by Margriet Lakemans, Sustainability Coordinator at Boat Bike Tours
An unexpected invitation
In the spring of 2025, Boat Bike Tours received a remarkable request: Would we be willing to provide bicycles for a tree-planting project? At first, the idea seemed a little vague. But our curiosity was sparked, and soon we were sitting down to learn more.
That’s when artist and project leader Bruno Doedens shared his bold vision: to cycle 5,000 kilometers (about 3,100 miles) through Europe with a very unusual setup – a bicycle pulling a trailer carrying a living tree. Along the way, he and his team would plant what he called “birthday forests,” giving people both hope and inspiration in uncertain times. Bruno showed us his book Bosk, about a previous project in 2022 where 12,000 trees were moved through the Dutch city of Leeuwarden. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious. We immediately said yes and supported the initiative with four e-bikes, cycling gear, and equipment.
A beginning in Leeuwarden
In April, we joined the festive start of the journey in Leeuwarden, a historic city in the north of the Netherlands. Together with the mayor, Bruno led the procession, riding at the front with his tree trailer, while a long line of cyclists followed behind. Just outside the city, the first twelve trees were planted. Planting one of them ourselves, and then standing hand in hand in a circle while singing together, was a moment of pure magic.
A journey across nine countries
Through the travel app Polarsteps, we were able to follow the team’s journey day by day. They rode through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, France, and Belgium before returning to the Netherlands.
They cycled through forests and farmland, along quiet village lanes and busy provincial roads, in rain and sunshine, battling headwinds and enjoying tailwinds, over hills and through mountain passes. Everywhere they went, they were met with joy: smiling faces, honking cars, thumbs up, and waving hands.
Because they left space for spontaneity, they experienced encounters and conversations that could never have been planned. By the end, nearly 5,000 birthday trees had been planted, beginning countless small forests across Europe. And no fewer than 90 mayors and city officials expressed enthusiasm for the idea of creating a Circle4Change community of municipalities.
Encounters along the way
In July, we offered, through our Italian partner Giro Libero, to give the bikes a maintenance check. Unfortunately, the route passed too far from our service point. But in September, we were able to connect in a very special way. Bruno and his team joined us in Bruges, Belgium, on board the Magnifique IV, one of our fleet’s premium ships, at the end of a tour from Amsterdam to Bruges. While our guests returned from their afternoon ride from Ghent, Bruno shared stories about the journey so far, about long-term thinking, and about the importance of acting responsibly for future generations. Of course, small saplings were also handed out! Our chef prepared an extra dinner so the Circle4Change team could join our 38 guests at the table. It was an evening full of inspiration, connection, and joy.
The grand finale in Friesland
When the journey returned to Friesland, the northern Dutch province where it all began, we were there once again. Riding out to meet the team, we pedaled through dramatic skies and strong headwinds across the wide-open Frisian landscape. We were deeply impressed by how the group handled obstacles with their unusual setup – a bike and trailer carrying a towering, upright tree. Low bridges, narrow paths, unexpected detours: each challenge was met with creativity, patience, and determination. By early evening, the procession reached the Oldehove, Leeuwarden’s leaning medieval tower, where Mayor Buma welcomed the team home. In the city’s Prinsentuin Park, Bruno reflected on each country visited, sharing moving stories from the road. The tree found its permanent place there, a living symbol of hope, unity, and the future. Guests and supporters were invited to take a sapling home. We did too – bringing one back to Amsterdam North, where it now grows beside the olive tree we planted in 2018, the year sustainability became a cornerstone of Boat Bike Tours.
Moving forward together
Looking back, we are proud to have played a part in this inspiring project. It showed us once again how bikes and trees can bring people together – creating movement, growth, and connection. Circle4Change has not only planted thousands of trees but also touched thousands of hearts.
Want to learn more about this extraordinary project and be inspired yourself?
Circle 4 Change