Bike Tour: City, Sea & Schier Island - 5 days

Arrive in Groningen, check in then take off to see the city. Rest and relax on a terrace at the Vismarkt or climb up Martini Tower for fab views of the city.

Ride the unique Reitdiep, or old Hunze Valley, from Groningen city centre and get the ferry to Schiermonnikoog. Spot beautiful hamlets, typical churches and ancient mound villages. Take to a terrace and gaze out over the water from picturesque Garnwerd or Zoutkamp’s old fishing port. Order the catch of the day at a restaurant near Lauwersoog fish market, then jump on a Monnik or Rottum boat over to car-free Schiermonnikoog Island. And you are in Friesland!

We always try to book our standard hotel for the regular rate. However, due to the popularity of Schiermonnikoog, we may have to change to another, more expensive hotel on the island. This will be done in consultation. We therefore recommend booking early to avoid price increases.

Hear the seagulls’ call and take in the salty island air, with the Wad to one side and the North Sea beach to the other. The grey-green beach grass stretches out as far as the eye can see, broken briefly by a white or red lighthouse on the horizon. The sole tiny village can only be reached by bike and the challenge here is choosing, with much to do and so little time! Take a saltwater dip, stop for lunch at Paviljoen Paal 3, hit the beach for seal-spotting on the Balg, paddle in the Berkenplas, see the sun sink into the sea over dinner or browse at boutiques in the village. Still not tired? ‘De Tox’ Bar stays open until late. Or curl up with a good book and rest up for tomorrow.

Time for the return trip, loaded with island memories of flora and fauna. In 45 minutes, you’re back in Lauwersoog. Cycle along the dike with a tailwind into huge farming estates in the Westpolder. Hornhuizen’s colourful steeple rises above the trees as you pedal to back to Garnwerd via Verhildersum and 2020’s ‘most beautiful village’ of Winsum. Then the Reitdiep leads you back into the city. Has it been just two days? It feels like week-long holiday! 

The last day of your trip? Time flies! Enjoy breakfast here ‘at home’ before you depart. Or extend your stay, tour the Zuidlaardermeer / Paterswoldsemeer and dip into the neighbouring province of Drenthe.