Around Alphen town centre: a 23 km cycle route

This circular ride is the most complete first introduction to Alphen aan den Rijn by bicycle. Over 23 kilometres it combines the centre, the Oude Rijn, modern neighbourhoods, green corridors, major attractions and the leisure landscape around Zegerplas. The official cycling time is roughly ninety minutes, but that excludes substantial stops. Three to five hours is more realistic when including coffee, photographs and one main attraction.

Who is the route for?

The ride suits visitors who want to understand Alphen in a single outing. It is manageable for leisure cyclists and families with older children who are comfortable at urban crossings. Starting directly beside the railway station also makes it convenient for visitors arriving with a bicycle. The terrain is mainly flat and surfaced, although the route is not completely traffic-free.

The route section by section

1. Station and Rijnplein: leave Stationsplein through Stationsstraat and Prins Hendrikstraat. Rijnplein has shops, cafés and views of the Oude Rijn, making it a useful place to buy supplies.
2. Oude Rijn and Avifauna: Wilhelminalaan and Emmalaan lead towards Hoorn and Vogelpark Avifauna. A brief refreshment stop is easy to add; a full park visit requires several additional hours.
3. Rijnhaven and De Werf: water, business activity and new urban development reveal a less traditional side of Alphen.
4. Weteringpad: residential streets lead to a green corridor towards the N11. Galloway cattle may roam freely here. Keep your distance, remain calm and never feed them.
5. Museumpark Archeon: after passing below the N11, the route reaches Archeon and the Archaeology House. It is a logical heritage stop, but a full visit turns the ride into an all-day programme.
6. Park Rijnstroom: return through Gouwsluis towards this green park close to the centre.
7. Zegersloot and Zegerplas: Westkanaalweg leads towards water, sport and refreshment options. On a sunny day this is the strongest place for a longer break.
8. Aarkade and the station: follow Verlengde Aarkade and Aarkade through the centre back to junction 89 and the station.

Planning the day

For a quick outing, stop only at Rijnplein or Zegerplas. For a half-day ride, add Park Rijnstroom and lunch. Visitors who want to explore Avifauna or Archeon properly should select one as the main activity; two full attraction visits make the day unnecessarily rushed.

Navigation and safety

The official route states that the whole loop is not covered by cycle-junction signs. Download the GPX file and keep the official description available. Pay extra attention at major crossings, around the N11 and on shared leisure paths near Zegerplas. Weteringpad may become dirtier or more slippery after rain.

Best time to ride

Dry conditions and moderate wind are ideal. Zegerplas can become busy during warm weekends. Starting early provides quieter paths and more flexibility for a museum, lunch or terrace stop. Always check current works and diversions before departure.

Open the official route and download the current GPX file.

• ✓Start and finish at Alphen railway station
• ✓Town centre, Oude Rijn and leisure water in one loop
• ✓Passes Avifauna and Museumpark Archeon
• ✓Good breaks at Rijnplein and Zegerplas
• ✓Ideal first introduction to Alphen
• ✓Mostly flat and surfaced