The most beautiful cycling routes in East Flanders
East Flanders offers a diverse cycling experience and lots of beautiful cycling routes, from the historic city of Ghent to the peaceful nature of the Meetjesland. Cycle along the Scheldt, discover the charming villages and enjoy the greenery in the region around Lievegem and Wachtebeke. In this province, you mix the countryside with a rich history.
Tourist cycling routes in East Flanders
Scheldedijk route (± 43 km)
Starting point: Braid Museum De Zilverreiger, Scheldestraat 18, 2880 Bornem
Top terrace: De Veerman or De Notelaer (Sint-Amands)
Soil: towpath, relief flat, most of the northern loop car-free
This classic ride along the Scheldt embankments offers sweeping views, peaceful waterside roads, and charming river villages. It’s a serene ride that’s just as suited to romantic cyclists as it is to families. Cycle through picturesque villages and discover the rococo pavilion De Notelaer. A special bonus: ferry services! Scheldeland has 12 free ferries to carry you from shore to shore. Tip: take the ferry from Sint-Amands or Mariekerke to Moerzeke for stunning views from the water.
Highlights along the way:
- De Notelaer: a beautiful rococo pavilion on the River Scheldt
- Sint-Amands: birthplace of poet Emile Verhaeren
- Charming Scheldt villages and peaceful dike landscapes
- Ferry services: twelve ferries carrying cyclists across the Scheldt, ideal for a unique experience on the water
Route and info can be found here.
Cycling routes in East Flanders
Tour of Flanders
Starting point: Centre Ronde van Vlaanderen, Markt 43, 9700 Oudenaarde
Top terrace: Peloton Café at the CRVV
The Tour of Flanders is not only a high point for the pros – it’s also a must for cycling enthusiasts keen to explore the Flemish Ardennes. From the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen (CRVV), several loops set off, taking you over the iconic climbs and cobbled sections of the race.
Loops:
- Blue loop: 80.3 km - 799 climbing
- Red loop: 116 km - 1409 climbing
- Yellow loop: 115.5 km - 1626 climbing
Highlights:
- Iconic climbs such as the Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, and Koppenberg
- Challenging ascents and thrilling descents
- Stunning views over the Flemish Ardennes
- Option to customise your ride with different loops
Level: Rookie to advanced, depending on the chosen loop
Want to know more? Visit the official website of the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen for detailed route descriptions, GPX files and other useful information.
Off-road cycling routes in East Flanders - Gravel and MTB
1. MTB route Kluisbergen (± 29 km)
The Tour of Flabders is all well and good, but if you’re after something a little more challenging, head straight for the Kluisbos with the mountain bike or gravel bike . The Flemish Ardennes are known for their tough descents – but you’ll need to tackle some steep climbs first to earn them.
Too much power for one ride? Mix things up by linking with the blue loop in Zwalm or the red loop in Ronse for even more variety.
Highlights:
- Steep climbs and thrilling descents
- Wooded surroundings with stunning viewpoints
- Connections to other routes in the region (Ronse, Oudenaarde)
Level: rookie to advanced
Starting point: Kluisbergen sports hall
Tip: forgot something? No problem, our bike shop in Kluisbergen is nearby, always welcome!
GPX and info can be found here.
2. Gravel & Slopes - Flemish Ardennes (± 80 km)
Start & finish: Oudenaarde
GPX available via
RouteYou
The Flemish Ardennes are a paradise for those who enjoy a mix of unpaved tracks and rolling hills . This route winds between legendary cobbled climbs but mainly favours the peace and quiet of gravel roads and wooded lanes around Maarkedal, Ronse, and Kluisbergen.
Coffee stop: Peloton Café (Oudenaarde)
The go-to spot for cycling fans, right next to the Tour of Flanders Centre. Order a strong Coureur Espresso or choose from a range of “mattentaart”, rice cake, muffins, or the cake of the day. Cyclists are more than welcome here, and the terrace is perfect for post-ride chat in the sun. Take a photo and tag #coffeerideCRVV – you might just earn a spot on their feed.
Still looking for the right bike? We ’ ve got you covered! Welcome to our Cyclobility shops.
