Explore Belgium by Bike

Belgium, a country renowned for its chocolate, beer, and medieval towns, is also a paradise for cyclists. Its compact size, diverse landscapes, and well-marked cycling infrastructure make it an ideal destination for riders of all abilities. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely pedal through picturesque villages, a challenging ride up legendary hills, or a family-friendly day trip, Belgium offers a mosaic of cycling routes that showcase its natural beauty, historic splendour, and unique culture. This guide explores some of the best cycling routes of varying lengths and durations, describes their terrains and surfaces, highlights what to see along the way, and offers advice on the best time to visit.

Longer Routes: Multi-Day and Challenge Rides

Vennbahn: The Rail Trail Adventure

• Length & Duration: 125 km, typically 3–4 days for casual riders
• Terrain & Surface: Mostly flat or gentle gradients, asphalted rail-trail with some gravel segments
• Highlights: Cross-border journey (Germany–Belgium–Luxembourg), forests, valleys, old railway tunnels
• What to Expect: One of Europe’s longest rail trails, the Vennbahn takes you through the scenic High Fens, past historic border posts and charming villages. Expect tranquil forests, wildflower meadows, and the odd castle. The smooth surface suits touring bikes, e-bikes, and families with older children.

Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) Cyclo

• Length & Duration: Various options: 75 km, 140 km, 220 km; 1–2 days
• Terrain & Surface: Rolling hills, famous cobbled climbs (kasseien), rural roads, some sharp ascents
• Highlights: Legendary climbs like Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg, Flanders countryside, cycling heritage
• What to Expect: For strong cyclists, this route offers the true “Flandrien” experience—braving steep cobbled climbs amid cheering villages. The landscape is pastoral, punctuated by windmills and chapels. Many attempt the route in spring, just before or after the pro race; shorter versions are more accessible but still demanding.

Trans Ardennes Challenge

• Length & Duration: 150 km+, 2–3 days
• Terrain & Surface: Hilly to mountainous, quiet tarmac lanes and forest tracks
• Highlights: Deep forests, river valleys, panoramic lookouts, wildlife (deer, boar, raptors)
• What to Expect: The Belgian Ardennes offer a wilder, more remote cycling experience—expect longer, steeper climbs and thrilling descents through beech and pine forests. Pass through spa towns (like Spa and La Roche-en-Ardenne), discover WWII memorials, and look out for wild game along the way.

Shorter Routes

Bruges and the Green Belt (Brugse Ommeland)

• Length & Duration: 23 km, 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace
• Terrain & Surface: Flat, mostly asphalted cycle paths and country lanes
• Highlights: Medieval architecture, canals, windmills, and lush countryside
• What to Expect: Starting in the UNESCO-listed city of Bruges, this route quickly transports you into a serene, green world of meadows and small woodlands. You’ll see iconic windmills (like Sint-Janshuismolen), pass over charming bridges, and return to the city via tranquil watersides. The route is well-signposted and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Ghent City Circuit

• Length & Duration: 14 km, 1.5–2 hours
• Terrain & Surface: Urban, flat, paved cycle lanes and cobbled streets
• Highlights: Gravensteen Castle, medieval towers, vibrant street art, canals
• What to Expect: This city loop lets you discover Ghent’s medieval heart and modern vibrancy. Cruise past the imposing Gravensteen, the three towers of St. Bavo’s, St. Nicholas, and the Belfry, and stop at the bustling Vrijdagmarkt. Explore the city’s contemporary side in the Dok Noord district, famed for food and creativity.

Hoge Kempen National Park Loop

• Length & Duration: 30 km, 2–3 hours
• Terrain & Surface: Mostly flat, some gentle hills, paved and gravel paths through forest and heath
• Highlights: Panoramic heathlands, pine forests, ‘Cycling through the Trees’ experience
• What to Expect: This loop in Flanders’ only national park offers a peaceful ride through nature. Pedal past purple-glowing heath, climb gently to viewpoints, and enjoy the unique sensation of cycling high above the ground on the “fietsen door de bomen” (cycle path spiralling through treetops).

Meuse Valley (Dinant to Namur)

• Length & Duration: 34 km one way, 2–4 hours; extend as a return or continue further along the river
• Terrain & Surface: Predominantly flat, paved riverside cycle path (RAVeL network)
• Highlights: Limestone cliffs, citadels, picturesque river villages, Les Jardins d’Annevoie
• What to Expect: Glide along the Meuse as it winds past dramatic cliffs and ancient fortresses. Explore Dinant’s iconic saxophone bridge and crag-top citadel, pause at riverside cafés, and admire the gardens of Annevoie. The car-free RAVeL path ensures a safe and relaxing journey, with options to visit caves and castles en route.

Pajottenland and the Flemish Ardennes

• Length & Duration: 65 km, 4–6 hours
• Terrain & Surface: Rolling countryside, some challenging cobbled climbs, paved rural roads
• Highlights: Idyllic villages, traditional farms, rolling fields, and Trappist breweries
• What to Expect: Known as the “Tuscany of the North,” Pajottenland’s patchwork fields and meandering lanes invite exploration. Ride past hop fields, taste authentic lambic beer at a brewery, and enjoy panoramic views from gentle hills. A segment in the Flemish Ardennes offers famous short, steep climbs used in the Tour of Flanders.

De Kustroute (Belgian Coastal Route)

• Length & Duration: 85 km, 6–8 hours or multi-day with stops
• Terrain & Surface: Flat, mostly paved coastal cycle paths, some sandy stretches near dunes
• Highlights: North Sea beaches, art deco towns, dunes, nature reserves, seafood
• What to Expect: Linking the Dutch border to France, this route hugs Belgium’s sandy coastline. Enjoy sea views, visit the Belle Époque resort of De Haan, spot seabirds in Zwin Nature Park, and sample fresh mussels in Oostende. Strong sea breezes make the ride refreshing; some sections have minor sandy patches but are accessible to most bikes.

What to Expect: Infrastructure, Food, and Culture

Belgium is famous for its cycling-friendly infrastructure. The ‘knooppunten’ (node-point) network allows you to create your own route by connecting numbered junctions, while the RAVeL network offers long, signposted car-free paths. Bike rentals and e-bikes are widely available, especially in tourist regions.

Along the way, cyclists can indulge in local treats—think waffles in Brussels, beer in Bruges, or cheese in the Ardennes. Each region has its own character: Flemish Flanders is bustling and flat, while French-speaking Wallonia offers more hills and forests.
Expect to mingle with local riders, especially during weekends, and to encounter friendly cycling cafés and terrace bars.

When to Go: Seasonal Tips and Events

• Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming landscapes, and major cycling events like the Tour of Flanders. Ideal for most routes, though showers are possible.
• Summer (July–August): Warmest months with long daylight hours. Coastal and river routes are popular and lively, but some areas (like cities or the coast) can get busy.
• Autumn (September–October): Cooler temperatures, golden foliage especially in the Ardennes and Pajottenland. Harvest festivals and quieter trails.
• Winter (November–March): Only recommended for city routes or prepared cyclists. Some forest and rural routes can be muddy or icy, but Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels offer festive charm.

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Whether you’re meandering through medieval cities, tackling legendary cobbles, spinning along tranquil rivers, or climbing forested hills, Belgium offers a cycling adventure for every rider and season. Prepare for variable weather, embrace the local culture, and savour the freedom that two wheels bring as you explore this captivating country.