The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. See the source.
The route
The Dutch national coast route follows the North Sea and Wadden coast of the Netherlands, here from Vlissingen in Zeeland over the Delta dams, through the dunes of Holland by Noordwijk, Egmond and Den Helder, across the Afsluitdijk to Friesland, and along the Wadden Sea dykes of Friesland and Groningen to the German border at Bad Nieuweschans. It is flat but often windy, with a few short ferry crossings, and is described from south to north, with the usual south-westerly wind behind.
Stages
A suggested split into 10 days of about 60 km (37 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 Vlissingen to Burgh-Haamstede 57 km · 57 km from the start
- Day 2 Burgh-Haamstede to Oostvoorne 55 km · 111 km from the start
- Day 3 Oostvoorne to Noordwijk 67 km · 178 km from the start
- Day 4 Noordwijk to Egmond aan Zee 60 km · 238 km from the start
- Day 5 Egmond aan Zee to Den Helder 54 km · 292 km from the start
- Day 6 Den Helder to Harlingen 77 km · 369 km from the start
- Day 7 Harlingen to Holwerd 69 km · 437 km from the start
- Day 8 Holwerd to Ulrum 56 km · 494 km from the start
- Day 9 Ulrum to Delfzijl 65 km · 559 km from the start
- Day 10 Delfzijl to Bad Nieuweschans 38 km · 597 km from the start
Start and finish
Start: near Vlissingen, Zeeland. 51.44413, 3.59798
Finish: near Bad Nieuweschans, Landkreis Leer. 53.18805, 7.21704
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- Vlissingen, Zeeland · The start Booking.com → Expedia →
- Burgh-Haamstede, Zeeland · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Oostvoorne, South Holland · After day 2 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Noordwijk, South Holland · After day 3 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Egmond aan Zee, North Holland · After day 4 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Den Helder, North Holland · After day 5 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Harlingen, Frisia · After day 6 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Holwerd, Frisia · After day 7 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Ulrum, Groningen · After day 8 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Delfzijl, Groningen · After day 9 Booking.com → Expedia →
- Bad Nieuweschans, Landkreis Leer · The finish Booking.com → Expedia →
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Roads and paths change, and surfaces vary with the weather. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, ride to what you find, and give way to walkers and horses.