Zeeland Coastal Path

The Zeeland Coastal Path offers the most dramatic coastal cycling in the Netherlands, combining raw nature with human ingenuity. This 130-kilometer route follows the southwestern shoreline, taking you over the Oosterscheldekering—the world's largest storm surge barrier—where you can see the North Sea's power up close. The path traverses dunes, sandy beaches, and salt marshes, providing panoramic views of the Delta Works, an engineering feat that shortens the coastline by 700 kilometers. Along the way, you'll encounter charming fishing villages like Veere and Zierikzee, each offering fresh seafood and maritime history. This route outperforms #6 Veluwe Forest Trail in scenic diversity, as it shifts from coastal vistas to polders and back within a single ride. With an average elevation gain of just 40 meters over the entire loop, it's also flatter than the typical long-distance route, making it accessible to cyclists of all levels. The spring months offer the best conditions, with fewer winds than summer and temperatures averaging 12°C.