Your next European summer adventure, Bikepacking.

We wanted to do something new in Europe. And so we went to the Netherlands on a bikepacking adventure despite not having any prior experience. The plan was simple: travel from north to south before the peak of summer. All we wanted to was a taste of what this lifestyle would be whilst experiencing dutch culture.
2 weeks turned into 4 weeks and I hope my video shows how beautiful The Netherlands can be.
🌍 Destination: Netherlands
📅 Duration: 4 weeks
🚲 Biking Distance: 500 km
🏕️ Accommodation: Camping
📷: Sony A7Sm3, 35mm Sony
Connect with my adventure further:
Instagram: / philsfilmsss
Tiktok: / philsfilmsss
What I use to Film:
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► Camera:
amzn.to/3PPHf1Z
► My Travel Drone:
amzn.to/3U1QVJs
► My travel small lens
amzn.to/3IZQGYK
► The everything lens (best for travel)
amzn.to/3vx7fZb
► My travel tripod:
amzn.to/3TWd1wJ
► Microphone:
amzn.to/49lZeny
► Gimbal:
amzn.to/49mKWTV
►Mic for voice overs:
amzn.to/4cI8JQQ
►BEST headphones for life:
amzn.to/4cz9uMh
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Where I get my Music
Artlistio: artlist.io
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Disclaimer:
This video and description contain affiliate links.
Any purchase made through the links helps support my adventures.
Thank you for watching!
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Timestamps:
00:00-01:05 Intro
01:06-01:43 Pre-departure
01:44-02:50 Stop 1:Groninger
02:51-04:14 Dutch culture
04:15-04:53 Leeuwarden
04:54-06:01 Stavoren
06:02-06:26 Enkhuizen
06:27-08:10 Thoughts on Bikepacking
08:11-09:22 Bergen aan Zee
09:23-10:52 The tourist pitstop
10:53-13:37 Simplicity
13:38-13:55 Nijmegen
13:56-16:49 Summer heat
16:50-17:28 Maastricht
17:29-17:59 Final thoughts
Disclaimer:
This video and description contain affiliate links.
Any purchase made through the links helps support my adventures.
Thank you for watching!a

[@renevaanhold]

I saw a lot of bikepacking in The Netherlands videos. This is absolutely the best one and it deserves much more views!

[@jasperbierhoff1481]

agreed, amazing camera work

[@philsfilms]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts- super motivating to see how the video comes across. If you did enjoy it, it always helps when people share it with their friends!

[@Greengate777]

I'm 10 minutes into this. One observation: this looks professionally made. You got a talent for editing.

[@philsfilms]

Thanks mate- much appreciated!

[@yvonnecampbell7036]

Cool, did I see Kessel?

[@tarquinmidwinter2056]

Advice to anyone planning to replicate this trip. Go the other way, have the prevailing winds behind you. (Lovely video, btw.)

[@philsfilms]

I'd actually say it worked in our favour! The start when we were heading north was the real problem but for most of the journey we were going with the wind!

[@paddyh1834]

You’re right. Best thing one can do is to start in Zeeland and finish in Groningen. At least when the wind is an issue for you.

[@jongvyn]

I'm 6 minutes into this and fully agree: professionally made and the scenes are perfectly edited. Bravo!

[@philsfilms]

Much appreciated!

[@PrinceWalacra]

Best travel vlog of the flat land of water and wind i’ve seen

[@philsfilms]

Thanks mate, very much appreciated

[@kayakerjer]

Great video, thanks for sharing! In 2023 I completed a 611-km loop from Haarlem around the Zuiderzee and then south to Bruges with my older brother. As Canadian retirees with serious health issues, we too worried about fatigue. So worked with Holland Bike Tours on a route that kept our distances down to 50-70km/day, had us staying in three-star and four-star hotels in beautiful traffic-free old towns, and used a luggage transfer service to carry our bags. Very different price point vs bike packing, but what an utterly amazing trip! We love everything about the Netherlands - the friendly people, the scenery your film captures so well, the cycling culture, the many thousands of kilometers of safe bike paths separated from traffic, the historic fortresses and castles, the pedestrianized waterfront promenades lined with cafes, the farmland, polders, canals, lakes, beaches, sand dunes, and on and on. Best cycling country on earth! After watching your video I can’t wait to get back…

