De Slinger
Meandering through the polder, is that possible? Certainly! It’s possible for almost 150 km. This route shows you the most interesting cycle paths of Zuidelijk Flevoland. Combined with smooth asphalt, you can just keep pedalling. Perfect for racing cyclists.
With a bit of luck, the first kilometers go quickly with a tailwind on the Oostvaardersdijk. The view over the Markermeer and the Oostvaardersplassen is magnificent. You wind through more unique nature areas. Climb up to the viewpoint of the Circle of Life to experience the vastness of the Horsterwold. And at the end the highlights around Almere keep coming... Click below on the Description tab for more information about this route.
Download the GPX route when a south and west wind blows.
Download the GPX route when a north and east wind blows.
Sights on this route
Lepelaarplassen nature reserve
LepelaarplassenOostvaardersdijk/Oostvaardersdiep 3653 22449
1309 AA ALMERE
The De Blocq van Kuffeler pumping station
Gemaal Blocq van KuffelerDe Blocq van Kuffelerweg 1
Almere
8244 PB Lelystad
Toms Creek Fishing Adventure
Toms Creek Fishing AdventureUilenweg 2 C
8245 AB LELYSTAD
The Kleine Praambult observation point - Oostvaardersplasse
Lelystad
Praamweg
Lelystad
3897MA Zeewolde
3898 LV Zeewolde
3894 DT Zeewolde
3891ER Zeewolde
3891AK Zeewolde
3896LT Zeewolde
3896LS Zeewolde
3896LS Zeewolde
Zeewolde
3896LB Zeewolde
Almere
1358AC Almere
De Kemphaan city estate
Stadslandgoed De KemphaanKemphaanpad 4
1358 AC ALMERE
1363 AA Almere
Directions
This route starts at the Boathouse in Almere. It’s time to put some kilometres behind you! With a bit of luck, the first kilometres go quickly with a tailwind on the Oostvaardersdijk. The view over the Markermeer and the Oostvaardersplassen is magnificent from the dike. While cycling over the smooth asphalt of the Praamweg, you might spot the Konik horses.
You wind through the nature reserve De Grote Trap that is very young even by Flevoland standards, being established only three years ago. At Zeewolde you enter the Horsterwold, with its 3700 hectares one of the largest continuous deciduous woods in the Netherlands. Climb up to the viewpoint of the Circle of Life to experience the vastness of the Horsterwold.
And then the highlights around Almere keep coming at the end of the route. You could imagine you are in Giethoorn on the Vierbruggenpad, then continue along the Weerwater under the cableway pylons of the Floriade terrain. Just before the finish you cycle through the dunes. No, you have not accidently ended up in Zandvoort, but in the Duin/Dune beach neighbourhood. After arriving at the Boathouse you can stay in beach mood with a drink by the water. Cheers!
Nature
Distance: 148 km
★★★★☆ Winding
★★★☆☆ Green
★★★★☆ Water
★★★☆☆ Open Flevoland
★★★☆☆ Wind*
Coffee break
1. Restaurant Fika
Beachweg 165
3891 AK Zeewolde
www.restaurantfika.nl
- Restaurant DUBBEL-OP De Kemphaan
Kemphaanpad 8
1358 AC Almere
www.dubbel-op.nl
*Wind
It’s true there are no hills in the polder! But you can still train those uphill muscles on our own Great Headwind Wall, because plenty of wind is always available in Flevoland. We can help you not to encounter the Great Headwind Wall too often (and cycle into a considerable open stretch against the wind): cycle this route clockwise with a south and west wind (standard route). Go counter-clockwise with a north and east wind.
Pay attention!
A number of comments and warnings are given for this route:
- The paths through the Hollandse Hout are narrow. In blind curves watch out for cyclists coming the other way.
- The paths along the Randmeren after the Horsterwold are narrow and popular with recreational cyclists. Be aware of this and reduce your speed. After this section there are 15 km over de Slinger and along the Eemmeer where you can go at full speed.
- When leaving the Gooimeerdijk dike, a winding section follows. First the Cirkelbos woods, then the Vierbruggenpad and finally the Kerkuilenpad. They are narrow and busy for Flevoland standards. Pay attention, therefore, and reduce your speed. From the Hollandse Brug to the end point, you can zip along again.
Fun for partner/family
The route begins at the Boathouse in Almere. Boei2 is located here, where you can rent a nice open boat or barbecue boat for a fun day out on the Noorderplassen. They also rent Segways. The route passes by the Oostvaardersplassen where there are stunning walking routes for all ages. The route goes through the Horsterwold, a lovely nature reserve with several beautiful walking routes. The route passes by De Kemphaan city estate in Almere. With the Klimbos, Stichting Aap and Almere Jungle here, everyone can enjoy themselves all day.
