LF Zuiderzee Route (LF Zuiderzeeroute)

The LF Zuiderzee Route is one of the most popular Dutch long-distance routes that takes you all the way round the IJsselmeer. There are various ways you can shorten the route - e.g. by taking the ferry between Enkhuizen and Stavoren or Urk.

Cycling along the IJsselmeer dyke. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com

Please note that from 1 April 2019 to 1 April 2022 the Afsluitdijk will be closed for cyclists. A free bus service for you and your bike will be provided. For up-to-date information and alternative cycle route, see: Afsluitdijk closed for cyclists.

Once a raging sea, now a tamed sweet water lake: the IJsselmeer. Centuries of battling against floods ended in 1932 when the Zuiderzee was dammed off from the North Sea, changing this region forever. Enjoy the region’s rich history and beautiful vistas over the polders and IJsselmeer.

Besides visiting touristic highlights such as Volendam and Edam, you get to cycle over the impressive, 32-km long Afsluitdijk - something you should experience at least once in your life! - and see the former island of Schokland, now a raised mound in the flat polderlandscape. The provincial harbour towns of Makkum, Stavoren and Blokzijl tell the story of a rich past.

The LF Zuiderzee Route also takes you further inland to the national parks De Wieden and De Weerribben, where you get an idea of what large parts of Holland must have looked like before man put his stamp on it. The Hanze towns of Kampen and Harderwijk, the fortress towns of Elburg and Naarden and the traditional fishing village of Spakenburg - known for its traditional costume - show you different sides of the region’s rich history.

Tip
Combine this long-distance route with a day trip. We recommend:

• Amsterdam Amstel Cycle Route
• Enkhuizen Cycle Route
• Giethoorn Weerribben Cycle Route
• Giethoorn Wieden Cycle Route
• Hindeloopen Cycle Route
• Marken Cycle Route
• Urk Cycle Route
• Volendam Cycle Route

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