A salty bike ride between Noordwijk and Zandvoort

The former fishing village of Noordwijk has long grown into today's fashionable seaside resort with boulevards where it is great to stay. Less well known are the many archaeological finds in this area, showing that the first inhabitants stayed here thousands of years ago. Furthermore, the village is known for the Space Expo, which can be visited. The route runs past the lighthouse right along the coast towards Zandvoort, traditionally Holland's most famous seaside resort. Beyond the boulevards, however, a number of historic buildings are well worth seeing, including the station building and the town hall built in 1912 with a beautiful carillon. The route continues through the hinterland of the bulb region via the village of De Zilk, which in earlier times was located by the sea, which probably gave rise to its name (salt water). Less known in this region is the fact that carnival is celebrated here, the reason for which goes back to a Germanic tribe that lived here in Roman times, the Caninephates, now the name of the most famous carnival association. In spring, cyclists can fully enjoy the colorful splendor of the bulb fields, culminating in the flower parade, in and around Noordwijkerhout in the month of April.