Accessible cycling routes in Flanders

Hageland by bike
Cycling in Flanders is wonderful. The undulating and flat landscapes alternate with each other. You cycle through nature, past cosy spots and discover historic cities. Many of our cycling routes are suitable and enjoyable for everyone with an adapted bicycle or e-bike. We have put some tips together below for your next trip.

Everyone on a bike in Flemish Brabant

The 'Tourist routes for everyone' take you to the most beautiful spots in Flemish Brabant. Along valleys and orchards in Zoutleeuw, through a forested area to the Averbode Abbey, along the canal in Leuven, on the 'iron road' between Tienen and Diest or around Horst Castle. In short: from Brussels to Leuven, all of them are beautiful routes free of obstacles, ranging in length between 20 and 35 km. Be sure to stop at the Sven Nys Cycling Centre and immerse yourself in the world of cyclo-cross. Or go back a hundred years in time at the '14-'18 Experience Centre in the former Ursuline Convent.  

Kasteel van Horst

From accessible lodgings, cycling through Scheldeland and the Antwerp Kempen

In the Scheldeland (the Flemish region that stretches between Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent, with the Scheldt Valley National Park as the main attraction) and in the Antwerp Kempen, you can explore the region on an adapted bike. The 'Iedereen Fietst' routes in Brasschaat, Retie and Rijkevorsel all start from a place to stay that is accessible. You can choose the long route or a medium or short one. Along the way, you pass many sights of interest such as Postel Abbey, recreation domain Zilvermeer in Mol and the UNESCO-recognised Colony of Wortel. Tip: From mid-August to mid-September, Kalmthoutse Heide offers a colourful spectacle when the shrubs are in bloom and their leaves change to shades of lilac and darker colours. 

Abdij van Postel - Mol

Carefree cycling in East Flanders

In the province of East Flanders, which stretches around Ghent, we picked out three cycling tours that are fully suitable for people with a disability and with a passion for cycling. You can also count on adapted facilities so you can enjoy your bike ride as comfortably as possible. The 'Het Leen Cycling Route' (26.7 km) takes you along paved paths through the provincial domain of the same name, via Lembeek Forest and the Schipdonk Canal to the Lieve, Flanders' oldest canal. The family-friendly 'De Ceder Cycling Route' (16.1 km) gives you an instant holiday feeling along the picturesque River Lys between Deinze and Ghent. On the 'De Gavers Cycling Route' (13.3 km), the river Dender keeps you company for a long time through the peaceful natural landscape. Tip: Be sure to try the Geraardsbergen Mattentaart (curd cheese tart), a delicious speciality of this region. 

Mattentaart_-23 © Breandán Kearney of Belgian Smaak

A round on the bike in Limburg

It is a fact: the Belgian province of Limburg is a paradise for cyclists. But the 'Cycling through water' route (6 km) treats you to a very unique experience. Because, for more than 200 metres, you literally cycle 'through' the water. The cycle path takes you from one bank of the pond to the other and descends in such a way that, halfway through, you feel that you are 'in' the water but still remaining dry. It is the highlight of an accessible cycling route that also provides you with glimpses of the Bokrijk Open Air Museum in the distance. Also on your route: the Arboretum, an 18-hectare experience forest. The cycle path is always wide enough, contains no steep slopes and, thanks to the adapted facilities, you can begin your bike ride with peace of mind.  
 

‘Fietsen door het Water’ in Bokrijk © David Samyn

‘Iedereen Fietst’ in West Flanders

Four accessible cycling routes, with distances between 20 and 29 km, let you explore four very different regions of West Flanders. The accessible cycling route 'The Coast' (28.9 km) starts in Nieuwpoort and heads towards Diksmuide. Along the way, you learn more about the region's wartime past. The 'Westhoek' cycling route (20.9 km) also takes you past several WWI sites, but also introduces you to the surprising 'witches village' of Beselare. The 'Lys Region' cycling route (21.5 km) begins in Wielsbeke and runs through the green provincial domain Baliekouter and along the water of the Roeselare-Leie Canal. The 'Bruges Hinterland' cycling route (19.8 km) takes you from Blankenberge, past beautiful nature, to the picturesque village of Lissewege.  

230407_trip_reva_Brugge_0798

A cycling holiday along the Kempen route

Nine iconic cycle routes tie together the most beautiful parts of the Flemish landscape. Each route focuses on a central theme. The cycling routes are signposted in both directions, so you can choose where to start and finish.  
 

Approximately 90% of the Kempen Route (100 km) is easily accessible. Use the route map when planning your cycling holiday. By doing so, you can judge whether the remaining 10% is feasible for you or your party. You can also find the accessibility information regarding places to stay, restaurants, cafes, attractions, picnic spots and sanitary facilities. The document combines practical information about the available services and possible assistance: bike rental, luggage transport, insurance and breakdown assistance, as well as the buddy services.

Fietsen in Vlaanderen | icoonroutes

Need an adapted bike?

On www.gfietst.be there is an overview of all the locations in Flanders that lend, rent or share bikes. There are bikes in all shapes and sizes, suitable for visitors with or without a disability. At some locations, you can also call on a cycling buddy if cycling independently is more challenging for you. 
 

Plan your trip

Looking for inspiration for a trip? Do you like to rummage through possible holidays and day trips? Or are you specifically looking for accessible places to stay?

Transport in Flanders

Want to know more? The websites of our tourism partners will give you additional practical information. Would you prefer to read those pages in your own language? Use the translation option in your browser or use a free online translation tool. Happy reading and see you soon in Flanders!