hi to everybody, <BR>we're a couple who will take the month of August to visit the European mainland North Sea Region. We'll use the first 5 days or week visiting Brussel, Brugge, Ghent, Amsterdam (any ideas for day trips in North or South Holland, between Haarlem, Alkmaar, Utrecht and Rotterdam?). <BR>Next two weeks would be to visit, partially cycling, the rural Frisian areas in the Netherlands and Germany. Any ideas about that? Does anybody made the 11city-tour? Which are the best places in Friesland province-Netherlands (Harlingen? Sneek? Islands? Stavoren? Leeuwarden itself?)?. Crossing the border, has anybody visited East Frisia (Ostfriesland), which are worth a visit (Aurich, Emden, Saterland, Wilhemlshaven, Norden-Norddeich...). <BR>And going north, before reaching Nordfriesland (the same question, what should we visit: Friedrichstadt-Eiderstadt-Husum, Bredsted-Niebüll-Dagebüll, Sylt, Föhr-Amrum, the Halliguen...), which of these cities would you visit: Bremen, Hamburg or Lübeck (or any other maybe?). <BR>We'll use the last week of the travel to visit Denmark. <BR>Is it a good idea to take the ferry between Sylt and Röm and return from the dike to the border cycling? <BR>What would you recommend in Jutland (maybe Ribe in the South, Arhus-Alborg-Skagen in the North?)? <BR>And in Fyn and Zeland, appart of Odense and Copenhaguen? <BR>Thank you very much, and any of the answer to the thousands questions will obviously be welcomed.

We have been to Friesland a few years ago and we really loved it. I've never had the sensation of having so much air than in that region. We did not like Leeuwarden very much because it is a real city. But we were very charmed with Sneek, Stavoren, Franeker, etc. <BR>We have not cycled the 11 city tour which is 380 km long and too much for me, but we have been cycling on Ameland, one of the Dutch Wadden Eilanden. We plan to go back this July and do a cycling-island-hopping. We think of parking our car in Harlingen (mainland) and take the ferry to Terchelling. Then by bike/ferry to Vlieland, Ameland and maybe Schiermonnikoog. Then back by train to Harlingen. <BR>Holland is a great country for cyclists. They also offer all kind of arrangements. Take a look at the website of the Wadden tourist office: www.vvv-wadden.nl <BR> <BR>In Alkmaar there's a traditional cheese market every Friday from 10 to 12 am. There are also cheese markets in Edam (Wed. 10-12.30 am) and in Gouda (Thursd. 10-12.30 am). <BR> <BR>P.S. The chauvinist in me advises you to skip Brussels or Gent and choose for Antwerp instead. <BR>

it might be strong, but the 11 city tour is not much more than 200 km, so, it can be perfectly done in two days, although you should try to have some one or two more to visit quietlly. <BR>In East Frisia there are lots of cycling routes as well, try the "Friesienroute" or the "Friesische Mühlentour".

About the danish cities I would recommend Ribe very much. It is absolutely beautiful with the lovely dome, the old streets and the special light. You would not regret that. <BR>Apart from Ribe I would choose maybe Aarhus which is a very young city due to alle the educational institutions placed there. Lots of restaurants and cafes. But both Skagen with the art museum and Aalborg is very nice as well. <BR>Funen has one jewel namely a small province-town called Kerteminde. Placed at the sea with a lovely view. <BR>Reasonable and good lodging at Kerteminde vandrerhjem. A marine museum, and an artists home Johannes Larsens hus. <BR>If you love the seaside in Sjaelland I would recommend gilleleje or tisvildeleje. A bit touristy but still nice authentic fishing towns. <BR>You may also want to visit Roskilde that has a beautiful dome as well- or Humlebæk with the Lousiana comtemporary art museum. <BR> <BR>I know these things because I am danish. <BR> <BR>Best regards <BR>M

Not exactly in the region you specified, but The National Park De Hoge Veluwe is a very nice day-trip from Amsterdam. You can get free bikes to cycle around in the park. The park also has one of the best museums in Europe, the Kroller Muller Museum, which has many Van Goghs. Have a look at www.kmm.nl for details. <BR>

Have you thought about crossing the Oresund bridge? It'll be opened since next Saturday, 1st July, and although expensive -230 DKR-, MalMö is worth a visit.