Pieterpad Camino Trail by Bike

Make your way to the small village of Pieterburen, located in the far north of the Netherlands near the Wadden Sea. Known for its quiet rural setting and as the official starting point of the Pieterpad, it’s a peaceful introduction to the journey ahead. After settling into your accommodation, you may wish to stretch your legs on an optional 10km / 6.2mi loop towards the Wadden Sea dyke, where wide open skies and coastal landscapes define the region.

Begin at the historic Pieterpad starting point in Pieterburen, your ride begins along the sea dyke, with wide views over the Wadden Sea and distant islands. You then head south through small settlements and open farmland, entering the distinctive Wierden landscape where villages sit on low mounds above the plains. Following quiet paths and waterways, you cycle through one of the Netherlands’ oldest cultural landscapes along the Reitdiep. The day finishes in the lively university city of Groningen, where historic buildings and a vibrant atmosphere mark a contrast to the rural start.

Leaving the city behind, you follow the scenic Drentsche Aa river through a mix of lakes, woodlands and gentle ridges. The route passes through traditional villages such as Zuidlaren, before continuing into the province of Drenthe. Your day ends in Assen, known for its green surroundings and cultural sites, including museums and nearby prehistoric landscapes.

Today you cycle through the rural heart of Drenthe. Passing through Rolde, you’ll encounter ancient hunebedden (megalithic tombs), some of the oldest monuments in the Netherlands. Continuing through forests and heathlands in the “Heart of Drenthe”, you may choose to visit the open-air museum in Schoonoord. Your destination is Coevorden, a historic fortified town near the German border, with a star-shaped layout, castle and long trading history.

Today’s ride follows quiet paths through the valley of the Overijsselse Vecht, a gently winding river that shapes the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you pass several installations from the Kunstwegen route, a long-distance outdoor art project that adds a cultural element to the day. The terrain is varied but generally easy-going, with stretches of narrow paths and open views. Your destination is Hellendoorn, a small village set on the edge of forested areas and close to the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, offering a peaceful and nature-focused setting.

Begin with a gentle climb and descent towards Nijverdal before riding into the Sallandse Heuvelrug, a vast heathland reserve known for its birdlife and open views. Rolling paths lead you across this natural landscape, with the option to visit the nature museum at Holterberg. Continuing south, you enter the historic Graafschap region, where wooded countryside and estates reflect its noble past. Passing landmarks including Huis Verwolde and quiet waterways, you finish in Vorden, a charming village famous for its surrounding castles and manor houses. The area is often referred to as “castle country”, with several estates set within wooded landscapes and farmland.

Leaving Vorden, you cycle through a landscape of hedgerows, tree-lined lanes and small fields typical of the Achterhoek region. Along the way, you pass historic estates including Huis de Kiefskamp and Huis ’t Zelle, set within park-like surroundings. Continuing via Zelhem, the terrain gradually changes as the Montferland hills rise ahead. Your day ends in the village of Zeddam, at the foot of the Montferland hills. Known for its traditional windmill and relaxed atmosphere, it marks a transition towards more varied terrain.