Bike holidays in Flanders - Visit Flanders
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Bike holidays
in Flanders
An ecological Flanders, a city Partners for
How to develop Cycling along the
discovery at trip trough your bike
a bike holiday node network
your own pace nature holiday
Content Content
Content Route 1 Route 2
Beer route Flemish
Masters route
I II
Read more Angle-Right
Flanders: Cycling in Read more Angle-Right
Craftsmanship Flanders along
at the heart of the node Route 3
Europe network:
Attractive, safe The Best of A compendium
Read more Angle-Right
and comfortable Flanders route of regional
cycling routes
Read more Angle-Right Read more Angle-Right
Read more Angle-Right
III Cycling holidays
IV
in Flanders: a
strong project B2B platform:
Practical, useful
Read more Angle-Right and inspiring
Read more Angle-Right
V Accessible
tourism VI Partner
overview
Read more Angle-Right Read more Angle-Right
2 3
I. Flanders: Craftsmanship at the heart of Europe
Flanders:
I Craftsmanship
at the heart of Flanders is a tale of impressive
Flemish people, ground-breaking
Europe craftsmanship, historic heritage,
astonishing landscapes and an
unparalleled gastronomic, drinking
and dining culture.
Angle-Right Art, heritage and the Flemish Masters
Angle-Right Flavourful Flanders
Angle-Right In Flanders Fields
Angle-Right A wide array of landscapes and monuments
5
I. Flanders: Craftsmanship at the heart of Europe I. Flanders: Craftsmanship at the heart of Europe
Art, heritage and the “In Flanders, we enjoy
Flemish Masters life and we love good
Flanders is able to draw on a centuries-old cultural food. You'll continue
heritage that is as rich as it is varied. Its host of
world-famous museums, galleries and art centres to experience that any
put this heritage on display, and special events time you’re in Flanders
are organised in its honour all year round. Able to
boast artists such as Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel for a bite to eat”.
the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens and James Ensor,
Chef Peter Goossens - Hof van Cleve
Flanders promises art lovers the time of their life
when they visit. There’s no better time to visit
Flanders and discover the Flemish Masters than
from 2021 to 2022, when the Royal Museum of
Fine Arts in Antwerp will be reopened, 450 years of
Bruegel's life and work will be celebrated, and the Flavourful Flanders
Ghent Altarpiece will be restored and returned to
With 97 restaurants listed with one or more
its home at St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent.
Michelin stars, Flanders is more densely packed
with first-class dining establishments than
Discover the Flemish Masters route most places in the world. There’s no doubt that
anyone interested in treating themselves to
a first-rate culinary experience is sure to find
what they are looking for in Flanders. That said,
Flanders also has an incredibly broad selection
for any budget: from chip stands or street food
to cafés and brasseries. In addition to chips and
chocolate, Flanders has a prolific, exuberant
and centuries-old beer tradition that is still very
much alive today. Experts adore Flemish beers
for their diversity, real taste and character.
Discover the Beer Route
6 7
I. Flanders: Craftsmanship at the heart of Europe I. Flanders: Craftsmanship at the heart of Europe
In Flanders Fields
For four years, Flanders also set the
dramatic stage for some of the bloodiest
battles of the First World War (1914-18).
To this day the landscape continues to
testify to this history of war. There are
hundreds of monuments and cemeteries
of tremendous historical significance to
people visiting from all corners of the
world. Visitors can visit any number of
different interactive museums. These
explain the various aspects of the conflict, A wide array of landscapes
such as the battles, what daily life was like, and monuments
and the consequences of war in general.
Golden fields of wheat, vast polders, dunes and sandy beaches
along the kilometre-long coast, with steep climbs in the
Flemish Ardennes or the purple moors of the Limburg Kempen:
it’s a feast of colour and texture for the eyes like no other.
Quiet areas, forests, lakes and winding rivers, and a landscape
punctuated with hidden abbeys, ancient castles, renowned
museums, cathedrals and churches. From picturesque villages
to the art cities of Flanders: there is something to do anywhere
you go in Flanders, where the landscape and monuments
shift from one to the other in just the blink of an eye. In a
nutshell, this means that providing your customers with an
unforgettable cycling experience is a job easily done. Send them
cycling through the water or the placid creeks of Meetjesland,
past impressive works of art and panoramic lookouts. Finish the
route off with historical monuments, a climb up a belfry or the
search for peace and quiet in one of the many nature reserves.
Discover the Best of Flanders route
8 9
I. Flanders: Craftsmanship at the heart of Europe I. Flanders: Craftsmanship at the heart of Europe
97 km
Bruges Antwerp
84
24 k
44 km
km
m
km
65
Ghent 66 km
Mechelen
32
km 54 km
Hasselt
Leuven
Brussels
Accessibility and transport
Flanders is at the heart of Europe. A host of air
and train connections are available in Brussels,
and European metropolises such as London, Paris,
Several city trips with nature Amsterdam or Berlin are nearby. The major Flemish
cities aren’t too far from each other and are easily
as the backdrop accessible by train, bus, car or bicycle. Flanders is a
pioneer in the area of cycle nodes and currently has
Mixing and matching trips to the major cities of
over 12,000 kilometres of signposted paths
Flanders to create a multi-day cycling trip is no trouble
at all. The distances between them aren’t too large and
nature offers a gorgeous backdrop along the way.
