Highlights and pictures of the unusual and scenic countryside cycle tour for people who want a Dutch experience without clocks and having to try on traditional costumes that no one here wears anymore. ;) (However, we pass by “a windmill with a story” next to a local brewery; a spot that links history with the present day.)
Languages to pick from during this Waterland bike ride: French, German, Dutch and English. This surprising tour is themed “rural” and begins and ends “urban”. (However always relaxed-relexed).)
We might buy some bites to eat for you from a sustainable store. (simple lunch.)
The map of this scenic private countryside tour “Rural Amsterdam North” is to be found beneath the picture of the mini ferry to “Noord”.
All pictures have been made in 2025 by out of the box urban tour creator & private local guide Lex.
On the mini ferry to cycle to rural Amsterdam North
Several ferries connect historical Amsterdam, including it’s central station, with “Noord”.
By the way: Notice that van Gogh painting on the mini ferry.
Map of the “Rural Amsterdam North cycle tour”
Oosterdoks Island, Naco House, river IJ, the garden village called “bird”, Noorderpark, garden village “’t Blauwe Zand”, Dike houses in Nieuwendam, tiny Zunderdorp, Hidden village Ransdorp with it’s tower and wooden houses, dreamy Holysloot on the water with amazing houses, cycling to the IJsselmeer dike, Kinselmeer (a large lake), scenic Durgerdam, 2 bridges with a view, the windmill of the East, Maritime museum and back at the (E-) bike rental station.
Garden village in “Amsterdam-Noord”, called ’t Blauwe zand. (On our way to Rural North by bike.)
Garden villages have been created to give labourers more space and facilities. Most of them are to be found in “Noord”.
We cycle past dike houses on Nieuwendammerdijk. (And are almost in rural North)
Cafe and terrace in Ransdorp during that uncommon countryside tour in Amsterdam North.
Break during the privately guided rural amsterdam north cycling tour?
This scenic village used to be an important place for shipping and fishing. In the course of the 17th century it became more of a servant of rising star Amsterdam. It specialized in cattle. It brought the milk in small boats on the dangerous sea arm “IJ” to the other side.
Until 1916 Ransdorp has remained independent. Now it is part of our capital.
We might climb the Ransdorp tower during the rural cycling tour….
Magnificent house ↓ in front of the tower of Ransdorp – Rural Amsterdam North biking tour with Lex and the City. Click on the picture for a blog-post about Ransdorp from an American woman, living in the Netherlands.
It’s possible to climb the 32 meter high tower during this Countryside tour in Amsterdam-North. The reason the church tower in Ransdorp was never finished is simply because they ran out of money. In the 15th century, when Ransdorp was a prosperous village due to shipping and trade, they began building a large, impressive church intended to reflect the village’s wealth. However, the village’s prosperity declined, and the financial resources dried up.
Ransdorp lies slightly inland and has no direct waterfront. However, it once played a role in regional shipping thanks to its connection to the surrounding canals and marshlands of Waterland. Small boats transported peat, hay, reeds and farm produce to and from Ransdorp, because roads were often impassable in the wet landscape. Its large church tower was also an important landmark for sailors navigating the Zuiderzee.
Typical wooden houses in Ransdorp in “Landelijk Noord”
Ransdorp is characterized by its traditional wooden houses, which are lighter than stone houses and therefore less likely to sink into Waterland’s soft peat soil.
Ransdorp, along with Durgerdam and Holysloot, forms a quiet area, ideal for cycling and walking. The rural, open, and peaceful character of the area makes it a cultural-historical attraction. Many people visit Ransdorp during a bike ride through Waterland, often starting from Amsterdam
Dreamy Holysloot (on the water) | Once fishermen village
Holysloot is also part of “Rural North”, as it is part of Amsterdam. Although so many would like to live here, only a few hundred actually do. Beautiful sights are the church, some amazing houses and the entrance of the village with a great terrace and “koffie verkeerd” (ask your AI companion) with home-made apple pie.
In the midst of Waterland: the lake “Kinselmeer”
Kinselmeer – A lake in the midst of Rural north of Amsterdam – Including the bike of tour guide Lex
That (other) scenic village on the IJsselmeer during this countryside tour: Durgerdam!
Durgerdam is a charming old fishing village on the IJmeer, known for its colourful wooden houses lining the dike. Once dependent on fishing and peat, it is now a peaceful spot loved by walkers, cyclists, and photographers for its open views over the water. The village still has a small marina and a few cosy cafés.
Biking on the 2 bridges together with a view. (And the end of the countryside part.)
The harbor of Schellingwoude, including it’s historical dike – Seen from the bridge by bike:
View of the Amsterdam Docklands from the Amsterdamse Brug:
The windmill of the East: spot for a picture, an appealing story, a drink, some reflection and maybe even a bite to eat.
Short description of this 4 hour “Landelijk Noord” private and unusual tour by Lex and the City
Short description of this uncommon Amsterdam private cycle tour (Being part of the landing page of the private tours in Amsterdam North).
This tour information is also the gateway to Lex and the City pricing, including renting bikes or E-bikes.