The best traffic-free bike rides around Ubbergen

Ubbergen and the surrounding Berg en Dal area offer a wide selection of routes for road cyclists looking to avoid traffic. You'll find nearly 200 routes, with a good mix of easy and moderate options to explore.

Unlike much of the famously flat Netherlands, the Berg en Dal region, which includes Ubbergen, is characterized by a distinct hilly topography. This means you'll encounter rolling hills, providing both climbs and descents, offering a more dynamic and challenging riding experience than typical Dutch routes. The name "Berg en Dal" itself, meaning "mountain and valley," perfectly describes the landscape.

Yes, there are plenty of options for easier rides. For example, the Waaldijk Between Bemmel and Lent – Waal Bridge, Nijmegen loop from Gendt is an easy route that covers just over 31 km with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed spin. Many routes also explore the scenic polders and floodplains, offering flatter sections.

You can expect a varied terrain. While some routes traverse the relatively flat polders and floodplains, such as the Ooijpolder and Gelderse Poort, many others will take you through the region's characteristic rolling hills and dense forests. This provides a mix of gentle gradients and more significant climbs, often rewarding you with panoramic views.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the hilly landscape of Berg en Dal provides several options. Routes like the Peeskesweg Climb – Buitenpolder Cycle Path loop from Nijmegen Lent offer over 100 km of riding with significant elevation gain, incorporating some of the area's notable climbs.

Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Ubbergen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This makes planning your ride convenient. For instance, the Waaldijk Between Bemmel and Lent – Gelderse Poort loop from Bemmel is a great circular option that explores the floodplains.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle through dense forests, along scenic polders, and past vineyards. The hilly terrain also offers numerous elevated viewpoints with panoramic vistas over the Rhine valley. Don't miss highlights like the Duivelsberg (Devil's Hill), which offers beautiful views, or the tranquil Oude Waal Nature Reserve.

Yes, the area around Ubbergen has historical significance. Cyclists can encounter remnants of the past, such as the foundations of a former Roman watchtower dating back to the 3rd century, hidden among the trees. You might also pass by the Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg, an interesting historical site.

Ubbergen is part of the larger Berg en Dal municipality, which is well-connected. The nearby city of Nijmegen serves as a major public transport hub with train and bus connections. From Nijmegen, local buses can take you to various starting points within the Berg en Dal area, making it feasible to reach many routes without a car.

Yes, parking is generally available in and around the villages within the Berg en Dal municipality, including Ubbergen. Many routes start from easily accessible locations, and you can often find public parking areas in village centers or near popular natural attractions. It's always a good idea to check specific starting points for detailed parking information.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) are generally the most pleasant for road cycling in Ubbergen. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are vibrant, with lush forests and blooming polders. The cooler temperatures of spring and autumn can be ideal for longer rides, while summer offers longer daylight hours.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.46 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique hilly terrain for the Netherlands, the quiet, well-maintained roads, and the beautiful natural scenery, including the dense forests and panoramic viewpoints over the Rhine valley. The variety of routes, from flat polder rides to challenging climbs, is also frequently highlighted.