We will be renting bikes in Amsterdam and are interested in taking the free ferry across the harbour with our bikes (as described on pg 45 of May 2009 edition). Has anyone done this? What is there to see on the other side? How long is the bike ride on the other side (time / distance)? Is this ride worth doing?
Thanks... Gail Toronto, Canada
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Never done it, but you can take a virtual ride courtesy of Google:
North Amsterdam
Posted by
Antwerp
34 posts
There's a lot to see (but the first kilometer may be a bit boring, compared to the innercity of Amsterdam or the Twiske Nature Reserve, located immediately north of Amsterdam).
http://www.pdz.nl/up/routes/4_Het_Twiske_wandelroutes.pdf
http://www.recreatief-fietsen.nl/routes/amsterdam.pdf
Posted by
Houten, Utrecht, Netherlands
73 posts
The ride itself provides a nice view. There are several cycling routes in Amsterdam North worth doing, of course depending on your interests. They are very diverse routes and also may include industrial estates, so take care. The routes are (were) well signed. I saw one of 15 km (9.5M) in 3 hours. That probably includes lots of spare time, because I normally do that distance in less then 1 hour.
From the north side of the IJ, it is only a few km until you reach the countryside North of Amsterdam.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Yes, I did this, and rode for a few hours on the other side, following a route that I got from the TI.
I should admit I managed to get lost, but it was still a high point of my stay in Amsterdam.
I think you can set your own route, time and, mileage based on how you ride. It;s all flat, obviously.
The TI or bike rental place can advise you about routes.
Riding through the city--out to Vondel Park, say--is also fun, a chance to be a "temporary local."