Halloween in Holland - pumpkin competition
Some hollow it out, carve it and use it as Halloween decoration . Others use it in the kitchen and make fabulous curries or soup out of it. Farmers and vegetable growers use it for a contest. It is almost Halloween in Holland and the giant pumkin competion has left its trace in the Dutch countryside.
Group tour Leiden local food countryside
Red and yellow. I get a craving for blushing apples and earthy nuts when I cycle through the forest of fall colors. Program of the day: a group tour Leiden local food. Let's taste that great combination of salty cheese and sweet/ sour apple!
Leiden cheese and dairy cycling route
Millions of visitors head to Gouda to taste the Holland cheese. That’s a shame, because in Leiden area you can find some real tasty farmer cheeses. Today we cycle the Leiden cheese and dairy route. It takes us to a family farm where they make cheese from cow ánd goat. In the Netherlands this is quite unique.
Where to rent a kids bike in Leiden?
The bike ride starts at Leiden Centraal train station where you can rent an OV- fiets, a regular bike or electric bike. Do you have small children? Unfortunately they do not rent out kids bikes or child seats at the train station. The nearest bike rental shop which rents out children’s bicycles is 3.5km away. I usually ask them to deliver them to the train station or ask my participants to come to the cycle rental shop.
Leiden water & the Roman canal
Leiden has 28km of water ways. For me, one of the most impressive canals is the Rijn-Schiekanaal, which starts in Rotterdam and leads all the way to Leiden. Some say Roman general Corbulo dug a canal at exactly the same place in the 1st century AC.
Polder & café
Cycle towards this canal and cross it. You should now be in front of the Park Cronesteyn. This is a beautiful polder park, meaning it’s a piece of reclaimed land. The Leiden municipality has created different zones in which you can see the different essential elements of the park: water, marsh land and forest. Many walking- and cycling paths run through the park and you’ll see that they’ll all lead to my favorite bio local café in Leiden area: De Tuin van de Smid, a polderoasis.
After you’ve eaten the delicious home made apple pie, it’s hard to get back on the bicycle. Do try, because there’s so much more too see (and taste).
From dairy farm to church
Cross the big bridge over the A4 and head towards Zoeterwoude Dorp. From here you'll spot the Leiden cheese and dairy farms. You could now follow the Noordbuurtse & Zuidbuurtseweg. It’s more fun though to take one of the cycle paths that run through the polders. You’ll cycle past small canals, between meadows full of grazing cows, horses and sheep. In the past, these paths were created for farmers to quickly get to church. They are also referred to as ‘kerkpaden’ (church paths).
One of these very small and challenging paths leads to a windmill. You’ll have a view on the Heineken brewery as well. You’re now in Weipoort. Weipoort is Leiden cheese heaven.
Butter and Leiden cheese
When Gouda made name as Cheese City, Leiden was known for the production of butter. Of the skimmed milk that was left after making butter, they made cheese. This is why the original Leiden cheese does not contain as much fat as Gouda cheese, but is a much lighter cheese ( 20+ fatt)
The taste of Leiden cheese is also much more subtle, which is why Leiden cheese farmers add herbs to create a richer taste.
Local Leiden cheese and dairy farm shops
On the Weipoortseweg you’ll find several Leiden cheese farmers. Most of them have started making full fat Gouda cheeses and in their local cheese shops sell both Leiden as well as Gouda cheese. At most of the farms you can also buy other dairy products and local products such as eggs or juices.
The Leiden family- run farm
Our last stop of today is located near the Zoetermeer lake Noord Aa. This is a complete family friendly farm where you can pet and feed goats, pigs, cows and other farm animal. They do guided tours and cheese making workshops as well. A great stop to have lunch or swap the bicycle for a canoe.
To get back to Leiden, either take the Zuidbuurtseweg or go a bit more west and find the Rijn Schiekanaal.