[@philsfilms]

Wow it sounds like you had an incredible trip from Zuiderzee to Bruges with your brother! Amazing that despite your serious health issues you pushed on- not many people would put themselves in that position. And it sounds like it was worth it with what you saw. Happy my video sparked some of that joy and hopefully you get to do another trip like it! Thanks for taking the time to share :)

[@annehoog]

This one definately deserves more views, well made!

[@philsfilms]

Thank you Anne! Sharing it with your friends helps the video grow! 🎶

[@SlowLivingNetherlands]

Beautiful cinematography and story telling. Well done on completing the journey!

[@philsfilms]

Thank you!

[@tamar597]

Beautifully made. Gives me heimwee.

[@philsfilms]

Thank you!!

[@randolf666]

i live near Naarden in a village called Huizen, its nice to see people enjoy our beautifull country. you really made a great video, maybe one of the best in my opinion. i hope yopu have had a awesome time here in the Netherlands. and great pronounciation of goedemorgen BTW

[@philsfilms]

I love Naarden! Both my parents are Dutch which is how I can speak it hhaha but my partner Kirsty is Australian! We both had an incredible time in the Netherlands. Thanks for taking the time to comment! :)

[@marcelsux]

now why do i feel like i gotta do a bike trip now... such a great video!!

[@philsfilms]

That was the intent! Thanks for the kind words :)

[@dhananjaydeshmukh817]

I loved every single frame of this video, it's so calm, soothing, and satisfying 💙

[@philsfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it as much as I had making it!

[@simdal3088]

The wind is why we have strong long legs 🤣. Love the drone footage wel done. Greetings from Groningen.

[@philsfilms]

Hahaha spot on.

[@kasnaka]

Really nice footage and editing!

[@MrSeine2]

I like it when people enjoy the my country.

[@ce17ec]

This is made so well! And a different route then most bike travels trough the Netherlands, not only the obvious. So compliments for the quality of the video, the story and the route!

[@philsfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!!

[@swapnilislamarnnya2725]

this is the most beautiful thing i have seen, i was hopeless about my life and purpose. Now i have found my purpose thanks man❤

[@philsfilms]

Go and get it! Thanks for taking the time to comment :) Wish you all the best.

[@petersteinmeijer519]

Well, that was an easy fix.

[@daveharruk]

This looks really fun and very enjoyable. I wasn't expecting so much heat nor wind! Beautifully edited film which shows a good mix of the landscape,experiences and with just the right level of commentary,thanks!

[@philsfilms]

Thank you for the kinds words! Happy you enjoyed it!

[@Mrevolva]

this is so nice to watch, thank you

[@LaserProject-ep4vz]

10 / 10 The soundtrack reminded me of the Lord of the Rings movie

[@philsfilms]

I wish I could have used the Lord of the rings music!

[@carmenvdb28]

Your best one yet!!! Love this!!!!

[@philsfilms]

My number one supporter here 🍿

[@urbandiscount]

The best kind of cycling. And you did the Bep Glasius!

[@user-cr3fz8lz2i]

Awesome video! As someone else has already commented…I’ve also seen many videos on biking in the Netherlands and this one is one of the best. I will do this someday…soon!!!

[@philsfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it! Feel free to send it to others, helps with the reach! Thanks for leaving a kind comment :)

[@ohjajohh]

Great video! I can't wait for spring so the weather becomes better again for cycling

[@philsfilms]

Yes! I’m still reminiscing :)

[@petergilbert72]

The film’s pace and commentary somehow give this a timeless feel. A beautifully illustrated story book of an adventure and the grit it demands at times. Thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@philsfilms]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Ton1956Y]

Beautifully made, love it. 👍💪

[@philsfilms]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sacakusumaa]

This is so satisfying and cinematic to see your video

[@philsfilms]

Thank you!

