Climbing in the Netherlands – six cycle routes to make your legs burn

The highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands is Mount Scenery, which towers 887 metres (2,910 feet) on the Caribbean island of Saba. Everyone knows that, don't they? Maybe it’s actually better known that the Vaalserberg, a hill in the province of Limburg is the highest point in the (European) Netherlands, standing at 322.4 metres (1,058 feet).

Limburg, on the southeasternmost edge of the country, is the only province in the Netherlands that has real mountains. It’s great to cycle up and over the hills here. Although with gruelling gradients that reach well over 20 percent, it can be surprisingly hard. Yes, we’re thinking of the especially steep hill – Keutenberg! In other regions in the Netherlands, things can get a little tougher. You probably know of a challenging viaduct nearby, a mean bridge, or a sneaky, steep climb up to a dike.

I really enjoy climbing, but in our flat country, that’s not always easy. My friends from other countries laugh about the fact that I can ride more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) without collecting more than 100 metres (328 feet) in altitude difference. They can’t imagine such a thing possibly happening where they live. They’re also surprised that some short climbs in the Netherlands really do have the word ‘mountain’ in their names, such as Amerongse Mountain, Grebbe Mountain, and VAM Mountain. Wouldn’t a hill, hump, or bump be a more accurate description?

Sure, we can’t compare our ‘ascents’ with the world-famous Hors Catégorie routes. We can’t ride uphill for dozens of kilometres to 2000-metre (6,560 feet) peaks. But, nevertheless, there are plenty of routes in the Netherlands which train your calves properly: from beautiful cycle paths through dunes, to transformed rubbish heaps, and paved climbs with magnificent views.

In this Collection, I have compiled six routes across the Netherlands that will make your calves burn. You may encounter some cobblestones and/or gravel, but even these sections are easy to ride on a road bike with 25-millimetre tyres. The start and finish points are easy to reach and close to a train station or car park. On the way, you’ll find plenty of places to stop for food and drink to keep up your energy.