhove.

Day 5: Vollenhove – Giethoorn (40–52 km)
Cycle through Blokzijl and the Weerribben-Wieden National Park to Giethoorn, the car-free "little Venice of the North".

Day 6: Giethoorn – Lelystad (sailing day)
A full day of sailing across the IJsselmeer, ending with the captain's dinner on board.

Day 7: Lelystad – Amsterdam (20–29 km)
Your final ride crosses the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, rich in birdlife, before returning to Amsterdam for a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Amsterdam (disembarkation)
After breakfast you disembark by 9:30.

Tour details

LoopFamiliesCouplesFriendsMinimum 2 peopleMinimum age 10 years

✅ What is included in the trip?

🏨 Overnight stay and breakfast
🍽️ 7 x 3 course dinner & 7 packed lunches
☕️ Coffee and tea on board till 4 PM
📲 GPS or navigation APP
🗺️ Maps
🧍‍♂️ Welcome briefing
💧Biodegradable water bottle

❌ What is not included?

🚎 Transfers not listed as Included
✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed
🛡️ Travel insurance
🌎 Tourist taxes

🙋 Common questions

How difficult is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?
This tour is easy (Level 1): the daily rides cover 20 to 52 km on flat, well-paved cycle paths with almost no elevation. Shorter route options are available on most days, and e-bikes can be rented for extra comfort.
Is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour suitable for families?
Yes. The cycling is easy and flat, the IJsselmeer is an enclosed inland lake with calm, protected water, and the cabins can accommodate up to four people, so families can stay together.
When is the best time to do the IJsselmeer tour?
The season runs from spring to autumn. Summer offers warm weather and long daylight, while late spring and early autumn are quieter with mild temperatures ideal for cycling.
How much does the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour cost?
Prices vary by cabin category and departure date. The 8-day tour is based on a per-person cabin rate, and bike rental is available separately. Contact us for a tailored quote for your dates and group.
What is included in the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?
The tour includes 7 nights on board with breakfast, seven three-course dinners and packed lunches, coffee and tea on board, GPS tracks, maps and a welcome briefing. Bike rental, drinks and transfers are not included.