AMSTERDAM BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
E-Bike the Waterlands: A 5.5‑Hour Ride from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans & Zaandam
A guided, 5.5-hour electric-bike loop that ferries you across the IJ, pilots you through pastoral Waterlands to Zaanse Schans for free time, and returns via Zaandam and the NDSM wharf.
E-Bike the Waterlands: A 5.5‑Hour Ride from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans & Zaandam.
Nothing beats cruising the Dutch countryside on a sunny day: a short ferry across the IJ, effortless pedaling on electric bikes through rolling green pastures and working farms, and a visit to the iconic windmill village of Zaanse Schans—complete with cheese tasting, clog-making demonstrations and time for a pancake—before returning past Zaandam’s Inntel Hotel and the industrial-cool NDSM wharf.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Effortless Electric Assistance
The tour uses electric bikes so the 40 km countryside ride feels easy: the motors do the heavy lifting while you take in the scenery and stop for photos.
Classic Windmills & the Waterlands
Ride through the Waterlands to get up close to classic Dutch windmills—some standing for centuries—then spend roughly 1.5 hours exploring the heritage village of Zaanse Schans with artisan cheese, clog demonstrations, and museums.
Ferry Crossings and Urban-Edge Return
A short ferry across the IJ sets the tone; after Zaanse Schans the route visits Zaandam to see the striking Inntel Hotel, then returns through the creative NDSM wharf before ferrying back to central Amsterdam.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a relaxed, photo‑friendly loop: meet at the Those Amsterdames shop to get fitted with an e‑bike and (if wanted) a helmet, ferry across the IJ into Amsterdam Noord for an easy warm-up, then glide through pastures and farms to Zaanse Schans for free time and refreshments before returning along Zaandam and the NDSM wharf to central Amsterdam.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours.
The outing covers roughly a 40 km countryside route; electric bikes make the distance manageable.
Helmets are available if wanted; you will be fitted with your electric bike at the meeting point.
Meet at Those Amsterdames shop at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30 to collect bikes and meet your guide.
You’ll have approximately 1.5 hours of free time at Zaanse Schans for cheese tasting, a Dutch pancake or lunch.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is approximately 5.5 hours.
Where do we meet?
You meet at the Those Amsterdames shop at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30 to get fitted with your e‑bike and meet your guide.
How far will we ride?
The route covers about 40 km through Amsterdam Noord and the Waterlands to Zaanse Schans and back.
Do I need to be able to ride a bike?
Yes—everyone must be able to confidently ride an electric bike to take this tour.
Are helmets provided?
Helmets are available and you will be fitted with equipment at the meeting point if you want one.
What will I see at Zaanse Schans?
At Zaanse Schans you can visit working windmills, watch clog-making demonstrations, sample artisan cheese, enjoy a Dutch pancake, and browse local shops and museums during roughly 1.5 hours of free time.
Who operates the tour?
The tour is operated by Those Amsterdames.