If you move to the Netherlands, it’s very likely that at some point you’ll pick up cycling in one form or another. Whether it’s commuting, joining group rides , racing or getting into road or mountain biking, sooner or later you’ll find yourself on two wheels like everyone else.
And if this new habit grows into a full-blown hobby, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much infrastructure (including the digital infrastructure) exists here for cycling enthusiasts. To help you ease into it, I’ve rounded up a few apps you’ll definitely want for your outdoor adventures.
Sometimes it’s nice to be spontaneous with your leisure plans, but that strategy rarely works when it comes to outdoor activities in the Netherlands. If you decide to go cycling in the rain, or on one of those rare days when the temperature tries to boil you alive, you’ll need to be prepared both mentally and gear-wise.
That’s why your first essential should be a reliable weather forecast, and in the Netherlands, Weeronline and Buienradar are the local go-tos.
It’s gonna rain on your ride ….
• Weeronline offers full forecasts (hourly and up to 14 days), along with rain and sun radars, UV index, and even health-related tips.
•Buienradar, on the other hand, focuses on rainfall and radar data, making it especially handy when you just need to know exactly when that downpour will hit your location.
The next step is building a scenic, fun, or beginner-friendly route (underline what applies). There are plenty of specialized apps for that, yet, many seasoned cyclists quitely admit they still rely on good old Google Maps. The reason is simple: it gives you street view everywhere, while cyclist-specific apps can feel fragmented or limited to static map points.
• On the other hand, Google Maps isn’t built for proper cycling route planning. But fear not: here comes Komoot — an app designed for outdoor enthusiasts (works great for hiking, too). It lets you plan the rides based on your fitness level, preferred terrain, and scenery. It also shows elevation, surfaces, and even highlights popular routes shared by other riders. And, of course, you can use it to build your own.
• If you’re a beginner, you can easily settle for these three apps, but, if you’re ready to level up your game (or just a bit too competitive), you can add Strava as well. It’s a community-based platform that tracks your rides, distance, speed, and elevation, and can even double as a cycling computer. You can follow friends, share photos, and compare your stats through its popular segments feature — a leaderboard that ranks you against others or your past self.
There’s one downside though: some people get unnecessarily competitive and – while chasing their segments – start treating public streets like a race track. So just a little heads up: use it for motivation, not madness.
Because at the end of the day, cycling in the Netherlands is less about competing — and more about simply enjoying the ride.
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See more about cycling in the Netherlands here in Dispatches’ archives.
Read more fromr Oxana here.
Oxana Skibun
Oxana Skibun is a fashion and lifestyle editor who has crafted her stories for print and digital media outlets across Europe, the Middle East and Russia. Raised in Moscow, she now lives in Amsterdam, where she continues writing for international audiences.
