The 6 most stunning cycling routes in Flanders

1. Around Postel Abbey (± 56 km)

Starting point : Postel Abbey, Abdijlaan 16, Mol or Ecocentrum De Goren, Postelsesteenweg 71, Mol
Top terrace tip: Pancake boat
Surface : Paved, 80% traffic-free

This scenic cycling route takes you through peaceful forests, alongside straight-as-an-arrow canals, and through the unique border region between Belgium and the Netherlands . As the name suggests, the route loops around the centuries-old Postel Abbey, a serene and historic site founded in 1140 by the Premonstratensians.

You can choose your own adventure:

• Go for the full 56 km circuit – ideal for a full day in the saddle
• Or opt for the shorter 27 km southern loop – perfect for a relaxed family outing

A highlight along the shorter route is a local favourite: the Pancake Boat in Dessel (junction 74), where you can stop for a sweet or savoury treat right by the water.

Highlights along the way:

• The iconic Sas4 viewing tower with sweeping views over the three-canal junction
• Postel Abbey, complete with herb garden and abbey shop
• The "Ronde Put" nature reserve, impressive locks, and historic Bailey Bridge
• The "Zilvermeer" marina – a perfect summer terrace stop

Route and info: Toerisme Mol

Photo: ( Visit Mol , z.d.)

2. Leie Region route from Kortrijk to Deinze (± 35 km)

Starting point : Buda Island, Kortrijk
Top terrace tip : The Waterhoek in Astene
Surface : Well-maintained towpaths and quiet country roads

This scenic ride follows the gentle curves of the River Leie from vibrant Kortrijk to picturesque Deinze, taking you through charming artists’ villages and rural roads . Ideal for families and art lovers, the route weaves through the creative heart of Kortrijk and continues past Machelen-aan-de-Leie, a village where the legacy of the famous Leie painters still lingers in the air.

Highlights along the way:

• Astene Sas Bridge: take a break and watch this manually operated bridge in action
• Leie ferry crossing: a fun detour for water lovers
• Museums and galleries: connect bustling Kortrijk with the art-filled villages near Deinze, where culture is always close by

Route and info: Toerisme Leiestreek

Photo: ( Cultuurregio Leie Schelde , 2025)

3. Plateau of Duisburg route (± 25 km)

Starting point : Parking Park, Keizerinnedreef, Tervuren
Top terrace tip : Brewery De Kroon is the ideal pit stop
Surface : Flat route - 86% paved, 14% unpaved

The Plateau of Duisburg route takes you through the rolling landscape of the Diest Kempen region , 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

Photo: ( Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden , z.d.)

4. Scheldedijk route (± 43 km)

Starting point : Braid Museum De Zilverreiger, Scheldestraat 18, 2880 Bornem
Top terrace tip : De Veerman or De Notelaer (Sint-Amands)
Surface : Towpaths and flat relief – most of the northern loop is 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: Toerisme Klein-Brabant

Photo: ( Toerisme Vlaanderen , z.d.)

5. Heuvelland route (± 52 km)

Starting point : Tourism Heuvelland, Sint-Laurentiusplein 1 or tourist information point Mesen, Markt 1 or Sint-Petruskerk, Dikkebusstraat, 8958 Loker
Top terrace tip : Monteberg or De Bralle, perfect spots to refuel with local flavour
Surface : Paved roads with occasional climbs and descents.

This scenic ride winds through the rolling hills of West Flanders, offering a beautiful mix of picturesque villages, vineyards, and numerous World War I memorial sites . The Kemmelberg is the highest hill in West Flanders. Its steep slopes may challenge your legs, but the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort.

Highlights along the way:

• Bayernwald in Wijtschate, a German trench site with views toward Ypres in World War I
• The Sint-Niklaas tower in Messines, with panoramic views
• Belvédère on the Kemmelberg and the malt tower in Reningelst

Info and route: Visit West-Vlaanderen

Photo: ( LangsVlaamseWegen, z.d.)

6. 'Cycling through the Trees' in Bosland National Park (± 36 km)

Starting point : Lommel, junction 272
Top terrace tip : Café De Bosrand
Surface : Paved paths, ideal for any bike

Cycle through the largest continuous forest area in Flanders , National Park Bosland. This route takes you through shady forests, open moorlands and vast grasslands. A particular highlight is cycling through the Tree Path, where you cycle among the tops of trees for a unique experience. Along the way, you'll pass the serene German Military Cemetery in Lommel.

Highlights along the way:

• Cycling through the Tree Path for a view from the treetops
• German Military Cemetery in Lommel
• The beautiful "Den Brand", with it's impressive country dunes

Did you know : you can also cycle this route virtually? Discover it here .

Info and route: Visit Limburg

Photo: ( Visit Limburg , z.d.)

These are our top picks for a fun-filled family ride on well-maintained trails. But stay tuned – our next batch of tips is for the sporty adventurers, with both road and off-road tours coming your way!

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