10 11
II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable
Cycling in Flanders
II along the node Cycling is more popular than ever
network: and the node network definitely has
something to do with that. Flanders
Attractive, safe and is the number-one pioneer in the area
of cycle nodes and currently has over
comfortable 12,000 kilometres of signposted paths.
Angle-Right A Flemish first and the craftsmanship behind it
Angle-Right Simple and ingenious
Angle-Right Infinite variation
Angle-Right Flexible and easy
Angle-Right Safe and reliable
Angle-Right And so much more
12 13
II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable
“Flanders is currently
one of the most
popular cycling
regions in Europe:
there are over 10
million trips made
along the cycle nodes.”
A Flemish first and
the craftsmanship
behind it
The concept of 'cycle nodes' was invented
by the Limburg mining engineer Hugo
Bollen. Initially, nodes ensured that miners
could find their way underground in the
coal mines. In 1995 the same principle was
applied above ground in Limburg, and that
was how the first cycling network was
born. Other provinces followed suit and
today the high-quality network of cycle
nodes has made the whole of Flanders
easily accessible. This example of ground-
breaking craftsmanship has not gone
unnoticed in neighbouring countries, and
as a result similar networks can be found › Youtube video in EN with an
criss-crossing all of Europe. explanation of cycle nodes
14 15
II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable
Simple and ingenious Infinite variation
The loveliest and safest routes have been delineated and The variation is unprecedented: from the flat Kempen
the places where two bike paths cross, forms a node. Each with its beautiful towns and canals, to the rugged
node has a number and along the routes there are signs Flemish Ardennes and the beautiful coast.
pointing to the next node. The entire network is clearly You can take long rides through vast forests, with
signposted in both directions. All signs are at eye level and pleasant stops along the way at a Trappist abbey or
at fixed distances from each intersection; the same sign is a castle, or perhaps go cycling through cities with
also posted again after each intersection. museums to visit or cafés with outdoor terraces where
you can enjoy a nice meal or simply savour a glass of
something nice. Or maybe you would prefer cycling by
the picturesque villages and beautiful river landscapes:
it's all possible in Flanders.
Flexible and easy
The major advantage of this system
is that as a cyclist you can lengthen
or shorten your route depending on
the circumstances. Depending on the
weather, time, physical condition or
travel group, adjustments can still be
made along the way based on the
clear node system.
16 17
II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable
Safe and reliable Traffic rules and safety
The cycling routes within the network As a cyclist you are seen as a vulnerable road user
have been carefully arranged, which also in Flanders, which also means that you benefit from
means that the safest bike paths in the additional protection by the law. However, there are also
most beautiful regions of Flanders have a number of traffic rules that have to be followed, and
been selected. The network is regularly customers who bring their own bicycles with them must meet
maintained and updated, so that you the following requirements, among others:
can always guarantee your customers
the best routes along the most beautiful
-- A working bell
areas of Flanders.
-- Good front and rear brakes - one brake is
sufficient for children's bikes
-- A white or yellow light at the front and a red
light at the back
-- A white front reflector and a red rear reflector
-- Reflectors on the pedals
-- Reflectors in the wheels or tyres with a reflective side
-- Children's bikes, racing bikes and mountain
bikes do not need to be equipped with lights or
reflectors unless ridden in the dark
Even if it is not compulsory, wearing a helmet or a fluorescent
vest only serves to improve safety, especially where children
are concerned.
Special rules also apply to groups.
> Read more about the traffic rules and safe cycling in Flanders
18 19II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable II. Cycling in Flanders along the node network: Attractive, safe and comfortable
And so much more
In addition to the routes along the node
network there are all kinds of other routes
in Flanders, such as the country-wide
cycling routes or long-distance cycling
routes (LF routes). There are loop-shaped
themed routes, cycle highways, or short
and long routes along green spaces,
villages, and cities.
Discover the regional routes
Chevron-up Beer route
Theme and inspirational routes
Discover our three theme and inspirational routes,
each of which has been created entirely based on
the cycle node network.
Angle-Right Discover the Beer route
Angle-Right Discover the Flemish Masters route
Angle-Right Discover the Best of Flanders route
Chevron-up Flemish Masters route Chevron-up Best of Flanders route
20 21III. Cycling holidays in Flanders: a strong project
Cycling holidays in In 2017 the project to promote Flanders as a
III Flanders: a strong multi-day cycling holiday destination abroad
was launched. The five Flemish provincial
project tourist organisations and VISITFLANDERS
joined forces to develop an even stronger
and more varied range: not just for domestic
recreational cyclists, but for those from abroad
as well.
