City, beach and nature; to see everything by bike

North Holland offers you the perfect landscape for a unique cycling route. Where else can you drive from one moment to the next through a historic city, a beautiful dune area and a picturesque polder area? And where else can you see so many monumental windmills appearing on the horizon on your route? With this route you explore the area between Bergen aan Zee, Egmond aan Zee and Alkmaar.

From Bergen aan Zee you drive into the dunes. Behind the dune tops the wind usually has little say, so it is wonderful to cycle here through a varied open and wooded area. The peace and quiet is wonderful, if you hear anything it is the surf of the sea or a small bird flying away in fright.

In Egmond Binnen you pass the park where the Egmond Abbey is located. This St. Adelbert Abbey, founded in the tenth century, is the oldest in the Netherlands. The original building was destroyed by the Sea Beggars in 1573 on the orders of William of Orange. The abbey's assets were used to pay for the establishment of the university in Leiden. It was not until 1935 that a new abbey was built, which still houses a community of monks.

On the way to Alkmaar you drive through the North Holland polder landscape. Wide views and the many watercourses make this a beautiful route, but the famous bulb cultivation gives an idyllic accent to the area during the season. It is not annoying to step away every now and then and enjoy the beautiful color shades.

Along the way you will come across a number of beautiful old mills. For example, just outside Heiloo is the Varnebroek mill from 1860. In Alkmaar you pass Piet's Mill. This flour mill was built in 1769 on the Clarissenbolwerk and still dominates the area. In 1884 the mill was bought by Cornelis Piet who had a house built at the bottom of the mill. The mill is still inhabited and operated by a member of the Piet family. A little further on is the oldest mill on your route, the Geestmolen, built in 1565.

The route starts and ends at Hotel Meyer in Bergen aan Zee. You will receive a warm welcome in this hospitable three-star hotel. In the restaurant, the French-Mediterranean seasonal dishes are a culinary treat for your taste buds. Afterwards you can easily take a walk on the beach to enjoy the sunset: after all, the hotel is only 100 meters away from the sea! It is wonderful to spend the night here, the rooms are equipped with all modern conveniences. After an extensive breakfast buffet, you will be completely refreshed for a day at the beach or another bike ride: you can also ride route 182862 from the hotel!