THE ROUTE

WHY BIKEPACKING ALONG THE BORDER?

In early 2025, I got the idea to pedal my bike along the Dutch border. I had just come back from an injury and needed an adventure that was within my reach.

I created the route in Trackbook.online and rode it in the summer of 2025. My average mileage was around 90–100 kilometres a day.

The border region is special because of its history and diversity. The landscape changes from the meadows in the southwest and northeast to more hilly sections in the east and south.

As the landscape changes the further you ride along the border, so do the dialects you hear. And every region has its own food speciality.

ROAD SAFETY

The Netherlands is famous for its smooth, well-marked cycling paths — but Beef With The Border doesn’t stick to the easy routes. Expect rough tracks, unexpected detours, and the occasional test of your bike-handling skills.

A helmet is a must. If a section looks too tricky, hop off and push — some stretches are pure hike-a-bike territory.

You’re unlikely to meet wild animals out here, but dogs can be a handful. Slow down, call out to the owner, and give each other plenty of space to pass.

High grass and dense forests bring a different challenge: ticks. These tiny hitchhikers can carry Lyme disease, so check yourself after riding and keep a tick removal tool in your kit.

And, of course, ride with courtesy. Follow the road rules, slow down for hikers, share the trail, and don’t forget a friendly greeting as you pass — it’s part of the adventure.

ANTWERP HARBOR

The route cuts through the Antwerp Harbor area — an industrial landscape of oil refineries, smokestacks, and endless freight yards.

It’s not everyone’s idea of scenic cycling… unless you have a soft spot for heavy industry.

If you’d rather skip the harbor, there’s a scenic detour that swings you past the historic town of Hulst and across the Schelde River near Hansweert.

From Ossendrecht, you can rejoin the border and continue your ride.

WATER AND FOOD

You’ll pass plenty of restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets along the way, so food and water are rarely a problem.

One exception is the region of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen in the province of Zeeland, where towns are few and far between — best to plan your supplies in advance.

On the German side, timing is everything. Many restaurants and cafés shut their doors for most of the day, and almost all are closed on Sundays.

German Border crossings, however, are your best bet for finding shops that stay open.

CAMPING

Wild camping is not allowed in the Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of campsites along the route where you can pitch your tent.

On the Belgian and German side, many campgrounds are large commercial sites catering mainly to camper vans and caravans.

If you’re after something more natural, seek out the small farm campsites on the Dutch side of the border. Expect to pay around €10 for a tent pitch with basic bathroom facilities.

You’ll also find Natuurkampeerterreinen (nature campsites) near the border. These require a membership card, which you can easily get by registering.

Another option is the bivak zones on Belgian soil — free, designated camping spots where you simply register via QR code.

Keep in mind, though, that there’s no drinking water or other facilities at these sites, so come prepared.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The route can be ridden in both directions. The starting point in the southwest is the last border marker along the Dutch-Belgian border, near Cadzand Bad
Summer time is the best time to go, since most campsites will be closed in the off season. However, some trails might be overgrown
The starting point in the north-east is the lock gate at Nieuwe Statenzijl
There is a convenient train service to Vlissingen, province of Zeeland, where you can transfer on a ferry to Breskens. From there it's a 15 kilometre ride to the starting point near Cadzand Bad

The nearest train station at the starting point in the northeast is in Bad Nieuweschans. You'll need to transfer in Groningen. From Bad Nieuweschans it's a 6 kilometre ride to Nieuwe Statenzijl
You can bring a bike on the train for an additional fee. Bikes are not allowed on the train during rush hours, before 9 am and between 4 pm and 6.30 pm

TRAIL ALERTS

Submit a trail alert by using the form at the contact page. I try my best to update the route and this website