Want to have this route
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The swallow's summer weather prediction
You open the curtains and look at the sky: scattered clouds, a pale sun. You've planned a daytrip from Amsterdam today. Will you need to bring rain clothes or sunhat? If you want to be sure, forget about the weather apps, go into the Dutch countryside and look for a swallow. Read more
The Day I Ate Local Food in Leiden Countryside
The day I ate local food in Leiden countryside was a day I went cycling with two American girls who were delighted by everything they saw. At least, I think so, as they said ‘how delightful’ all the time. It was the open landscape, I guess, or maybe the tour at the Leiden cheese farm or meeting the miller in the typical Dutch village.
Cycling Route The Hague Beach and Parks
For a nice bike ride in nature you don’t have to go far from The Hague city centre. This cycling route The Hague beach and parks is about 12 km. Enroute you see a windmill, glass houses, lots of water and an amazing mix of meadows, forest and dunes.
The place The Hague city was born
When you visit The Hague you most probably see the highlights of the city centre: Peace Palace, Mauritshuis, Palace Noordeinde and the Parliament with its 13th century Hall of Knights – Binnenhof and Ridderzaal –. Now Hall of Knights is an old building, but it is not the oldest in The Hague. If you want to see where the actual history of the city begins and enjoy some good nature head about Southwest. Located about 7 km from the city centre is Loosduinen, a former village and since 1923 a district of The Hague.
The woman who gave birth to 364 children
This cycling route The Hague beach and parks starts at the oldest building of The Hague. When you visit the Dutch parliament the name Floris VI might pop up. This count of Holland was the one who started the construction of the Binnenhof. Many years before that he was in Loosduinen. There he gave orders to construct an abbey. Apart from the church, there's nothing left of the abbey.
The Miracle of Loosduinen attracted many pilgrims to the church. For centuries childless women visited the grave of Margareta of Henneberg. Legend says she gave birth to 364 children in the year 1276. She died the very same year.
Windmill The Hague
Just around the corner is The Hague windmill De Korenaer. It still produces flour. The grain was once kept in the building on the foot of the hill. It used to be the grain shed and now is a museum. The museum tells you how Loosduinen became known as the gardeners’ village, entrance of the vegetable and fruit growing area.
Apple picking in The Hague Park De Uithof
The cycling route The Hague beach and parks goes through multiple green areas with many polder and forest landscapes. From the windmill you cross the bridge over the highway and are surrounded by nature. The Hague park De Uithof is a beautiful green area with meadows, hills, lots of water. It also has one of the oldest orchards of pears, plums and apples. End of August you can pick fruit there. Cycle through the other side of the park to find a wide canal. There is a small road on the other side with a view on the glass houses of Westland. You now pass by the entrance of the largest greenhouse area in the Netherlands.
The Westland entrance: vegetable and fruit growing
The Uithof is connected with another park. Madestein is a great mix of shrubs, different trees that offer shade on warmer days, ponds and canals. From this park you cycle straight into estate Ockenburgh. Now part of the National Park Holland Dunes – Hollandse Duinen- the estate was created in the 17th century by Jacob Westerbaen. This poet was passionate about flowers and plants. Gardener for life, he is seen as the founder of horticulture and fruit growing. Some even call him the very first Westlander.
Cycling route The Hague beach and parks: distance
Follow the cycle path in The Hague park Ockenburgh and you’ll get to the dunes and beach. The cycling route The Hague beach and parks described here is a round of approx. 12 km. When you reach the beach you can either cycle all the way to Hoek van Holland or head towards Scheveningen, the popular The Hague beach. This way you can easily keep cycling for as long as you want. At the end, the distance of this cycle route The Hague beach and parks is all up to you.
The Flower Field Challenge: the Best Selfie
Tulip fans, hyacinth lovers and daffodil enthusiasts, are you ready for a flower field challenge? Spring 2021 is all about taking the best selfie in the flower fields near Keukenhof. Everyone can join this challenge. There's just one rule.
How to recognise Gouda Farmers Cheese
How do you recognise a good Gouda farmers cheese? There is Gouda factory cheese and farmer's cheese. This is how you know the difference.