[@GeoffMcDonald]

Great trip, Phil - especially love the drone shots.

[@philsfilms]

Cheers Geoff, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikesimpson4424]

Awesome trip thanks for making video

[@philsfilms]

My pleasure 😊

[@smalllicks]

amazing footage ....Thank You ... You people should be proud of yourself

[@philsfilms]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@frankam1317]

Wow this is great. Amazing video and so peaceful ❤❤❤❤

[@philsfilms]

Thank you! Happy you thought it was peaceful :)

[@ArjenHaayman]

beatifully filmed! Just curious? Are you Dutch? Because in the intro you say you want to experience Dutch culture? But later on you speak fluently Dutch? I'm confused

[@Benny_000]

I have the same question

[@philsfilms]

Yes very good question as I totally get the confusion! I am Dutch but I have lived overseas my whole life. So there are many parts of Dutch culture that I still haven't explored- which is why I say that :)

[@TimothyDavies1]

I rarely comment on anything. I wanted to drop a line to let you know I really enjoyed this film. You have a very peaceful style that is captivating to watch. One thing that stood out was the music selection. Great choices and taste.

[@philsfilms]

I appreciate you taking the time to comment. It really makes a difference reading a comment like this, so thank you greatly! I put a lot of effort into my music choice, sometimes it takes days to choose one... so I am happy it doesn't go unnoticed!

[@bruce.KAY-bike-drifter]

Heel moie. Great photography. We must go back to Nederaland.

[@jaapster1273]

Seeing this nicely edited vlog, makes me love my country even more.

[@philsfilms]

Happy to hear that!

[@munkhuush117]

Beautiful country and the people, nice video

[@philsfilms]

Yes they are!

[@braindump1446]

This was amazing! Thank you for sharing ;-)

[@philsfilms]

I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts!!

[@kaydesign]

Very Nice images. Compliments!

[@philsfilms]

Many thanks!

[@WhatIveSeenThere]

Gorgeous, I was there for a few moments. Thanks guys!

[@philsfilms]

How wonderful was it!

[@Nietzman]

Absolutely lovely cinematography you got there mate. Loved seeing the country through your eyes.

[@Nietzman]

And damnnnn it makes me yearn for summer.

[@philsfilms]

Thanks mate, appreciate the kind words! And how it makes me miss Dutch summer 🎶

[@uberbach]

Goedemorgen what a beautiful video!

[@philsfilms]

hahah! Thanks :)

[@FreedomOfSport]

Very well put together 👍.

[@philsfilms]

Thank you :)

[@Andy-sj2dv]

Thank you for this magnificent production, I was born in The Netherlands, our parents emigrated to Australia in 1951. I went back on a working holiday back in the 1960s and stayed quite a while, I loved it, but the biking infrastructure then wasn't as incredibly good as it is today. Thanks again for the great work.

[@philsfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for taking the time to share your journey.

[@sarthaksharma2225]

You are my new favorite vlogger

[@philsfilms]

why thank youuu! Happy you enjoy the videos!

[@Ilske]

Beautifull made!

[@philsfilms]

Thank you!

[@antoniorainho8898]

Great video, good shots and inspiring words. Congratulations

[@philsfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nickviney3236]

Thoroughly enjoyed that, the visuals pace and commentary. Cycled through (other areas of) the Netherlands, and parts of Belgium (cheating on the train in between), last autumn. Looks like there’s much more to see on another trip, and soon!

[@philsfilms]

Thanks for the kind words! Sounds like you had an epic trip as well, do you have photos on ur Insta?

