2ering

Planning a tour that will begin in Amsterdam and head for Berlin & points east. My map makes it look like it will be pretty congested trying to get out of the airport. Can anyone suggest a safe comfortable route?

My maps are 1:400,000 scale--is that appropriate for bike touring or can someone suggest a resource for better maps? Thanks.

becnal

Bikeline maps from Esterbauer are 1:75000. They have map that goes from Amsterdam to Berlin. It's the Europa 1 Radweg. www.bikeline.at

Takara

OK, it's been awhile, so respect those who may contradict me (or says things have gotten even better) -- but no airport outdoes Schiphol Airport for bike-friendly entrance and exit. It may be congested for cars; if so, that may be because so much road has been dedicated to so many excellent bike paths.

I don't think there's a any more effortless way to leave this airport than by bicycle. Put away your map, put away your compass; check where the sun is setting, and navigate by blind luck. You will not find a city where this kind of dumb trust is rewarded more richly.

tmdesou

I completely agree that Schiphol is very bike friendly as dedicated bike paths completely circle the airport. If you cross the street at the giant outdoor video screen outside of the main terminal and head right, you'll find the start of a dedicated bike path - its entirely maroon and hard to miss.

As an aside, I'd suggest mounting a cheap handlebar compass if you don't already have one. I found that between a map, compass, and the bike-specific red signage navigation in the Netherlands was a cinch.

2ering

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am so relieved to learn it won't be a problem getting to & from the airport. I'd heard the Netherlands is great for cycling but my maps don't include bike paths so all I see are roads.

I've looked at the site becnal provided & while I haven't yet located the Europa I map, I did find one for a path from Wien to Budapest, which will likely end up on my final itineray. Happy cycling to all.

whatsmyname

I'd guess the easiest to remember route from Vienna to Budapest would be "keep the Danube to your immediate left or right at all times until you come to the Chain Bridge", but you'd probably miss out
on a lot of cool side trips.

I went from Amsterdam to the coast i.e. west, and practically didn't have to use a map ever, the signs and paths are great. The only time I got lost was when the path went through Belgium for a couple of kms...

siesta171

Just returned from Amsterdam where we flew in and out. Lots of butterflies when we arrived but it could not have been easier. If you want to head for the Rhine, for example, turn left exiting the terminal and look for the red bike path and the red and white signs leading to your desired destination. If you want to go towards the city turn right. There is some work being done adjacent to the airport so you will have a short stretch on a road used by construction equipment which is really looking out for you.