Serious cooperation between the public
Angle-Right and private sectors
Angle-Right The best bike service for bicycle tourists
The most beautiful Flemish routes along
Angle-Right the node network
Angle-Right Pictures for your biking holidays
Angle-Right Inspiration and examples of routes
22 23III. Cycling holidays in Flanders: a strong project III. Cycling holidays in Flanders: a strong project
1 . Serious cooperation
between the public and
private sectors
The project is supported by the over 1,600 partners
involved and an additional 400 stakeholders. This
means that you, as a Flanders cycling holiday
organiser, are able to rely on a solid professional
network which includes:
-- All five Flemish provincial tourist organisations
-- The Flemish Art Cities
-- VISITFLANDERS
--
--
The Association of Flemish Provinces
Travel agencies and tour operators
2 . The best bike service
-- Cycling route platforms and travel writers for bicycle tourists
-- Bicycle service companies (luggage transport,
bicycle rental, insurance companies, bicycle Trade and consumer needs were identified based
transport companies, innovative bicycle repair on advice from panels of experts and in-depth
companies, etc.) interviews. Innovative companies and cycling
-- Tourist enterprises (accommodation, hotels, experts worked together to develop a sustainable
campsites, breweries, museums, attractions, etc.) and updated range of products, with additional
focus on, among other things:
-- Rental of comfortable, modern bikes
-- Efficient baggage transport
-- Bicycle repair
-- Bicycle insurance
-- Custom catering for bicycle tourists
› Discover all partners here
24 25III. Cycling holidays in Flanders: a strong project III. Cycling holidays in Flanders: a strong project
3 . The most beautiful Flemish 5 . Inspiration and
routes along the node network examples of routes
As a professional, you have the option of choosing from A brand new digital platform has been created as
over 12,000 km of signposted paths along the most beautiful part of the 'Cycling Holidays in Flanders' project. On
landscapes, picturesque villages and art cities that Flanders this B2B website you will find all the information,
has to offer. The safest, most beautiful routes for your contacts and inspiration you need to assemble the
customers have been carefully arranged based on the finest cycling routes and packages for your customers.
principle behind the cycle nodes:
› Read more about the B2B inspiration platform
-- Attractive
-- Safe
-- Reliable
-- Comfortable
-- Flexible
-- Experience-rich
› Read more about Cycling in Flanders along
the node network
4 . Pictures for your biking
holidays in Flanders
As part of the promotional campaign of Flanders as a new
top biking holidays destination, we have established a
database of pictures. These pictures give a good overview
of recreational cycling in Flanders. You can use these
pictures freely for the development of your biking holidays
in Flanders. Find all pictures on the B2B platform.
26 27III. Cycling holidays in Flanders: a strong project III. Cycling holidays in Flanders: a strong project
Timeline B2B 4 PILARS
Over the course of three years (2017-2019) the five Sectoral event 2017 2019≤
Provincial Tourist Organisations will work in close Best of Flanders and
concert with all cycling holiday specialists, tourist Flemish Masters
offices and holiday travel agents, joining forces to Product Trade
Sector incorporation Start services Image development Marketing
put multi-day cycling holidays in Flanders on the B2B platform
international map. The end result is a varied range, launch
more bicycle tourists and an image that solidly
promotes Flanders as a cycling holiday destination. Sectoral event
1 2 3 4
Holiday makers
Kick off Event Beer Route
Holiday makers
Expert panel 1 Services Event event Start Campaign NL/BE Closing event
Expert panel 2 Workshop and FAM trip
2017 2018 2019
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Innovative Business models for service partners Awareness Holiday makers cycling campaign
Creation of inspirational routes NL/BE TRADE: update offer
Set up B2B platform Creation Digital Trade Brochure
B2B Photography National and Foreign Product Trade Marketing
28 29IV. B2B platform: Practical, useful and inspiring
B2B platform:
IV Practical, useful The building blocks for putting a multi-day
and inspiring Flemish cycling holiday together can all be
found on the Cycling Holidays in Flanders
B2B platform. The platform has been specially
designed for anyone interested in developing
the best cycling holidays for their customers.
Angle-Right Infinite possibilities
Angle-Right Routes and useful addresses
Angle-Right Bicycle-friendly accommodations
Angle-Right Free content to spark your imagination
Are you interested in finding out how the
Angle-Right B2B platform works?
Angle-Right 3 themed routes
30 31IV. B2B platform: Practical, useful and inspiring IV. B2B platform: Practical, useful and inspiring
Routes and useful
addresses
The platform doesn’t just provide you
with breath-taking, inspirational routes,
but also has handy lists of addresses for
accommodations, attractions, sightseeing
must-sees and a variety of service partners
that can round out your cycling package.
Infinite possibilities Bicycle-friendly
Mix and match building blocks or themes
accommodations
and then update your cycling holiday
Accommodations were chosen along
range with tourist attractions, gorgeous
the different routes based on their close
bike paths and reliable service partners.
proximity to nodes, bike-friendly offer,
Each route is based on the bicycle-
sufficient capacity and excellent quality.
friendly cycle node network.
They are all listed on the B2B platform, and
what's more, we also provide you with
some great ideas later on in the magazine.
32 33IV. B2B platform: Practical, useful and inspiring IV. B2B platform: Practical, useful and inspiring
Free content to spark
your imagination
All information on the platform, to include texts
and photos are free to use, subject to notice of
copyright. That means you can work out your
favourite routes for your brochure, flyer or website
quickly and easily. You can select the content you
want and download it for free.
Are you interested in finding out how
the B2B platform works?
Cycling holidays in Flanders
B2B platform:
-- Tourist attractions
-- 3 themed routes
-- The best bike paths
-- The most captivating views
-- Bicycle-friendly accommodations
-- Reliable service partners
-- Texts and pictures for promotional use, etc.
> Get started with it yourself!
34 35IV. B2B platform: Practical, useful and inspiring IV. B2B platform: Practical, useful and inspiring
3 themed routes Beer route Flemish Masters route The Best of Flanders
Route
The selection goes beyond Introduce your customers to 2021 - 2022 is the ideal time to
provincial borders and a beer culture that has been (re)discover the Flemish Masters. Create a route that passes by
is divided up into three declared Unesco World Herita- The programme includes: the unique activities just for cyclists
themes: Beer, the Flemish ge. Are you ready to bike your grand reopening of the Royal as well as other Flemish sites.