[@bagus853]

It is entertaining to watch because of the super talented editing skills and yet simple narrative story. Gefeleciteerd. Goed gedaan.

[@philsfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words!

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Top video!

[@philsfilms]

Thanks!

[@yanderebunnyprincess]

OMG how do you not have many subsribers? Your vid is so crisp and clean!

[@philsfilms]

Thank you so much for the kind words! You can help by sharing the video! :)

[@geezers10]

Beautiful, soul touching. The constraints of comfort are not adventures friend. Well done.

[@philsfilms]

Well said!

[@sedathefarmer]

it's refreshing to see my own country trough this lens, very well done!

[@philsfilms]

Thank you for the kind words :)

[@Ann05]

Goedemorgen, prachtige reis! Bedankt hiervoor!

[@philsfilms]

Bedankt!

[@Alby_Torino]

Amazing job. Great shooting, great editing. Greetings from Italy

[@philsfilms]

Thanks for the kind words! Maybe Italy should be next on our list...hows it biking there?

[@Alby_Torino]

@@philsfilms We're building many tourist bikeways. You can search for: Bikeway del Mincio from Peschiera del Garda on Garda Lake to Mantova. Bikeway Vicenza - Padova Bikeway Treviso - Ostiglia Bikeway Jesolo - Cavallino just to name some. These are mainly in northern Italy. Besides these you can ride on secondary country roads with beautiful scenery and few cars. Just an example: (with English subs) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV7Rf4Ftrc6HjKM . Bike culture in strong only in some areas, only 30% of Italy is plain so riding in central Italy can be challenging, but I'm sure we're at the dawn of a new era ^_^

[@Incorruptus1]

It's a brave way to travel. Needing to have a time limit and bike packing is a thing. I would rather spend my time on the journey itself, than needing to focus on when to finish and where. Therefor my hat of, great journey done. Thank you for uploading.

[@philsfilms]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! A time limit does change the type of adventure but it is all the same in the end. It's not about the time but rather what you do with it what matters?

[@yellfire]

Love the color grading 🍭 🌈 🎨

[@philsfilms]

Thanks!

[@KaranOdedra]

Love the video. I hope I can do the bikepacking one day :)

[@philsfilms]

I hope you find the way!

[@barryvandertas2234]

You have been lucky with the weather!

[@philsfilms]

Extremely …

[@doornbosh]

Ah zo fijne film! Prachtig gemaakt! En ja wat een mooi land is het ook, leuk en inspirerend om te zien! Ik krijg zin om naar huis te gaan :D

[@philsfilms]

Thank you!!

[@eagerbob]

Nice one! The droneshots are awesome. I like that you brought bikes that the Dutch would use, rugged, comfortable and better suited to ride at an easy pace. Maybe that is why your trip took a little longer than planned, but all the better for it.

[@philsfilms]

Exactly correct. The bikes made the journey feel far more relaxed. We met many people who were doing the trip in a couple of days- which is also fine- but they seemed far more rushed to 'tick off all the things'...

[@raatroc]

If that at 1:10 is your garage, then that will be the cleanest en emptiest garage I've ever seen. Btw beautiful editing...

[@philsfilms]

Hahahah! Yes it’s a shared garage, and that was the main area. Thanks for kind words :)

[@jdj8168]

Beautiful video, I hope you guys got a quite a few beers in Maastricht, you deserve it after a trip like that

[@philsfilms]

Exactly!!! Was a good celebration to end with :)

[@gft01]

Wow man. could be a national-tv-quality movie. (Nederland dus). I did a bicycle trip last year via Hanze-steden en flevopolder. 2 different landscapes. but windy. Thanks for the video

[@philsfilms]

Thank you for the kind words! Got any videos on your bicycle trip? I’d love to see them, always looking for inspiration :)

[@gft01]

@philsfilms I got some pictures. I could make it a slideshow

[@wassimmahmoud7062]

As a cycling enthusiast, I appreciate the beautiful landscapes you captured! 🚵‍♀️ How do you stay motivated during long rides

[@philsfilms]

Thank you, the dutch landscape was so beautiful. We stayed motivated by always breaking down our big days through small manageable goals. This included stops at bakeries or sightseeing spots that made you focus on the journey and never the destination. Food was always the best motivator. Thanks for commenting!

