The most beautiful cycling routes in West Flanders
West Flanders, the province where history, nature, and the sea come together. But also the province with many beautiful cycling routes. Enjoy the salty sea air as you cycle along the North Sea, soak up history in Flanders Fields. Or cycle through the peaceful polders towards Bruges city center. Be enchanted by its medieval charm and colorful dialect.
Tourist routes in West Flanders
1. Leie Region Route from Kortrijk to Deinze (± 35 km)
Starting point: Buda Island, Kortrijk
Terrace tip: De Waterhoek in Astene
Surface: well-maintained towpaths and rural roads
This picturesque bike ride follows the winding Leie from Kortrijk to Deinze, taking you through charming artists' villages and quiet rural roads. The route is perfect for both families and culture lovers. Along the way, you will cycle through bustling Kortrijk, known for its creative energy, and pass picturesque Machelen-aan-de-Leie, where the influence of the famous Leie painters can still be felt.
Sights along the way:
- Astense Sasbrug: stop here and watch how this iconic bridge is operated manually.
- Ferry across the Leie: an extra bit of adventure for those who love water.
- Museums and galleries: The route connects innovative Kortrijk with the picturesque villages around Deinze, where art and culture abound.
Route and info: Tourism Leiestreek
2. Heuvelland Route (± 52 km)
Starting point: Heuvelland, Toerisme Heuvelland, Sint-Laurentiusplein 1 or Mesen
Tourist information point Mesen, Markt 1 or Heuvelland, Sint-Petruskerk, Dikkebusstraat, 8958 Loker
Terrace tip: Monteberg or De Bralle café and restaurant
Surface: Paved, sometimes slightly uphill and downhill
This route takes you through the rolling West Flemish countryside, past vineyards, picturesque villages, and numerous memorials. The Kemmelberg, the highest hill in West Flanders, offers challenging slopes, but the view from the top is definitely worth the effort.
Places of interest along the way:
- Bayernwald in Wijtschate, where the Germans could see Ypres during the First World War
- the Sint-Niklaas tower in Mesen with panoramic views
- Belvédère on the Kemmelberg and the malt tower in Reningelst
Info and route: Visit West Flanders
Road cycling routes in West Flanders
Gent-Wevelgem in Flanders Fields (± 84.4 km)
750 meters of elevation gain
GPX & info: Tourism Heuvelland
This route follows the official course of the spring classic Gent-Wevelgem, a fixture on the international cycling calendar. You will conquer the legendary Kemmelberg —a formidable climb that has brought many a professional cyclist to a standstill—and cross the beautiful Heuvelland.
Along the way, you will ride your road bike over the historic plugstreets, unpaved strips that not only provide an extra challenge, but also pay a modest tribute to those who fell in the First World War. The combination of sporting challenge, impressive heritage, and the rolling West Flemish landscape makes this ride a unique and unforgettable experience.
Stopover: Café Boutique in Kemmel – a classic among popular cycling cafés. Here you can enjoy homemade picon and a wide range of local beers.
Off-road routes in West Flanders
The Gravel Trail – West Flanders (±70 km)
Start & finish: Bruges
GPX via Ride with GPS
This route crosses the Bruges Ommeland: flat as a billiard table, yet surprising. You ride along straight gravel tracks that take you past green forest edges where deer and roe deer graze in peace. Such a scene fits perfectly with the charming, picturesque atmosphere of the region. However, the flat roads here invite you to occasionally open up the throttle.
Golden tip for after the ride: Cavelia (Bruges)
Go for the wines & bites at Cavelia, in the heart of Bruges. Hostess Manon—herself an avid cyclist—will spoil your taste buds with a smile! Oh, and of course, in addition to worldly wines, you can also enjoy delicious coffee with a tasty pastry.
Have fun cycling!
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