Masters and the Best way through the best beer Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp Send your customers cycling
of Flanders. Click the country in the world? Yes? (KMSKA), 450 years of Bruegel, through the water, past im-
building blocks, create a Then you’ll be cycling through and the restoration and return pressive works of art and up to
route, and download it for golden fields of grain, past hi- of the Ghent Altarpiece to St panoramic lookouts.
your own use. dden abbeys and right beside Bavo's Cathedral.
unforgettable breweries.
> Read more about the > Read more about the Best
> Read more about the Flemish Masters route of Flanders Route
Beer route > Create your own Flemish > Create your own Best of
> Build your own Beer route Masters Route Flanders Route
36 37ROUTE 1: Beer route
ROUTE
Beer route
1 This route, created especially for beer aficionados,
will provide you with all the inspiration, tools
and building blocks you need to put together
cycling holidays that pass by the most noteworthy
highlights of the centuries-old beer tradition in
Flanders, which was listed as UNESCO intangible
cultural heritage in 2016.
Angle-Right En route to the heart of the craft
Angle-Right Beer museums and interactive experience centres
Angle-Right Take time to savour the flavours
Angle-Right Colourful festivals
Angle-Right Map
Click on the highlight for the website or on the icon next to
38 the highlight for practical info on the B2B platform.” 39ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
What really makes this a
sensational cycling route for true
beer lovers are the breweries, En route to the heart of
beer museums, beer pubs and the craft
restaurants located near cycle A visit to any one of the hundred-plus breweries in
nodes in the most splendid tourist Flanders will provide your customers with a unique
insight into the centuries-old Flemish beer tradition,
areas of the various provinces while at the same time giving them a chance to
taste exceptional, world-class beers. Along the way,
they'll get the opportunity to learn about both
authentic and contemporary brewing processes.
1 The Westvleteren brewery is tied to the Saint Sixtus
Abbey of Westvleteren , where Trappist beer has
been brewed since 1839. In the café just a stone’s throw
away from the abbey, visitors discover why it has been
voted the best beer in the world three times by the
American, ratebeer.com.
2 In addition to the Gruut City Brewery in the heart
of Ghent, Huyghe Brewery , on the outskirts of the
city, also garners considerable attention, and not least
because it is home to the internationally acclaimed
pink elephant!
3
For a different experience, the beer city of Oudenaarde
indulges its visitors with the typical brown beers and
Chevron-up Huyghe Brewery, Ghent Chevron-up Brewery Liefmans, Oudenaarde kriek lambics to be found in the Roman , Liefmans ,
Cnudde and Smisje . breweries. The beer tradition
dates all the way back to the 14th century.
40 41ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
Chevron-up Abbey of Westmalle
The Abbey of Westmalle was elevated to the status
4 of abbey of the The Order of Cistercians of the Strict
Observance (its followers known as Trappists) in 1836.
The brewery and abbey themselves cannot be visited,
but you can enjoy a delicious Trippel, Double or Triptrap
in the nearby Café Trappisten. Chevron-up Brewery Wilderen
5 Careful watch is kept over the speciality beers that
are conceived, brewed and consumed at De Kroon
Brewery in Neerijse. The De Kroon Brewery takes a
holistic approach to the brewery’s activities, focussing
especially on the artisan craft of brewing and taste
experience. Pater familias, Freddy Delvaux, is considered
Belgium's leading taste expert when it comes to beer.
6
In Wilderen, the old brewery has been fully restored and
the contemporary architectural design creates a pleasant
tension between the monument of the old distillery and
the brewery’s contemporary build. Chevron-up Brewery De Kroon
42 43ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
Anyone interested in a taste of Flemish red ale should visit the Chevron-Down Brewery Het Anker, Mechelen
7 Rodenbach brewery in Roeselare. Rodenbach is a certified
regional product, with its recipe dating all the way back to the
Middle Ages. Only the southern part of West Flanders brews this
one-of-a-kind beer.
Chevron-Down Brewery Rodenbach, Roeselare
Family brewery, Het Anker , has been brewing beer for
five generations in the Groot Begijnhof (Great Beguinage) in
8 Mechelen. In addition to the brewery itself, they also have a
brasserie, hotel and whisky distillery.
In the little village of Lot, not far from Beersel, the history of
the 3 Fonteinen Brewery dates back to the close of the 19th
century, in 1887. The brewery is famous for its traditional lambic
9 beers and its geuze distillery. At the lambik-O-droom, you can
stop by for a delicious glass of Lambik, geuze or kriek. For even
more depth of flavour, there are also vintage bottles available
for purchase.
However, the breweries
listed above are in no
way the only ones in
Tip:
Flanders. All of Flanders is Group tours can only be
punctuated by a host of arranged after acquiring
different breweries, each the brewery's permission
laying claim to its own in advance. We recommend
unique character and style. booking at the earliest
They run the gamut from opportunity to ensure that
small family businesses to the tour takes place on the
large modern breweries. day you had in mind.
Chevron-up Brewery 3 Fonteinen, Beersel
44 45ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
Beer museums and interactive Chevron-Down City brewery De Koninck
experience centres
Anyone looking to steep themselves in beer culture has the option
1 of visiting any one of the many museums and interactive experience
Chevron-Down Bocholter brewery museum
centres in Flanders. One such example is Antwerp's city brewery,
De Koninck , where the interactive process and innovative
approach help immerse visitors in the history of Antwerp's beer and
give them an intimate look at how local beers are brewed.
