The most beautiful cycling routes at the Belgian coast
The Belgian coast is a unique place to explore by bike. Along its flat yet varied landscapes, you’ll find quiet cycle paths, picturesque dunes, and charming seaside towns. Here you can unwind while also discovering a rich history and culture – with plenty of inviting terraces to pause and enjoy the view.
Fasten your helmet and set off to explore some of the most beautiful cycling routes along the Belgian coast.
Paul Delvaux & Hinterland Cycle Route (48 km)
Starting point: Strandlaan 177, Koksijde
Artist Paul Delvaux spent much of his life in Koksijde and Veurne. Follow his world via the cycle node network, learn more about his life in the coastal region, and visit remarkable attractions in the surrounding hinterland.
Top tip : After your ride, treat yourself to dinner at De Olijfboom in Veurne. “Lekkere Westen” Chef Jean Vandenberghe – a proud member of the Order of the 33 Master Chefs of Belgium – is committed to using high-quality local produce. Staples come directly from the farm, while the house-peeled prawns from Nieuwpoort and the smoked sprat fillets are officially recognised as local specialities.
With over 1,000 wines on the menu, The Olive Tree is a true haven for wine lovers. Be guided by the expertly curated wine list and enjoy perfect pairings with each dish. Silver cutlery, art-lined walls, and elegant furnishings create the perfect backdrop for a refined dining experience. It’s no surprise that De Olijfboom is listed in the Bib Gourmand, Gault Millau, and the Michelin Guide – and with good reason.
All information about this route can be found here . You can print the route map on the dekust.be website, download the GPX and select the best waypoints.
Groen Lint Oostende (31,4 km)
Starting point: Provincial domain Raversyde, Nieuwpoortsesteenweg 636, 8400 Raversijde (36.2 km)
The Groen Lint is a mostly car-free, signposted cycle route that loops around the surprising outskirts of Ostend. Discover 21st-century parks such as the Nieuwe Koers event park with the Astropolis observatory, the innovative agricultural park De Tuinen van Stene, and the Oosteroeverduinen with its scenic De Halve Maan viewpoint. Pedal through the Geuzenbos forest, along the Oostendse Kreken and the De Zwaanhoek nature reserve. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the transformation of the Oosteroever urban district and the revitalised seafront of the “City by the Sea”.
Top tip : Pause at the Wellington Racecourse , a piece of royal Ostend history. Named after the Duke of Wellington, the course was built in 1883 and has welcomed many international guests over the years, especially during the reign of Leopold II.
The racecourse is an iconic city landmark – look for the crown on the pavilion roof, once used by royal guests to watch the races.
In the summer months, you can enjoy live horse racing every Monday during Oostende Koerse.
Discover more about the sights and download the route here
Oudland cycle route (46.2 km)
Starting point: Tourism Bredene, Kapelstraat 76, Bredene
Over a thousand years ago, our coastline was made up of mudflats and salt marshes. It was only from the 10th century onwards that dykes, ditches, and canals were built to reclaim land from the sea. The first such area was the Oudlandpolder, which we explore in depth on this route. In the bird-rich Uitkerkse Polder, you can still catch a glimpse of what the landscape once looked like. Along the way, we pass through peaceful villages such as Houtave, where time seems to stand still.
Via Vlissegem and Klemskerke, we ride towards the coast, crossing the Paelsteenveld in Bredene – a unique area where the polders merge into the dunes. We then follow the edge of the Duinbossen towards the centre of De Haan, with its elegant Anglo-Norman style villas. This route offers a wonderful overview of the varied coastal landscape – from tranquil polder scenery and natural areas to the charm of historic seaside towns.
Top tip: Stop at the Vosseslag Lighthouse & Outlook Tower in De Haan. This striking landmark was transformed into a work of art by internationally renowned Belgian artist Guillaume Bijl. The installation features a captivating trompe-l’œil effect – an optical illusion that is a signature element in Bijl’s body of work. Today, it’s a true icon of the Belgian coast, offering a spectacular 360° panorama of the sea, the beach, and the surrounding dunes.
Ride with us on the Ouldland Cycle Route
The Hinterland of Bruges (20 km)
Starting point: Blankenbergse Dijk 91, Blankenberge
The Hinterland of Bruges is a hidden gem for cyclists who love variety and authenticity. From the rolling countryside around Tielt to the forests and castles around Zedelgem and Oostkamp, this cycling network totalling 930 km offers an ideal mix of nature, heritage and rural charm. You follow the node network along quiet roads, picturesque villages and historical sites, such as the castle of Loppem, Ten Putte Abbey and the Vloethemveld nature reserve. In our case, we opt for a short, accessible loop for the whole family.
Top tip: Between the lively seaside towns of Blankenberge and De Haan lies the centuries-old meadow landscape of the Uitkerkse Polder – an oasis of calm dotted with cattle drinking pools. Or perhaps not so calm after all? In winter, thousands of geese gather here, while spring brings the spectacular courtship displays of hundreds of meadow birds. Whatever the season, nature here will always surprise you.
At the visitor centre, you can learn all about West Flanders’ largest nature reserve. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a moment of peace – whether indoors in the café or outside on the picnic terrace beside the pond.
Hop on your bike and visit it Hinterland of Bruges
Bike in top shape = stress-free holiday
Strong legs and a bike in peak condition – that’s the recipe for 100% enjoyment on every ride. While you train and keep your muscles happy, we’ll make sure your bike is ready for anything.
Avoid flat tyres, squeaky brakes, and other holiday spoilers! Get your bike serviced at Cyclobility before you set off.
