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 EV12 [The North Sea Cycle Route|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 numbered-node cycle 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:| Name | Description | Start & end points | Length | - | - |
| Nederlandse Kustroute | Dutch sections of the LF1 and LF10 form the Dutch section of EuroVelo 12, the North Sea Cycle Route. | Sluis - Bad Nieuweschans | 570 km | - | - |
| Maasfietsroute | LF3, LF12, | Maastricht - Hook of Holland | 430 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 Holland | 270 km LF6 and LF7. | 600 km | |
| Zuiderzeeroute | LF21, 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 | - | - |