The Bocholter brewery museum in Limburg - Europe's largest
2 brewery museum - provides unique insight into the art of brewing
beer throughout the history of the Industrial Revolution, from 1758 to
the present day.
At VBDCK VBDCK in Tielrode visitors discover how scientists were
3 able to take the old yeast from two neglected old bottles of Kerelbier
from the former brewery and breathe life back into it. That would
make it possible for them to later also kick start the brewing process
back up again for the original, sour kriek.
And at the Bruges Beer Museum all of the senses are awakened,
4 taking the visitor on a fantastic journey of discovery through every
Chevron-up VBDCK
captivating aspect of beer there is. The museum takes a holistic
approach, with beer's history, brewing processes, types, Trappists and
food pairing all playing a key role.
› Discover here a couple of bike friendly
lodging near the Beer Route Chevron-up Bruges Beer Museum
46 47ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
Take time to savour the Chevron-Down Café in ‘t Schippershuis
flavours
1 There is nothing more sumptuous than savouring
a delicious meal or a refreshing beer during
or after a day of cycling. For example,there's
“Café in ’t Schippershuis” in Destelbergen to be tried
out, with its stunning location on the Scheldedijk.
Or try the “ ’T Hemelrijk” , one of the most famous
2 Limburg beer cafés situated right in the centre of
Hasselt. They offer an extensive selection of Belgian
beers.
In the cosy café-bistro “Het Brouwershuys” in
3 Bellegem, cyclists can enjoy the warmth of traditional
Belgian dishes and taste fantastic recommendations
good for those only in the mood for a snack, as well as
starving cyclists, ready for a full-course dinner.
4 The Eizeringen café “In de Verzekering tegen de
Grote Dorst” [Insurance against Unbearable Thirst]
has had the honour of being voted best café in the
world, not just once, but several times now! What’s
more, it's right on the Beer route!
5 Local pub, “’t Koningsrek Zates” opened its doors
in 1838, and ever since it's been welcoming anyone
who drops by with a refreshing pint. Due to its idyllic
location on the Scheldt, the café has been known for
years as the perfect stopover during a summer bike
ride along the dikes.
48 Chevron-up The Brouwershuys 49ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
Colourful Festivals
Is fully immersing your customers in Flemish beer culture
what you’re going for? Yes? Then why not plan their
trip during one of the many beer festivals in Flanders?
For instance, in the last weekend of April, Leuven is magically
1 transformed into the beer capital of Belgium. During the
Zythos Beer Festival visitors get to taste 500 different
beers from 100 different brewers. There are also beer walks,
beer workshops, Beer routes and tastings. Several hotels
offer exciting and unexpected beer packages, and several
restaurants serve up delicious beer-based dishes.
2 Beer Pass Weekend in Antwerp attracts loads of beer lovers
annually to the Groenplaats, where they get to taste and
discover the very best beers of Belgium. Several different new
beers are introduced every year.
3 There are also a number of other annual events and beer
festivals taking place in other Flemish locations: Bruges and
the Pajottenland, for instance. The Flemish Ardennes are
known for the Adriaen Brewery Festival and the Augustinian
Festival in Meetjesland is not to be left out either, where the
beer brewing tradition is brought to life in all its grandeur.
50 51ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
Facts & figures
ca. 100
Number of breweries
in Flanders
ca. 160
Number of
breweries in Belgium
Figures 2012 Figures 2012
4.469
Belgium is the crad-
700
le of the beer world
45.000 due to its diversity Number of Belgian flavour profiles
and the four dif-
Indirect employees 2,2 ferent methods of 75.000 VISITORS
Direct employees billion euros
fermentation: low, 1.500 to the Belgian beer
weekend
Number of employees Annual turnover of high, spontaneous
working at breweries in breweries in Belgium
Belgium
and mixed. Number of Belgian beer brands
The Belgian Beer Weekend
has been included among
the 10 best beer festivals
Belgium only pro- 18.068.783 HL and is acclaimed for its
Figures 2012 duces 1% of world scope and relevance.
72L
beer production;
Belgian consumption
however, as just
This boils down to an one country, it Figures 2012
8.023.289 hL annual consumption brews 10x its po- Export: Total amount of Belgian beer produced:
of 72 litres per capita pulation. 11.073.469 HL 18.068.783 HL Of which 11,073,468 hL (62%) is
intended for export
52 53ROUTE 1: Beer route ROUTE 1: Beer route
Create your own Beer
route for your customers
Don't waste any time discovering our
interactive Beer route, full of inspiration,
tips, accommodations, must sees, photos
and sample texts, all of which can freely*
be made use of to create your own
unique Beer route.
> Read more about the Beer route
*subject to notice of copyright
Angle-Right Have a closer look at the map
54 55ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route
ROUTE
Flemish
2 Masters route This inspirational route introduces your
customers to the world and works of the
greatest masters of all time, including such
greats as van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens;
however, this route also provides them
with a glimpse of the Flemish Primitives
and local artists.
Angle-Right A world that sparks the imagination
Angle-Right Breath-taking landscapes and cities
A journey made in the shadows of
Angle-Right cathedrals and castles
Angle-Right Renowned museums to inspire the senses
Angle-Right Map
Click on the highlight for the website or on the icon next to
56 the highlight for practical info on the B2B platform.” 57ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route
A bike ride past fascinating museums,
interactive experience centres, age-
old abbeys, churches, monasteries A world that sparks the
and castles are all part of the story
imagination
that transformed Flanders into the
cradle of so much of Europe's art and At the height of Europe's artistic and cultural rebirth,
which followed the close of the Middle Ages, Flanders
culture. There's no doubt about it: it's was the source of inspiration behind the renowned
a must for every true art lover! art movements of the time: Flemish primitivism, the
Renaissance and the Baroque. A glimpse into what
shaped their world makes their masterpieces an
almost tangible thing.
