What to Pack for a Cycling Holiday in the Netherlands

Whether you're cycling the dunes of Northern Holland or winding your way along a canal path out of Amsterdam, packing smart can make or break your trip. 

The Netherlands is famously flat - but its changeable weather, breezy coastlines, and cycle-savvy population mean there are a few well-chosen items that will make your cycling holiday smooth and comfortable - and help you fit in while you do so.

Here’s our essential guide to all the items you need to pack for your cycling holiday in the Netherlands.

 

Cycling Essentials

These are the core items you'll need on the bike each day - the must-haves for comfort, safety, and practicality on any cycling break in the Netherlands.

• Comfortable cycling shoes: Choose versatile footwear suitable for both cycling and short walks.
• Front and rear lights: Mandatory when riding after dark or in low visibility. Widely available in shops.
• Cycling helmet: While not mandatory in the Netherlands, it’s still strongly recommended, especially in winter when surfaces may be slippery.
• Padded cycling shorts or bibs: These can be a godsend as they help prevent chafing on longer rides.
• Cycling gloves: As well as improving your grip and reducing hand fatigue, they’re also helpful for keeping warm in colder weather.
• Sunglasses or clear glasses: Protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and the occasional pesky bug.
• Water bottle: Hydration is key, even in cooler months. Fidlock offer a range to choose from with a clever magnetic connection system (Fidlock.com).
• Handlebar bag or day pannier: Useful for snacks, camera, phone, and layers, especially when your main luggage is being transferred for you.

 

Clothing for On & Off the Bike

Pack a mix of technical layers for the ride and comfortable clothing for the evenings - Dutch weather can change quickly, and you'll want to relax in style after a hard day’s cycling.

• Breathable technical clothing: Quick-drying layers work well in the Netherlands' variable climate.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho: Sudden showers are common; you’ll be glad you packed this.
• Windproof outer layer: The Dutch wind is always worth taking into account - to the extent that it’s a key part of everyday speech - especially along the coast.
• Warm base layer or fleece: These can be especially important for early spring or autumn trips.
• Comfortable evening clothing: Think casual trousers, a warm jumper or sweatshirt, and sandals or trainers for relaxing.
• Hat or cap: Offers protection from the sun (which can be surprisingly strong in summer) and light rain.

 

Weather Protection & Comfort

Dutch weather can be fickle and shift quickly. Packing these items will help you stay dry, comfortable, and protected from wind, sun, and sudden showers.

• Sunscreen and lip balm: Wind may mask the UV exposure, but your skin still takes the hit.
• Buff or neck gaiter: Doubles as wind protection or sun cover.
• Rain cover for your bag: Or a lightweight dry bag inside. Osprey's Ultralight Raincover is a good, sensibly priced choice. It's light (~80–100g), fits most daypacks or panniers, and is elasticated for a snug fit (Osprey.com). 

 

Bike Tools & Repairs

Even with the Netherlands’ excellent cycling infrastructure, it’s smart to carry a few basic tools - just in case you need to top up your tyres or deal with a minor issue mid-ride.

• Repair kit: Basic puncture kit and tyre levers. (Even if you don’t know how to fix a flat, the chances are a helpful Dutch cyclist does!)
• Mini air pump: Though many supermarkets and bike shops have public pumps.
• Good lock: In a country where there are, famously, more bikes than people, bike theft is not uncommon. Always lock your bike securely when leaving it unattended.

 

Documents, Money & Tech

Keep these essentials on hand to stay connected, pay with ease, and access your route or travel info wherever your two wheels take you.

• Passport or EU ID card: It’s a legal requirement for anyone aged +14 to show proof of identification in the unlikely event that they’re asked to by a police officer (Government.nl). 
• Debit/credit card: Maestro cards are most widely accepted; not all places take VISA.
• Small amount of cash: Some local cafés and shops still prefer it.
• Chargers and plug adapter: The Netherlands uses EU plug types C/F (Power-plugs-sockets.com).
• External battery pack: Keeps your phone or GPS device powered for a full day.
• Offline maps or navigation app: S-Cape routes are well marked using our navigation app (also in offline mode). If you use an online app, it is wise to have an offline backup.

 

First-aid & Extras

A few small extras can make a big difference. These items add comfort, cover unexpected moments, and help you stay prepared on and off the bike.

• Basic first-aid kit: Include plasters, disinfectant, painkillers, and any personal meds.
• Insect repellent: In summer, particularly, low-lying canals, rivers, and wetlands can get… buggy.
• Reusable tote bag: Handy for markets, bakeries, or spontaneous picnic detours. They also roll up neatly and take up very little space.
• Lightweight snacks: The long-distance cyclist’s saviour. Nuts, fruit, or an energy bar for when lunch is still a village away.

 

Most-forgotten Items (don’t be that cyclist…)

These are the things even the most experienced riders have been known to leave behind. They’re easy to overlook, but incredibly useful once you're out on the trail.

• Bike lights
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Power bank
• Extra socks
• Lip balm
• Visa-free debit card (Maestro preferred)

 

If you forget something…

Don’t worry - Dutch shops are well-stocked and bike-friendly, but there are a few quirks worth knowing before you rely on picking things up locally.

• Dutch supermarkets and bike shops are excellent - from spare tubes to waterproofs, they have most things you might need.
• Keep an eye out for bike store and maintenance/repair shop, Mantel (Mantel.com), which has various outlets across the country. There are also countless other smaller outlets to choose from.
• Just remember: some stores do not accept VISA or Mastercard, so always carry a Maestro-compatible debit card or a bit of cash.

Looking for more Netherlands cycling tips? See our guide to when to go.

Or explore our self-guided cycling holidays in the Netherlands.