There are some absolute 'must visit' places when cycling in Europe. One country that positively welcomes cyclists and makes every effort to accommodate them is Holland. Not only is the terrain relatively flat, so one doesn't have to be a cyclist of Tour de France standard to enjoy the journey, but in Holland cyclists are given priority over motorized traffic at junctions.
Taking one's bike by ferry to either Rotterdam or Ijmuiden and either cycling or using public transport to get oneself and bike to Amsterdam is a good option for a cycling holiday. The historic centre of the town is only accessible by bike, foot or canal, unless one is a resident.
Cycling beside the canals, and beside the beautifully gabled houses, brings one close to the real heart of Amsterdam. These wonderful buildings, lining the original cobbled streets, include the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during the second world war. They are beautifully preserved.
An extremely efficient rail network allows one to take a bike almost anywhere - and the multistorey cycle park outside the main station has to be seen to be believed! Cycling is the major mode of transport here. The ferries that ply over the waters that separate parts of Amsterdam also carry bikes and their owners - free of charge.
Within a short cycle ride of Amsterdam are some fascinating places to visit. An open air museum in Zaandam, the Zaanse Schans has old fashioned houses and many windmills to see, along with a clog makers and a cheesemakers and other attractions. Some of the attractions charge a small fee for entrance (up to 5 euros) but many are free. Getting to the Zaanse Schans is easy along quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths, all well signposted.
Close to the Zaanse Schans is the 'Czar Peter Huis', which is well worth a visit. A museum has been built around the house Peter the Great stayed in when he visited Holland. This tiny house belonged to a former servant of the Czar, who recognized him in the crowd when he arrived and asked to be taken to his house. Whilst studying Dutch shipbuilding techniques he lodged there.
Another interesting place to visit is one of the Polders on which much of the Netherlands is built. They are land masses reclaimed from the sea and kept dry and drained by a complicated systems of dykes and canals. Most Polder land is actually below sea level, so it is very important that the drainage system works. In former days this would have been done by windmills, but nowadays the pumps are driven by electricity or diesel.
In many ways it is still windmills providing the energy, but these are the elegant wind turbines one sees all over Holland. Several of them are along cycle routes, particularly in industrial areas, and given their reputation for noise, it is surprising how quiet they are. One has cycled past almost before one notices them. The places mentioned in this article are just some of the attractions to be seen cycling in Europe.
Taking one's bike by ferry to either Rotterdam or Ijmuiden and either cycling or using public transport to get oneself and bike to Amsterdam is a good option for a cycling holiday. The historic centre of the town is only accessible by bike, foot or canal, unless one is a resident.
Cycling beside the canals, and beside the beautifully gabled houses, brings one close to the real heart of Amsterdam. These wonderful buildings, lining the original cobbled streets, include the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during the second world war. They are beautifully preserved.
An extremely efficient rail network allows one to take a bike almost anywhere - and the multistorey cycle park outside the main station has to be seen to be believed! Cycling is the major mode of transport here. The ferries that ply over the waters that separate parts of Amsterdam also carry bikes and their owners - free of charge.
Within a short cycle ride of Amsterdam are some fascinating places to visit. An open air museum in Zaandam, the Zaanse Schans has old fashioned houses and many windmills to see, along with a clog makers and a cheesemakers and other attractions. Some of the attractions charge a small fee for entrance (up to 5 euros) but many are free. Getting to the Zaanse Schans is easy along quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths, all well signposted.
Close to the Zaanse Schans is the 'Czar Peter Huis', which is well worth a visit. A museum has been built around the house Peter the Great stayed in when he visited Holland. This tiny house belonged to a former servant of the Czar, who recognized him in the crowd when he arrived and asked to be taken to his house. Whilst studying Dutch shipbuilding techniques he lodged there.
Another interesting place to visit is one of the Polders on which much of the Netherlands is built. They are land masses reclaimed from the sea and kept dry and drained by a complicated systems of dykes and canals. Most Polder land is actually below sea level, so it is very important that the drainage system works. In former days this would have been done by windmills, but nowadays the pumps are driven by electricity or diesel.
In many ways it is still windmills providing the energy, but these are the elegant wind turbines one sees all over Holland. Several of them are along cycle routes, particularly in industrial areas, and given their reputation for noise, it is surprising how quiet they are. One has cycled past almost before one notices them. The places mentioned in this article are just some of the attractions to be seen cycling in Europe.
About the Author:
Eric Simmons is a cycling enthusiast who helps others find out more on how to take a Italy bike tour. Browse his web-site at http://www.italybiketours.net/index.html to educate yourself regarding Italy bike tours.
Posting Komentar