How do I plan a legal off-road motorcycle route in the Netherlands?

With Offroad Pilot you set a start and end point (or leave the end out for a loop); the route then automatically seeks out as much unpaved as possible. With the Adventure slider you choose how much longer than the direct line your route may be. The planner keeps protected nature (Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten) and military land out of your route by default. Always check the signs on the way, because the map is a tool, not a legal guarantee.

Green laning in the Netherlands: can you ride a motorcycle off-road?

Q: What is green laning?

Green laning is riding on unpaved, public roads (sand tracks, gravel and field lanes) instead of tarmac. For motorcyclists it is a calm, adventurous way to ride through the landscape on lanes that are legally accessible.

Off-road riding, or green laning, is popular among adventure and enduro riders in the Netherlands. But where is it actually allowed, which surfaces will you meet, and how do you plan a route that stays clear of protected nature and military areas? A practical guide.

In short: you may ride many unpaved public roads, but far from all of them. Protected nature and military areas are often closed. Map data is a tool, not a legal guarantee, so always check the signs on site. This article is general information, not legal advice.

What is green laning?

Green laning means riding on unpaved, public roads instead of tarmac: sand tracks, gravel roads, field lanes and forest tracks. For motorcyclists it is a calm, adventurous way to ride through the landscape, closer to nature, away from traffic. In the Netherlands people often simply call it "onverhard rijden" (unpaved riding) or off-road.

Where can you ride off-road in the Netherlands?

The main rule: whether you may ride an unpaved road depends on the road authority and the signage on site. A few common situations:

Public unpaved roads (sand and gravel roads without a closing sign) are usually open to motorcycles.
Forest tracks managed by Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten are very often closed to motorised traffic, even if a map shows them.
Military training areas are off-limits outside published opening times.
Private land and farm tracks may be closed or restricted to local traffic.

Important: OpenStreetMap and other maps do not always carry legally accurate access information. A track that looks "rideable" may in practice be closed. Always ride on sight and respect signs, barriers and closures.

Which surfaces will you meet?

The Netherlands has surprisingly much unpaved terrain, especially on the sandy soils. The surfaces you'll encounter:

Forest tracks: firm or loose forest soil, common on the Veluwe, in Drenthe and Brabant.
Gravel: semi-paved roads with gravel or crushed stone; comfortable and fast.
Sand: loose sand takes technique; typical on heathland and drift-sand areas.
Green lanes / field roads: unpaved public connections between villages and fields.

Planning a legal off-road route

With Offroad Pilot you deliberately plan a route over as much unpaved as possible, while protected nature (Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten) and military land stay out of your route by default:

Set a start and end point, or leave the destination out for a loop.
The route automatically seeks out as much unpaved as possible. With the Adventure slider you choose how much longer than the direct line your route may be.
See the percentage unpaved and the surface per segment.
Download the GPX (with surface data) for Calimoto, Kurviger, TomTom Rider, OsmAnd or Gaia GPS.

That gives you a route that seeks out the quiet, unpaved lanes instead of the tarmac, ideal for a day of green laning or a Trans Euro Trail (TET) style trip across the Netherlands. Keep following the signs on the way; the route is a tool, not a permit.

Plan your unpaved route →

Frequently asked questions

Can you ride a motorcycle on unpaved roads in the Netherlands?

It depends on the road authority and the signs on site. Many public sand and gravel roads are open, but many forest tracks managed by Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten and military areas are closed to motorcycles. Map data is not always legally accurate, so always check the local signs.

Is green laning the same as motocross or off-roading?

No. Green laning is about calm riding on legally accessible, unpaved public roads, not a motocross track or protected nature. It is a way to enjoy the landscape while respecting access rules and other users.

How do I keep my route out of protected nature and military areas?

Offroad Pilot keeps protected nature (Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten) and military or private land out of your route by default. Still check the signs on the way, as the map is a tool, not a legal guarantee.