For a bike ride in the Amsterdamse Bos, we suggest starting with the marked 14 km route from De Boswinkel. Entry to the forest is free; bike hire, food and booked activities are separate costs. You can cycle there yourself or travel to the main entrance and arrange a rental bike locally.
Checked on 12 September 2026. The retained 2024 image is illustrative. Its invitation to “our” tour does not establish a White Tulip guided ride or included bicycle hire. HOSTELAMSTERDAM applies to our accommodation offer.
A 14 km forest circuit, not a 14 km trip from the hostel
The forest’s official cycling and rental information describes a marked 14 km circuit starting and ending at De Boswinkel. It passes places such as Bloesempark and Vogeleiland. A route map is available at the visitor centre.
That distance covers the forest circuit only. If you ride from our hostel at Warmoesstraat 87, add the journey there and back. For a relaxed outing, our suggestion is to reserve an afternoon rather than squeeze the whole trip between two fixed appointments.
As a planning example, 14 km at an average moving speed of 10 km/h is 84 minutes of riding. A picnic, navigation and photo stops add time; this calculation is not an official tour duration or a promise about your pace. Choose a shorter ride if the weather, bike fit or your confidence makes the full loop less appealing.
Getting to the right starting point
The main entrance is near the Amstelveenseweg/Van Nijenrodeweg junction. Set your destination to De Boswinkel, Bosbaanweg 5, 1182 DA Amstelveen, rather than an unspecified point somewhere inside the forest.
Use 9292 for current public-transport directions from your departure point, or a cycle-route planner if riding all the way. We have removed the old metro 50/51 and bus 241 instructions because they were not verified as a current route from our hostel.
The Boswinkel’s own page lists opening on Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00. Its hours are separate from access to the forest. Call +31 20 251 7840 for visitor information.
September 2026 access note: the forest reports that work on the square outside De Boswinkel resumed on 1 September for roughly four weeks. Follow local signs and check the notice before choosing your meeting point.
Renting a bike at De Boshalte
De Boshalte is opposite the visitor centre at Bosbaanweg 1. The forest lists city bikes and tandems among the rental options. Its Dutch and English rental pages give different opening schedules, so confirm your intended collection and return times directly on De Boshalte’s website or by calling +31 20 644 5473.
Before committing, ask about the total hire price, deposit, lock, suitable bike size and any equipment you need. Check what happens if you return late. We have not verified a current rental price or a general free-cancellation policy, and bicycle hire is not included in your hostel booking.
Make the ride fit your day
- Choose one main activity: use the cycle loop as the core plan and treat other stops as optional.
- Pack for the conditions: bring water, a charged phone and a weather-appropriate layer. Check the bike’s brakes and fit before leaving the rental point.
- Use cycle paths: the forest lists 50 km of cycle paths; a path shown on a general walking map is not automatically a cycling route.
- Check facilities separately: a free forest visit does not mean every café, attraction or toilet is always open. The forest FAQ explains seasonal facility restrictions.
If you want a guided nature outing, check the forest’s current programme through De Boswinkel and confirm what you must bring. An old event listing does not establish a regular departure or included bike.
Your stay before and after the ride
Compare our room options and use HOSTELAMSTERDAM when booking with us through Cloudbeds. Review the offer and cancellation terms shown for your dates. If this is your departure day, arrange storage elsewhere: we do not provide luggage storage after checkout.
Earlier PDF and video
Our original Amsterdam Forest PDF brochure and video remain available. They include older transport advice and unsupported promises about expanded attractions, regular tours, hostel guides and supplied bikes or safety gear. Use the independent planning information above and confirm any paid activity directly with its operator.
