Kalmthoutse Heide – A Top Cycling Base

The area around the Kalmthoutse Heide was a popular cycling destination long before cycle tourism took off, home to the 57 km Heideroute, the oldest signed cycle route in Antwerp province. VOS Travel bases riders at Hotel Jerom, a family-run hotel 20 km from Antwerp and walking distance from Heide train station, known for its focus on organic, sustainable and local produce.

Rides make full use of the region's cycle node network, circling the Kalmthoutse Heide cross-border nature reserve with stops such as the Bee-keeping Museum and the heath's lookout tower. Cross-border routes also reach Bergen op Zoom via the scenic Oesterdam, the city of Antwerp, Zundert (Van Gogh's birthplace) and Westmalle's Trappist abbey.

Each riding day ends with dinner at the neighbouring tavern-restaurant, serving fresh, home-cooked dishes.

Highlights:

• Ride the historic Heideroute, the oldest signed cycle route in Antwerp province
• Explore the Kalmthoutse Heide cross-border nature reserve via the node network
• Visit the Bee-keeping Museum and the Kalmthoutse Heide lookout tower
• Cross-border rides to Bergen op Zoom via the Oesterdam
• Ride to Antwerp and to Van Gogh's birthplace, Zundert
• Visit Westmalle's Trappist abbey

Surface and terrain:
Rated Level 1 (easiest). Flat heathland and node-network cycling implied by the routes described.

Suitable for:
Recreational cyclists wanting a relaxed, nearby base-stay combining nature and culture.