EuroVelo 12 North Sea Cycle Route

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands the North Sea Cycle Route follows LF Kustroute (Coastal Route) between the Belgian en German border. The northern part of EuroVelo 12 displays panoramic polders, large farms with flocks of sheep and charming villages. It includes some sections through protected areas with impressive sand dunes where no motorised traffic is allowed. Further to the south the route crosses a series of islands that have been connected to each other by dams in the second part of the 20th century.

The route is signed in two directions.

Countries

Legend

Development status
  • Certified These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage, and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology. EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
  • Developed + Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
  • Developed + Not Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
  • Partially Developed + Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Partially Developed + Not Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Undeveloped / Unknown These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
  • Public transport link These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.

Markers

  • Natural Heritage
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Culinary Delights
  • Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
  • Other Point of Interest
  • Service
  • Bus station
  • Train station
  • Mobility info center

National & Regional Information

Fietsplatform

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

Fietsplatform is responsible for the network of Langeafstand Fietsroutes (LF-routes, long-distance routes). Information about all LF-routes can be found on the website hollandcyclingroutes.com.

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LF Kustroute (EuroVelo 12)

The LF Coastal Route (part of EuroVelo 12) is characterized by long stretches of dune, both along the Dutch coast and on the islands of South Holland and Zeeland. Small seaside resorts and historic towns make for enjoyable stops. Along the Wadden Sea coast, the route passes through one of the quietest and most sparsely populated parts of the Netherlands. You'll cycle past several authentic terp villages and towns.

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Related news

Maps & Guides

EuroVelo 12: North Sea Cycle Route - Part 1 [Bikeline Esterbauer]

This cycling guide describes EuroVelo 12 in the Netherlands up to Rotterdam (527 km). The perfect tool before and during your journey: precise and informative maps, 1:50,000 scale, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory. Can be used even without any knowledge of German. English translation of the map legend and the user manual of the guide available at esterbauer.com/international.

Tour Packages

Services

Fietsers Welkom! (Cyclists welcome!)
Netherlands
EV2 EV4 EV12 EV15 EV19
national

The "Fietsers Welkom!" label is an initiative of Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform and indicates cycling friendly restaurants, accommodations and campsites. It is renewed every year. The services can be seen on the interactive map together with all LF routes and cycling nodes.

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