The LF Kustroute follows the Dutch coast from the Belgian border towards the German border, connecting seaside landscapes with the dykes and open countryside of the north. Nederland Fietsland presents the itinerary in sections and identifies it as the Dutch part of EuroVelo 12, the North Sea Cycle Route.
From the Zwin into Zeeland
At the southern end, the route meets the Zwin nature area close to the Belgian border. Nederland Fietsland describes a viewpoint there as the beginning or end of the itinerary. From Cadzand-Bad, the coastal ride passes through Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, with stretches close to the beach.
At Breskens, a passenger ferry connects the route with Walcheren and the journey towards Vlissingen. The route publisher divides the wider journey into sections, continuing from Vlissingen through Burgh-Haamstede and Oostvoorne towards Noordwijk. Those intermediate places make useful reference points when choosing how much of the coast to explore.
Dunes and the North Sea Canal
Between Noordwijk and Egmond, the landscape changes from the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen to the inland edge of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Nederland Fietsland describes old dunes, woodland and estates along this part of the coast. In spring, flower fields can be visited on a short detour.
A ferry takes riders across the North Sea Canal near IJmuiden, where the surroundings become more industrial. Further north, the Noordhollands Duinreservaat offers dune valleys, oak woodland and dune tops. Nederland Fietsland notes that visitors over 18 need a dune card in the reserve.
The Wadden coast
The northern itinerary includes Den Helder, Harlingen, Holwerd, Ulrum and Delfzijl before reaching Bad Nieuweschans. In Groningen, the route connects the Lauwersmeer and Dollard nature areas and follows the sea dyke in several ways: on top, on the sea side and on the land side.
Visit Groningen describes views across the Wadden Sea and inland countryside from the Ommelanderzeedijk. For a shorter introduction, Route Bureau Groningen has created two loops that combine part of the LF Kustroute with the local cycle junction network, exploring the Wadden region and the Eems-Dollard area.
Direction, crossings and current works
Nederland Fietsland says the LF Kustroute is signed in both directions. The signs carry the route name and indicate whether the rider is heading towards Cadzand-Bad or Bad Nieuweschans; the EuroVelo 12 symbol also identifies its place in the international North Sea itinerary.
The Afsluitdijk needs particular attention when planning a continuous trip. Nederland Fietsland reports that its cycle bus is suspended from 1 November 2026 through February 2027, during which a complete cycling or walking crossing is unavailable. It suggests a winter detour via Flevoland. Check the publisher’s current information before travelling, as the crossing is affected by ongoing works.