The most beautiful cycling routes in Flemish Brabant

Tourist routes in Flemish Brabant

Plateau of Duisburg route (± 25 km)

Starting point: Parking Park, Keizerinnedreef, Tervuren
Terrace: Brewery De Kroon is the ideal pit stop
Surface: flat route, 86% paved, 14% unpaved

The Plateau of Duisburg route takes you through the hilly landscape of the Diest Kempen. This ride is a perfect mix of nature and culture, with a stop in picturesque Duisburg, known for its old farms and relaxed village charm in green surroundings. The path winds along quiet roads, historical sites and offers great views of the surrounding countryside.

Highlights along the way:

• The Sonian Forest, your gateway to the Brabant Forest National Park
• The Plateau of Duisburg nature reserve
• The quaint centre of Duisburg with its old farms

Route and info: Visit Vlaams-Brabant

Cycling routes on racing bikes in Flemish Brabant

1. Eddy Merckx route

70 km - ± 500 climbing

GPX & info: Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant

In Meensel-Kiezegem, the birthplace of cycling legend Eddy Merckx, a beautiful loop through the rolling Hageland begins. You’ll ride the same roads where a young Eddy pedalled his first kilometres on the racing bike – between orchards, vineyards, and sweeping views. Along the way, you’ll pass his birthplace on Tieltsestraat, where Merckx himself unveiled his statue in 2015, and the iconic Kasteel van Horst, a medieval gem that has overlooked the landscape for centuries.

Be prepared for short but sharp climbs that will set even a Flandrien’s legs on fire. Luckily, there are plenty of spots to catch your breath – whether with a glass of local wine or a visit to one of the many regional producers. A ride full of sporting nostalgia, natural beauty, and local character.

Stopover : Boerenhof in Meensel-Kiezegem, a cosy cycling pub with tributes to Merckx.

2. Flandrien loop (World Cup 2021)

66 or 126 km – up to 1110 m climbing

GPX & info: Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant

Experience the course of the 100th UCI Road World Championship (2021) as if you were riding in the peloton yourself. This demanding loop, starting at Leuven station, will challenge even the most seasoned Flandrien. Expect no mercy – climb, dig deep, fight, and keep going. That’s the spirit here. You’ll follow in the tracks of world champions over legendary climbs like the Moskesstraat in Terlanen, the Smeysberg in Huldenberg, the Bekestraat in Eizer, and the notorious S-bend in the heart of Overijse.

In 2021, Julian Alaphilippe claimed his second world title on this very course – now it’s your turn to see if you can cross the finish line in equally stylish fashion.

Stopover: Bar Stan in Leuven – trendy, cycling-minded, and perfect for a well-earned beer.

Off-road cycling routes in Flemish Brabant

1. Zennevallei Gravel - Vlaams-Brabant (±35 km)

Start & finish: Zemst
GPX via Komoot

A shorter route, but full of variety. Along the winding Zenne, through quiet villages and between rows of poplars, you’ll find gravel paths and hidden shortcuts – perfect for a quick evening spin or a laid-back Sunday morning ride.

Coffee stop: Het Gegeven Paard  (Zemst)
Small, charming, and conscious – local and sustainable through and through. Enjoy a delicious slow brew or a creamy cappuccino, often served with a homemade slice of cake on the side. And yes, your bike is welcome inside too.

Whichever route you choose, gravel riding in Belgium offers the best of both worlds: nature and coffee culture.

2; MTB route Meerdaal forest (± 31 km)

This vast forest south of Leuven offers plenty of challenge – with around 500 metres of elevation over just 31 kilometres. Pacing yourself on your mountain bike is key. Here, forest singletracks alternate with gravel roads, giving you the chance to catch your breath now and then.

Highlights:

• Wide forest roads and fast singletracks
• Plenty of shaded sections
• Perfectly signposted

Level: average
Starting point: Play Forest Everzwijnbad, Bierbeek

Tip: Combine the blue and green loops through the Meerdaal and Heverlee forests, and take a break at the ponds of Zoet Water or the Minnebron spring.

GPX and info can be found here.

View the video at Mountainbike.be

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