There's no better place to catch a glimpse of this than the
1 Bokrijk Open Air Museum Traditional folk games, long-
forgotten trades and the typical houses appear to have
escaped, as it were, from one or more of Pieter Bruegel the
Elder's many paintings. In 2019 it is these works of art that
will take centre stage in 2019 for the “The World of Bruegel”
exhibition.
2 For those interested in taking a peek behind the scenes in
the studio of art giant, and the most masterful Baroque
artist north of the Alps, you can visit the Rubens House
in Antwerp. It is easily one of the most famous artist's
residences in the world, housing myriad masterpieces,
such as the portrait of Clara Serena and other works by
Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens.
Chevron-up Open air museum Bokrijk, Genk Chevron-up Rubens house, Antwerp
58 59ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route
The Museum Hof van Busleyden vividly brings
3 the Burgundian court culture of the 15th and 16th
centuries back to life. The museum was given a
thorough facelift and is one of the most splendid
city palaces of the European Renaissance that still
remains standing. Visitors will meet face-to-face with
both Flemish and other masters, and while walking
through the Museum and exploring the city centre,
they will learn all there is to know about Burgundian
Mechelen based on their experiences there.
Breath-taking
The old Saint John's Hospital in Bruges exudes landscapes and cities
4 eight centuries of history from every pore. The
hospital, once the centre of charitable care for the
The beautiful Flemish landscapes and
sick, the poor and pilgrims, is well-preserved with
everyday life in villages and cities also inspired
its wards and chapel having been converted into a
the Flemish Masters to paint their most
museum. These house an impressive collection of
beautiful works of art.
archive records, artistic masterpieces and medical
instruments. However, the main attraction is the
A good example, perhaps, is the vast countryside
world-famous collection of paintings by Flemish 1 patchworked with green fields, farms, grazing
primitive, Hans Memling.
horses, stud farms, mills and tradesmen residences
in Peer and its surroundings. The name of Pieter
Bruegel the Elder can be found everywhere. These
days, visitors can get acquainted with his life and
work at the museum on the market.
2 Maaseik too, the quaint, picturesque town
on the Meuse, inspired the famous brothers van
Eyck. The imaginations of visitors can’t help
but be captivated by the medieval houses, a
Chemists’ Museum full of countless rows of tiny
drawers and mysterious pots, and the age-old
ecclesiastical treasures to be found in the Church
60 Chevron-up Museum Hof van Busleyden, Mechelen Chevron-up Saint-John's hospital, Bruges of Saint Catherine (Sint-Catherinakerk). 61ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route
3 Traditional trades often also form a point
of interest for visitors, but were also often
a common theme among the works of the
Flemish Masters. At “The Moment” interactive
experience centre, within the walls of the
A journey made in the
Averbode Abbey the crafts of yesteryear shadows of cathedrals
are practised and given a new lease on life.
There is an abbey café with a brewery on the
and castles
site, along with a cheese cave (where cheese
is allowed to mature), bakery and abbey shop Since the Middle Ages, the Flemish Masters
where everything can be tasted. The nearby and their artistry, creativity and technical
"Lekdreef" is famous miles around for its ice innovations have laid claim to the world’s
cream, and tourists often flood the street great esteem. Some of their most awe-
looking for just the right ice cream from the inspiring works can be admired in sites
many ice cream vans parked along the lane. interspersed all over Flanders; they are
housed in locations both as diverse as
they are unique.
1
One of these is St. Rumbold's Cathedral in
the city of Mechelen. Here, after climbing up
the 97 m high tower to the skywalk , visitors
have the opportunity to marvel at Anthony
van Dijck's painting, The Crucifixion.
2 The Gothic St Bavo's Cathedral , is the
oldest parish church in the beating heart
of Ghent and is home to one of the most
influential paintings ever to made: The Ghent
Chevron-up Het Moment, Averbode Abbey Chevron-up St. Rumbold's Cathedral,
Mechelen Altarpiece by the brothers van Eyck. The
newly restored masterpiece can be admired in
MSK Ghent until the end of 2019.
› Ontdek hier enkele fietsvriendelijke logies
nabij de Vlaamse Meesters route
62 63ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route
3 If you have your heart set on discovering Bruegel
Renowned museums
outside of the norm, you can visit the “Feast of
Fools” exhibition at Gaasbeek castle . Visitors are to inspire the senses
introduced to Bruegel's cynical humour, caricatures
and covert messages uniquely, and through the
There are also a host of renowned
artist’s adulation of landscapes and rural life get an
museums where your customers can
intimate view of his internal world.
bask in the art of the Flemish Masters,
both those of international renown and
Loppem castle is the only Belgian castle
4 where both exterior and interior have been
those famed regionally.
preserved in their original state. Baron Charles
For example, the collection at the "Museum
van Caloen had the castle built between 1859
of Deinze and the Leiestreek" (MUDEL)
and 1862, and accenting this grand location, 1 consists of works created by artists
done up in the then incredibly popular neo-Goth
having lived and/or worked in the region
style, is a uniquely Flemish touch. In addition to
surrounding the River Lys. This makes
the castle's own grandeur, it houses a lavish art
the Deinze Museum a regional museum,
collection and a beautifully landscaped park.
