Thematic cycling loops

Once a well-kept secret, these days the Westhoek’s name is known the world over, so much so that is has become a mecca for beer lovers from all four corners of the globe. In West Flanders (and especially in the Westhoek) 95% of all hops are grown in Belgium. Many breweries from the Westhoek therefore use some or all hops of Belgian origin. Explore the brand new beer routes and cycle along the hopfields and explore the world’s best beers and breweries. Along the way, information boards in the form of a beer bottle provide you with the necessary information about the places of interest.

And much more you can find on the Westtoer website.

The Golden Carolus route from Het Anker Brewery in Mechelen is popular with beer drinkers. The Golden Carolus route links the brewery on the edge of the beguinage with De Molenberg Whiskey distillery in Blaasveld. This circular cycle route combines age old monuments in the inner city with the lovely green and the peaceful river landscape of the Mechelen region. On the towpaths along the Dijle, Nete, Zenne or Rupel you can cycle blissfully along with no cars to disturb you. You can cycle past wonderful nature reserves including the Mechels Broek, the Zennegat and the Vrijbroek Park. You can stop off at Het Anker restaurant for a beer or choose a meal from the local cuisine. From stew to sorbet, the choice is yours...

Make sure you also discover the other routes, such as the Trappist route (Westmalle Trappist abbey) and the Landlopers route (only available in Dutch).

• WOI cycling routes
  

• The Gete Line cycle route is 69 km in length, although shorter routes can also be taken. The 25 information boards that you pass in Halen, Geetbets, Linter, Zoutleeuw and Tienen relate the wartime history of the beautiful surroundings. A number of these boards are not on the route itself, but signposts with a poppy show you where to go to find them, after which you can follow the same path back to the cycling route.
• 
  
• The Dijle Line cycle route is 91 km in length, although shorter routes can also be taken. The 29 information boards that you pass in Aarschot, Rotselaar, Haacht, Herent, Kampenhout and Boortmeerbeek detail the wartime history of the region. A number of these boards are not on the route itself, but signposts with a poppy show you where to go to find them, after which you can follow the same path back to the cycling route.
• 
  
• The Brabantse Kouters cycle route consists of three loops of 31, 40 and 45 km that contain many World War I sites. The 30 km cycling loop departs from Affligem, the 45 km one from Steenhuffel , and the 40 km loop starts in Kapelle-op-den-Bos. There are a total of 59 intriguing World War I locations to be visited on the cycle routes.

• Beer cycling routes
  

• Steer for beer – Geuzeroute – 38 km Country of the Geuze, the world-famous and unique beer of the Pajottenland and the Zenne valley. The route leads you through a green, hilly region, scattered with breweries where tradition and craft are still very important. You start at 3 Fonteinen Brewery and pass by the Oud Beersel Brewery and Geuze maker Hanssens Artisanaal. Between intersections 61 and 83 you can call in at the “De Lambiek” visitors’ centre for artisanal Lambic beers in Alsemberg, where you will discover the production process of this sublime and unique beer.

Read more about cycling in Flemish-Brabant.

Have you always wanted to have a go at cycling through water? Now you can do so without getting wet! At Domein Bokrijk, you can cycle right through the De Wijers lakes with the water reaching up to eye level on both sides. This is all part of the ‘Lakes and mining history’ route, which combines the very best of Hasselt and Genk. You’ll discover the region’s fascinating mining history and cycle through unique areas of natural beauty.

Between its source in France to its estuary in the Netherlands, the River Meuse meanders through Limburg’s Maasland region. Here you can follow the Meuse cycle route in two stages: from Maastricht to Maaseik and from Maaseik to Roermond.

Explore the Hoge Kempen National Park by bike with the help of the themed cycling map (available in Dutch only). With 61 cycle junctions and three themed ‘loops’, the park provides up to 242 kilometres of cycling pleasure!

Discover more routes in Limburg.