LF-routes


LF-Routes are long-distance cycling routes that form a network in the Netherlands and Belgium. The routes, criss-crossing both countries, are primarily intended for recreational multi-day bike tours, such as cycling holidays. Some routes are also part of a wider international network.
Most of the LF routes have been signposted in two directions, inscribing one direction with the letter "a", the other with the letter "b": the North Sea Route LF1 southbound from Den Helder to French Boulogne-sur-Mer is called LF1a, while in the other direction it is called LF1b.

History

In 1987, Dutch cyclists' organisations founded a "countrywide cycling platform" to create a network of long-distance cycling routes throughout the Netherlands. This platform published maps and guides and started signposting its routes in 1990.
Belgium introduced its first long-distance route, not yet called "LF" by that time, in 1964: it connected youth hostels and was therefore called Jeugdherbergenroute, which later became the LF50. Belgium signposted its first LF-route in 1990 as well and two years later, the GR organisation took over the planning of Belgian LF-routes.
At the maximum extent, both countries had created a network of 36 routes, of which 5 were only in Belgium, 15 in the Netherlands and 16 in both. Some routes also extend into France and Germany. However, due to the expansion of the cycle node network Belgium reduced its official network in 2012 and the Netherlands is doing the same between 2017 and 2021.

Routes

Tours from combined LF-Routes

Although a network like the Belgo-Dutch LF routes enable almost endless combinations of sections, a few themed routes have been officially established:
NameDescriptionStart & end pointsLength--
Nederlandse Kustroute Dutch sections of the LF1 and LF10 form the Dutch section of EuroVelo 12, the North Sea Cycle Route.Sluis - Bad Nieuweschans570 km--
Maasfietsroute LF3, LF12, Maastricht - Hoek van Holland430 km--
Rijnfietsroute Sections of the LF12, LF11, LF17, LF4 and LF3. It is part of EuroVelo 15 which takes you through Germany, France and Switzerland to the source of the River Rhine.Millingen - Hook of Holland270 km
LF6 and LF7.		600 km
ZuiderzeerouteLF21, LF22 and LF23 form the Zuiderzee Route 405 km--
Vlaanderen Fietsroute A round tour of the Flemish region, consisting of sections of the LF1, LF5,----
Ronde van Nederland A round tour of the Netherlands following sections of LF routes closest to the border: LF1, LF10, LF14, LF16, LF4, LF3, LF7, LF13.1300 km--
Rondje Twente Sections of the LF14, LF15 and LF8.175 km--