Experience East Frisia and the Netherlands on the Dollard Route
Bike Touring Collection by Dollard Route
7
Tours
23:19 h
246 mi
1,725 ft
The International Dollard Route takes you on a cycle Tour through Germany and the Netherlands, once around the Dollard Bay. You’ll ride 300 kilometres (186 mi) without any climbs – the flat border region is a paradise for cyclists.
On up to five stages, you pass through dreamy little villages, enjoy the North Sea climate, and savour the highlights of North German and Dutch cuisine. You'll cycle between 50 and 80 kilometres (31-50 mi) per day. After the fourth stage, you can even make a detour to the largest East Frisian island, Borkum.
On both sides of the German-Dutch border, the landscape is characterised by the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. The flora and fauna are unique here and are therefore under special protection. Dikes, ponds, and extensive polder landscapes accompany you on your ride.
Many small harbour towns with beautiful old cities lie en route. Here, you can enjoy culinary specialities such as fresh fish and seafood, but of course also East Frisian tea, fresh cakes and ‘pannekoeken’ pancakes.
The absolute highlight of the Tour is the crossing of the bay on the MS Dollard passenger ship. You can take your bike onboard with you. The ship runs several times a week between May and October. You can find the timetable here: dollard-route.vend-it.de (in German).
You can easily get to Leer, the starting point of the Dollard Route, by train. There are good accommodation options at the end of each stage. We're happy to help you plan your Tour with everything from booking accommodation to organising luggage transfers.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- 03:2435.2 mi10.4 mph300 ft325 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The city of Leer is the starting point for the first stage of the "International Dollard Route". Since the route is designed as a circuit, you can also start your tour in any other place along the route. In addition, it is signposted in both directions and can therefore be driven clockwise and counterclockwise…
- 03:3236.9 mi10.5 mph275 ft275 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The second stage takes you back across the border to Germany and from here north directly to Dollart. Once here, you have a great view over the entire bay at the Nieuwe Statenzijl border crossing. You can easily see the port city of Emden at the opposite end of the Dollart. You have a very special view…
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- 03:1234.3 mi10.7 mph250 ft250 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Before you start the third stage, we recommend that you drive to the Rozema pumping station in Termunterzijl. From here you have a great view of the harbour, the village of Termunterzijl and of course the Dollart and the ships passing by.
The Dollard Route takes you back inland. You can reach Slochteren…
- 04:0543.8 mi10.7 mph325 ft325 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
At today's start in Delfzijl you drive a bit parallel to the Dollart and can enjoy the view of the sea in good weather. Then the route takes you through many quiet and small warf villages in the so-called Hogeland.
In the village of Middelstum, the tea room at Ewsum Castle invites you to take a break…
- 01:5816.4 mi8.4 mph125 ft125 ftEasyEasy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
You first drive to the ferry terminal to Eemshaven. The shipping company AG Ems connects Eemshaven with Borkum several times a day in spring and summer. Enjoy the one-hour crossing. The largest East Frisian island has a lot to offer. In addition to numerous spa facilities, restaurants and the beach…
- 03:5847.9 mi12.1 mph275 ft250 ftFerryExpertExpert bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The fifth and last stage takes you through the East Frisian Rheiderland. The beautiful fishing village of Ditzum, directly at the mouth of the Ems, is your first stop.
Before that you cross the Dollart from Delfzijl with the passenger ship "MS Dollard". On its way it makes a stopover in Emden before continuing…
- 03:1131.9 mi10.0 mph175 ft175 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
On days when the Dollard ferry between Ditzum, Emden and Delfzijl does not operate, you can continue to travel the Dollard route on the alternative route. The signs for the alternative route are marked with an additional "A" on the signposts.
You leave Delfzijl in an easterly direction, shortly after…
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance246 mi
- Duration23:19 h
- Elevation1,725 ft
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