Gouda Farmer's Cheese vs Factory Cheese
Some call it Guda, others call it Howda. The Gouda cheese is world-famous. There is a factory version and a handmade version. What are the differences? Factory cheese. It gives me the chills. Dutch farmer's cheese definitely has my preference. Like with many crafts, the authentic cheese-making is an art. The main difference between a Dutch factory cheese and a farmer's cheese is the milk used in the cheese making. Due to food safety requirements cheese factories use pasteurised milk. The cheese farmer makes the farmhouse cheese from very, very fresh milk. Early morning the dairy farmer collects the milk from the cow and immediately uses it for cheese making. A real - Gouda- farmer's cheese is made from raw, non- pasteurised milk. Some cheese farmers choose to heat the milk slightly to make sure their cheeses maintain the unique characteristics of the farm, but also have a more uniform taste.
Pure Taste of Gouda Farmers Cheese
Every Gouda farmers cheese has an unique taste. Multiple aspects influence the taste of the typical Dutch hard cheese. The milk obtains its taste from the grass the cows eat, the area they live in. Gouda cheese is not made in Gouda city, but in the surroundings. Besides the grass of the pastures, the cows eat different herbs. The slightest climate difference in the Dutch countryside effects the taste of the cheese. Other than the milk, every cheese maker has a different recipe. After the cheese making the cheese farmer let's the cheese ripen. Where the cheese ripening takes place and for how long also makes a difference to the taste of the delicious Dutch cheese.
Gouda cheese labels and stamps
Cheese makers all around the world can produce and sell Gouda cheese. Only in 2010 the term cheese made in Holland received a protected EU status. Only Gouda cheese made from 100% Dutch milk produced by Dutch cows, following a Dutch recipe & ripened according to Dutch standard can be called 'Gouda Holland Cheese'. You can recognise this cheese from the stamp.
Did you know you can also see the difference between a Gouda farmers cheese and a factory cheese from the stamp? The stamp on a Gouda factory cheese is round, whereas the stamp on a Gouda farmer's cheese has the shape of a barrel. The stamp of a farmer's cheese tells you if the cheese is made from raw milk or warmed ( thermerised) milk.
Cycling to a Gouda cheese farm on a Saturday
Bike tour Leiden cheese & local food
3 beautiful villages Holland a daytrip away from Amsterdam
Small picturesque towns in the Netherlands, where locals are not used to tourists. Places where you sit on a terrace overlooking a cosy market square and take in typical Dutch daily scenes or see small sailing boats pass by. In these 3 beautiful villages Holland you still experience the authentic Dutch way of life.
Plan your stops on your bike ride through the Dutch countryside. It was one of my recommendations in my post on countryside cycling in Holland. The 5 beautiful villages in the Netherlands mentioned in this post definitely deserve a visit and offer great cafés and restaurants for a drink and a bite.
Dutch famous flower village
The first Dutch village is well known for the biggest tulip garden in Europe. Direct busses from Amsterdam airport Schiphol, Haarlem and Leiden drop millions of visitors right in front of the Keukenhof. They visit the flower park, get back on the bus and leave the cute flower village Lisse behind. It has a cosy town square, called De Vierkant, where different events are organised. From this square you can easily access bulb culture museum De Zwarte Tulp. The St Agatha church around the corner is worth seeing! Love Dutch pancakes or in for Italian pasta? Pick one of the small restaurants in this beautiful village in Holland.
On my flower field bike tours I regularly make a stop at Lisse or any of the other small flower towns near Keukenhof.
History of one of the most beautiful villages Holland
For me one of the most beautiful villages Holland, in the greenhouse area, is Naaldwijk. With close to 20.300 habitants it's actually a city, although its compact city centre feels like a village. Naaldwijk is in the heart of the Westland and is famous for its horticulture. You might know the place from Royal Flora Holland, the largest flower auction cooperation. You can find it right outside the city centre, next to a busy highway. The best kept secret in Naaldwijk is the Kerkstraat, a circular road around the main church. It's for pedestrians and cyclists. There's even a signposted cycle route through this small street. This historical street, decorated with flowers in summer, is very picturesque. Hidden in a corner is a 15th century courtyard with a unique small chapel. On the market square around the corner are plenty of options for food & drinks.
