The Dutch-speaking region of Belgium is packed with pretty cycling routes that, thanks to its relatively flat surfaces, are not too challenging. If you're wondering where to start, a survey of keen cyclists has now selected the top three.
Bicycles are baked into Belgium's DNA and the sport became even more popular during the pandemic. Furthermore, the number of recognised routes has risen, leading mobility organisation VAB to ask avid cyclists to vote on their favourite in Flanders, choosing from a list of ten routes.
So if you're overwhelmed by the options, here are the cycling highlights of Flanders.
Trappist route, Antwerp
By far the most popular cycling route with 37.7% of the votes, the Trappist route can be found in and around Malle in the province of Antwerp. The route, which can be followed for a distance of 44km or 30km, guides cyclists past two Kempen abbeys, a medieval castle estate, and provides unbeatable scenery in the Brechtse Heide nature reserve.
As the trail's name suggests, the region's iconic beers are in the spotlight: from cycling past the Westmalle Abbey where monks have been brewing their world-famous Trappist beer for 200 years to Our Lady of Nazareth Abbey, the home of the Trappist nuns.
Finish off on the loop at Café Trappisten to wind down with a well-earned beer.
Credit: VAB
Starting point: Café Trappisten, Antwerpsesteenweg 487, Malle. Find more information and download the route here.
Scheldt Castles Route, Antwerp
This fairytale route of almost 60km takes cyclists through history past picturesque villages, two ancient castles and several unique works of art housed in various key stopping points on the way. Large parts of the trail hug the banks of the Scheldt and its meandering water, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
The route's starting point – the Abbey of Bornem, well-known for its historic library dating back to 1872 and its walled abbey park – in itself is a highlight. Further on, the route winds into the heart of the Bornem polders, one of the few areas in Flanders to receive the "silence quality label": the only noises to break the peace and quiet are the sound of chirping birds and the splashing water.
Cycling along the Fort Liezele in Puurs-Sint-Amands. Credit: Tourism Scheldeland / David Samyn
Finally, catch your breath in Sint-Amands where the cycling path looks out over the most beautiful bend of the river Scheldt.
Starting point: Abbey of Bornem, Kloosterstraat 71, Bornem. Find more information and download the route here.
Mining trail, Limburg
Make sure you're fully fuelled for this final 61km tour which starts at the historic Mine Museum be-MINE in Beringen – one of the seven mines of the large Kempen coal basin in the 20th century. Most of the buildings have been protected as industrial heritage, giving visitors a unique insight into what a coal mine once looked like.
Credit: Visit Limburg
Not in the mood to hop off your bicycle for a visit? Don't worry, the route passes by mining rails and leads you through the old mining sites of Houthalen and Heusden-Zolder, as well as over the old coal track to the Albert Canal and a coal port.
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And it's not all concrete and steel: the course takes in the nature reserve of the valley of the Zwarte Beek and passes through forests and meadows, bringing cyclists back to the starting point.
Starting point: be-MINE, Koolmijnlaan 201, Beringen. Find more information and download the route here.
Find the complete ten most popular cycling routes, including the route through the treetops of Limburg's Bosland and the East Flanders route that involves a boat trip, here.