[@badershahin4154]

very nice views 🎉

[@philsfilms]

Thank you very much!

[@hondaryder3779]

Je spreekt toch een aardig woordje Nederlands, maar toch niet bekend met de uitgestrektheid en winderigheid van het hoge Noorden, waar de zeewind ongeremd door obstakels de beste fietsers teistert. 💪wordt je❤van😁 Cinematisch hoogstandje👍👍

[@philsfilms]

Thank you taking the time to write this- and yes we only started our journey in spring. Can't imagine what winter must bring...

[@xShadowZ]

Prachtig geschoten film

[@philsfilms]

Thank you :)

[@ThomasHaagen]

Best Holland Cut Composition Movie dear Philip (: The Netherlands will love you, as I do now ;) #thnks4share ((:

[@philsfilms]

Thanks mate appreciate the kind words!!

[@TurboPepsi]

Beautiful short film. Loved watching it. I went into this thinking you guys are from the US but you must be at least a little bit Dutch to speak it that well? I was impressed.

[@philsfilms]

Yeah both my parents are dutch so I can speak it! I went to international school where I picked up the American accent :)

[@nixcereza]

jou filmmaking is zo goedt. het kleuren en editing is favoriet mijn! werkt zuper goedt!

[@philsfilms]

Thank you very much!

[@GordoGambler]

Beautiful trip for sure. I need to do Europe soon, I'm 70. My 3 bikes are like that too, with IGH. And all have 1 or 2 SA dyno/ drum brakes. I see you borrowed those bikes from parents. Nexus 3 or 7 speed? My last bike came with the 7i, wheels now in the closet. Too bad those roller brakes are absolute BOAT anchors. That's why you went up hills SLOW. LOL. My SA XL-RD5w is awesome, did near 46 mph several times. My 120 lbs loaded tour bike has a Rohloff14 that gets better every ride. First 4,200 mile trip was Vietnam/ China in 2014.

[@philsfilms]

Thats why we went up the hills so SLOW! Omg you can tell this was our first time bikepacking- so much to learn hahaha! Thank you for taking the time to share, you should go to Europe! Sounds like you got all the experience and knowledge to make it work. Wish you all the best on your travels!

[@briantyhy4880]

Nice video and very well produced. Great music and well structured presentation. I was wondering about your bikes, did you rent and what type of bikes did you use. The tent looks warm, what type of tent. thanks for posting. all the best on your next adventure.

[@philsfilms]

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Appreciate the kind words :) We actually just borrowed my parents bikes! Super heavy and would not recommend for bikepacking but we made do with what we had and thanks to the dutch cycling paths and flat landscape the bikes were not a problem. The tent we got off market place at it was north face tent but I wouldn't recommend it because it took up so much space. I'd go for a minimal setup and just invest in a good sleeping bag. Hope this helps!

[@briantyhy4880]

@@philsfilms thanks the bikes looks solid and well made. cheers

[@antoniaundurraga2149]

Hi! Thank you so much for your video!! It is beautiful!!! I'm doing a one month bikepacking trip with my kids in the Netherlands this year and I have to confess that your experience kind of scared me ;-( it seems quite hard, the wind and all! How many kilometers did you bike per day? I hope to be reassured by knowing that you did a lot more than what we plan to do ;-)

[@philsfilms]

Firstly thank you for taking the time to comment! To answer your question, YES, do it! It’s perfect for beginners, the wind is a challenge but the biking infrastructure makes it all very manageable. The Netherlands really isn’t that big, we only did 20km at the start and then once we hit halfway through our trip we picked up the distance doing max 40km in one day. We did so only because the summer heat was getting very intense, but we were happy taking our time at the start. We very much enjoyed the slow way of travelling and I can assure you the Netherlands is perfect for bikepacking.