Chevron-up MUDEL, Deinze boasting not only national, but also even
international appeal.
The strength of the Museum of Fine Arts
(MSK) in Ghent (lies in its collection's
2 incredible diversity, which is in a class of its
own. Never before have the Old Masters and
the modernists been so perfectly juxtaposed
as in this iconic museum's building. Until
the end of 2019, visitors will also be able
to watch the restorers of van Eyck's iconic
Ghent Altarpiece at work, which will then
be returned to its original home in St Bavo's
Cathedral.
64 Chevron-up Gaasbeek castle 65ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route
The M — Museum in Leuven combines
3 contemporary art with that of the Old Masters, a
combination unique in Flanders. This contemporary
building designed by the pre-eminent architect,
Stéphane Beel, is the perfect meeting spot for
young and old alike. Dieric Bouts’ painting, The Last
Supper, the central panel of the Altarpiece of the
Holy Sacrament, can also be viewed in the St. Peter's
Church. This too belongs to the M-collection.
The Groeninge museum in Bruges and St. John's
4 Hospital have a collection of primitive paintings
that is unparalleled in all the world and serves as
a true reference for the primitivism movement,
with masterpieces by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling,
Hugo van der Goes and Gerard David. In addition,
it also boasts neo-classical masterpieces of the
18th and 19th centuries, masterpieces of Flemish
expressionism and a host of post-war modern art
for art lovers to savour.
66 Chevron-up Groeninge museum, Bruges 67ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route ROUTE 2: Flemish Masters route
Create your own Flemish
Masters route for your
customers
Don't waste any time discovering our
interactive Flemish Masters route, full of
inspiration, tips, accommodations, must-
sees, photos and sample texts, all of which
can freely* be made use of to create your
own unique Flemish Masters route.
> Read more about the
Flemish Masters route
*subject to notice of copyright
Angle-Right Have a closer look at the map
68 69ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route
ROUTE
The Best of
3 Flanders route The many faces of Flanders: that's exactly
what your customers will have the chance
to discover on this inspirational route. And
precisely like the other themed routes, these
can be mixed and matched as much as
you’d like.
Angle-Right Breath-taking nature
Angle-Right Extraordinary experiences
Angle-Right A rich, eventful past
Angle-Right Picturesque scenes
Angle-Right The Flemish history of cycling
Angle-Right Map
Click on the highlight for the website or on the icon next to
70 the highlight for practical info on the B2B platform.” 71ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route
Breath-taking nature and quiet areas, Breath-taking nature
a rich past replete with historic The rustic nature of Flanders isn’t just beautiful to
events and intriguing developments, look at, but also provides a sense of peace while
cycling from one major Flemish city to the next.
extraordinary experiences and the And it’s not only lovely from the saddle of your bike.
most picturesque settings are all pit Why not slow down, take a stroll and explore all the
splendour that Flemish nature has to offer?
stops along their way. It’s a feast for
the senses! All of the ideas that go 1 The Kalmthoutse Heide is one of the oldest and largest
nature reserves in Flanders. It is a rare relic of what was
into making a bike ride to remember once a European landscape covered in heathland. The
are right there for the taking. reserve is criss-crossed by several different hiking trails and
bike paths along with all kinds of animal and plant species
just waiting to be discovered.
Exploring Merksplas and Wortel, where vagrant colonies
2 dwelt long ago, your customers will encounter a striking
landscape and an equally impressive heritage that go
hand-in-hand with their own riveting stories. The unusual
scenery, unadulterated enjoyment of cycling and bucolic
picnic spots easily make the Kempen’s old Colonies of
Benevolence worthy of being called the best of Flanders.
3 The Zwin area is one of the most remarkable mud flats
and salt marches in Flanders, forming a ribbon along part
of the Belgian coast. Every day the sea waters rush in and
flood the area. The interplay between land and sea has
turned the Zwin Nature Park into a biotope that is one
of a kind. The land is blanketed with profuse and diverse
plant growth and huge numbers of birds can be seen
darting and flitting to and fro in search of food, looking for
72 Chevron-up Kalmthoutse Heide a mate or a place to stay the winter. 73ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route
Chevron-Down Reading Between the Lines, Borgloon
The largest natural lake in Flanders is situated in the
4 Vinne Provincial Domain . This nature recreation
project, unique in Europe, has a pointed focus on
experiencing nature, hiking trails bursting with
adventure, corduroy roads, watchtowers, and hides.
Anyone who wants to know what it’s like to
experience absolute peace and quiet should visit
the sanctuary found at Castle d'Ursel . Away from Extraordinary
5 the sounds of the vroom and honking of cars, this
sanctuary guarantees your customers a solitary spot
experiences
among the natural sounds of the fauna and flora
residing there. A picnic in the castle’s landscaped
Flanders is synonymous with rebirth and
garden is also an experience not to be missed.
innovation, and from time to time, you might just
bump into a singular surprise waiting just around
› Discover here bike friendly lodging near the bend of your cycling route.
the Best of Flanders Route
1 For example, your customers in Bokrijk can visit
"Cycling through Water" a bike path that stretches
across a natural pond over 200 m long. There really is
nothing like cycling along a path at eye level with the
water’s placid surface, in complete harmony with the
unique landscape of the Wijers. It should come then as
no surprise that Time Magazine gave it a place among
its World’s 100 Greatest Places!
