Netherlands' Island of Schiermonnikoog -
islands without cars

While Amsterdam is technically not an island, this watery canal filled city is arguably the epicenter of western bicycle culture. With more bicycles than people, Amsterdam's car-free ethos has been evolving for centuries. We caught up with two Americans playing a significant part in that evolution. Then we travel across the North Sea for a 45-minute ferry ride to the 9.9-mile car-free island of Schiermonnikoog. With only 900 residents, Schiermonnikoog is the least densely populated municipality in the Netherlands. There is one supermarket, one bakery, and an unblemished beach stretching for miles where the Frisian Islanders come to commune with nature and each other. Finally, we visit the tiny floating village of Geithoorn. Established as a settlement of peat harvesters, Geithoorn consists of a series of fairytale thatched 18th and l9th century farms and houses built on individual peat islands and connected by over 170 small bridges. Often called the Venice of the North, cars are not allowed and have to be parked outside of the village. And while a bike path has been added, most transport through the canals is done by boat.

Duration: 26 minutes and 46 seconds

Episode Number: 201

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About Islands Without Cars:

The unique new travel series ISLANDS WITHOUT CARS takes a rare and whimsical look at life without cars, buses or trains.

On small, remote and sparsely populated isles scattered throughout Europe, most of the inhabitants travel and transport goods by donkey, bicycle and other non-motorized vehicles.

It may seem like a bygone era, but for some, it is a modern reality.

The six-part series offers a fun and engaging look at the remote islands of Hydra (Greece), Sark (Channel Islands), Inish Meain (Ireland), the Aeolians (Italy), Zlarin and Krapanj (Croatia), and Porquerroles (France) through the eyes of a youthful and vibrant host.