[@antoniaundurraga2149]

@@philsfilms thanks for the encouragement 🙂

[@rmyikzelf5604]

8:51 I understand what you mean by it feels 'vast'. Funny how NL is one of the smaller countries in the world, and simultaneously one of the most densely populated in Europe, yet it's northern, southern, eastern and much of it's coastal regions still seem to breathe spaciousness.... that's all down to planning.

[@philsfilms]

Could not have put it better. Thanks for sharing ✨

[@PieterPatrick]

You've skipped the best past... the east. When will you come back? :-) Great video.

[@philsfilms]

Hahaha I’ll have to make this my next trip! Is that where you are from?

[@PieterPatrick]

@@philsfilms Yes, the region is called Twente.

[@henkoosterink8744]

Go in June, July or August. May can also be pretty cold sometimes.

[@philsfilms]

Agreed

[@jimgemelas4147]

Where did you rent the bicycles?

[@philsfilms]

We actually borrowed them off my parents! But I know you can easily rent bikes in the Netherlands

[@johnrobertd748]

You don't have to ride city to city, just stop when you're tired

[@philsfilms]

True that!

[@sarthaksharma2225]

Could you tell me the song at 6:15

[@Snayps]

Try to learn color grading, you have amazing vlog and it will be so much better! 🎉 Nice vlog again.

[@philsfilms]

Thanks for the tip! Got any recommendations on what captures your eye?

[@MarjoleinNoyceBellingaMobiel]

One of the ways people take the mick about the wind is the national championships "biking against the wind" when there is stormy weather (tegenwindfietsen): kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH7Mn6qcYtCFoqM

[@philsfilms]

This is something to try hahahah! Great way of turning something annoying into a challenge … humans

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

you missed the best parts, drenthe, overijssel, gelderland

[@philsfilms]

Will have to try next time!!

[@GordoGambler]

And Flevo Natuur. LOL.

[@reteipdevries]

Niets positiefs gehoord. Volgende keer in Maastricht beginnen. Heuvel af en !!!Wind Méé. Heb je ook minder te zeiken.

[@philsfilms]

I had a great time cycling! It's a shame you didn't feel my appreciation for this beautiful country.

[@jsb7975]

Happy the views you took (and not only the drone-views) are beautiful , really. It compensates your constant complaining. Maybe travelling between historic places (there are lots of them) and still encounter green area's would be a good idea. You got the talent to capture beauty in your photographic skills. And the editing is quite good ! The comments you make are a bit like 'yeah we know by now' and contradict all the beauty of this video. Be the artist, you seemingly are. Still : 🌹💕

[@philsfilms]

Interesting that was your interpretation from my video. It appears that my journey has left you thinking I had a negative experience when in reality I had a wonderful time. It was through the ups and downs that made the experience all the more worthwhile. I wonder if you made it to the end of my video where I reflect on this. Either way I appreciate you taking the time to watch it!

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

meadows without flowers or birds, the grass desert of criminal farmers who round-up everything..

[@loginpassword6436]

кемпинг в Голландии , как общественная баня . Никакой свободы и выбора . Но Голландия прекрасна

[@Jan.Folkersma]

I see beautiful images of The Netherlands, and beautiful young healty people on vacation. But I hear nothing but complaining. So I was not surprised to hear you speaking Dutch. It's a shame.

[@philsfilms]

The complaining made the journey all the richer

[@peterkuijt9368]

Hé wat een mooie video’s Mooi in beeld gebracht Heerlijk 🤤 fietsvakantie Echt een feest🎉 Wij doen het zelf ook graag Veel mooie avonturen toegewenst kzbin.info/www/bejne/f33agnaNh9adedksi=9cTbOR0hKhXm1FXz