Village with tradition in local products
Flowers need to be transported. Many towns in the surroundings of Delft have a history in the production and transportation of products grown in the greenhouse area. Delft is just a daytrip away from Amsterdam. Not all visitors need a full day in the city of Vermeer, Prince William of Orange and Delftware. If you are visiting Delft and have some time on hands, my tip is to explore Holland by bike and head into the Delft countryside. Besides the typical Dutch landscapes like polders, windmills and canals you'll also pass through authentic and beautiful villages in this part of Holland. One of these pretty towns is Schipluiden. It's a place where many ships transporting goods such as flowers, vegetables and cheese went through. Nowadays you can still see boats on the canal that runs through the centre. The sight of the bridge which is still handdrawn is spectacular. Sit down on one of the terraces along the canal for a coffee or one of the exquisite dishes made from locally grown products.
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Schipluiden on Bike Tour Delft Countryside
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Tips for countryside cycling in Holland
Going for a bike ride in the Netherlands is a piece of cake. Is it really? Countryside cycling in Holland can be quite an adventure. Fortunately there are ways to make your cycling experience in Dutch rural areas more pleasant. Just keep these tips for cycling off the beaten path in the back of your head when you explore rural Holland by bike.
Yes, our flat country has great cycling routes and infrastructure. Then again, once you get adventurous and go countryside cycling in Holland, you could be in a for a surprise. As a traveler countryside cycling in Holland is an adventure. Many visitors to Holland use their stay in Amsterdam to make a daytrip and explore rural Holland by bike. Cycling through beautiful and diverse landscapes is a true unique experience as long as you plan your bike tour to the Dutch countryside well.
Stop cycling
The first tip for a pleasant bike ride in the Dutch countryside has to do with planning your bike trip. With the app Fietsknoop you can create any bicycle route in the Netherlands. It also shows nice places to stop for coffee or a bite. I would definitely advise to make a cycling schedule and include these stops. This will come in handy at the time weather suddenly changes. I always include stops in my countryside bike tours in the Netherlands and know some great places to shelter in case it starts raining.
Dutch elements
Secondly, make different routes. If you have not cycled in the countryside in the Netherlands before, it is good to plan some small cycling routes first. Keep longer routes at hand so that nothing can stop you if you want to keep going. In the famous Dutch polders with their green meadows and long canals there is less protection from wind or rain. The wind can be strong and the weather unpredictable. Even in spring and summer, which are the best months to cycle in the Netherlands, rain & sun can play all day. When it comes to countryside cycling in Holland it mainly is the wind that’s tricky. Although there are no mountains in the Netherlands, the wind can make you feel as if you’re climbing a hill. Distances can seem longer.
Countryside cycling wear
The third tip is mentioned in a previous article about cycling in Dutch winter. Regardless of the season, wear different layers or make sure you carry different layers. Sunglasses as well as rain wear and gloves are useful as well.
Always take the weather with you
As said, weather and wind are important factors to make your bike ride through rural Netherlands pleasant. The fourth tip is to check the weather. Weeronline is my favorite website, the Buienalarm app keeps me updated enroute.
Your bike to go countryside cycling in Holland
Of course you need a bicycle to explore Holland by bike. You can rent bikes of different heights, different number of gears, pedal or hand brakes in the Netherlands. Rental prices are between €4.00 for a very simple, pedal brakes bike and €35.00 for an electric bike. The last tip is to get the appropriate rental bike that serves your goal. I definitely recommend an e-bike as it takes you much further and you don’t have to think about the wind anymore. Check the bike seat, the type of brakes and make sure you’re comfortable on the rental bike by adjusting the height. Are you cycling in the Netherlands in autumn, winter, spring? Days are short, make sure the light on your bike is working!
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