2 Gijs Van Vaerenbergh's piece, Reading Between the
Lines in Borgloon consists of 100 steel sheets stacked
on top of each other in the shape of a church. The
special way in which it has been designed keeps the
Haspengouw landscape well within view. According to
British newspaper, The Guardian, this is the most jaw-
74 Chevron-up Domain castle d’Ursel Chevron-up Cycling through water, Bokrijk droppingly beautiful place in Belgium. 75ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route
Chevron-Down Tyne Cot Cemetry, Passendale
A rich, eventful past
The Flemish landscape is littered with monuments
and sightseeing must-sees that recall its rich
history, a past not only brimming with progress, but
one often characterising the region by turbulence Chevron-Down Africamuseum, Tervuren
and tumult.
1 The colonial section of the Brussels International
Exposition of 1897 created the groundwork for the current
Africa Museum in Tervuren, which will reopen its doors
to the public in December of 2018 after having undergone
a thorough renovation and transformation. This museum
boasts the world's most prolific and renowned collection
of ethnographic objects from Central Africa. The lovely
French gardens behind the Neoclassical buildings also
appeal to the imagination.
2 Lamentably, Flanders also formed the backdrop for some
of the most heated and bloody battles of the First World
War (1914-18). The Tyne Cot Cemetry is the largest
Commonwealth cemetery on the mainland and also stood as
main witness to the bloody Battle of Passchendaele.
At Genk’s former mining site, the C-Mine expedition
3 interactively brings to life the area’s industrial past and
allows visitors to see what living and working in coal mines
was like. Visitors get to find out what it was like to be a
miner by going on an adventure through the former mines.
Chevron-up C-mine, Genk
To top it all off, they can climb the mine shaft, which stands
over 60 m high.
76 77ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route
Picturesque scenes The Flemish history
There is no better way to explore Flanders than by
of cycling
bike. The landscapes sail peacefully by, with the
It's impossible to ignore: cycling and
most picturesque scenes nigh impossible to miss.
Flanders are inextricably linked, nearly
synonymous in fact.
For example, the St Michaels Bridge in Ghent
comes to mind as the place to go for romantic
Not too far from the Old Kwaremont
1 souls. Whichever way your customers look, they are
your customers can cycle or walk through
completely surrounded by the historic city centre’s
a unique piece of cycling history. On the
charming beauty. At dusk the lights of the city only
Ronde Van Vlaanderenstraat in Kwaremont
enchant it further.
they are given the chance to peruse the
tribute gallery with its ten life-size portraits
It is utterly impossible to miss the Castle of Laarne
of Flanders’ Finest cycling heroes, a 1.2
2 from the idyllic village centres of Laarne and Kalken. It
kilometre-long list of champions along the
is one of the best-preserved moated castles in Belgium,
road and a mosaic of all 76 Tour of Flanders
with its oldest parts dating back to the 18th century.
winners decorating the magnificent Karel
The natural landscape of the Kalkense Meersen is also
Van Wijnendaele monument.
incredibly appealing for cycling enthusiasts.
KOERS in Roeselare is far and away the
In the town of Diest, also known as the ‘City
best place for both young and old to catch
3 of Orange’ , visitors have the opportunity to
the cycling bug and even racing fever too.
experience the peace of its Beguinage, which dates
It’s a spot for cycling enthusiasts to share
back to the 17th and 18th centuries and is listed as
their passion for racing and experience it
UNESCO World Heritage. Located in Diest's ‘Xaverius’
all at the same time. After a visit to the
house, the Flemish Centre for Food and Dining Culture
museum, it really doesn’t get any better
has an herb garden, culinary museum and library, > than relaxing out on the spacious terrace
where a book and antiques market is held every first
in the child-friendly museum gardens.
Sunday of the month.
78 79ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route ROUTE 3: The Best of Flanders route
Create your own Best of
Flanders route for your
customers
Don't waste any time discovering our
interactive Best of Flanders route, full of
inspiration, tips, accommodations, must-
sees, photos and sample texts, all of which
can freely* be made use of to create your
own unique Best of Flanders route.
> Read more about the
Best of Flanders route
*subject to notice of copyright
Angle-Right Have a closer look at the map
80 81A compendium of regional cycling routes
A compendium
of regional
cycling routes In addition to this project, which introduces
you to a number of multi-day, cross-provincial
inspirational routes, there are many more gems
to be discovered by your customers at the
regional level. These work perfectly as day trips
or combined with one of the themed routes. To
make things just a touch easier, you will find a
compendium of routes for each province below.
82 83A compendium of regional cycling routes A compendium of regional cycling routes
Duvel Route (45 km)
A relaxing bike ride with a refreshing beer along the way: it just doesn’t get better
than that. The Duvel Route gives your customers an extra special treat thanks to its
stunning and varied scenery. The Scheldeland is sure to enchant your customers as
Antwerp they cycle past a mix of rivers, canals, marinas, bridges and ferries. This region is all
about water. Your customers can learn all about Duvel's brewing process as they read
the notice boards stationed along the route. And naturally this wouldn’t be the Duvel
Route if it didn’t include — tasting! Your customers can take their pick from any one
of the route’s charming restaurants and pubs.
Scheldt River Dyke Route (43 km)
High and low tide, the ferry timetables and the level of the locks create the
rhythm of the Scheldeland's beating heart. For centuries the lives of the townsfolk
played out on or near the water. The movement of the tides created a unique
landscape of mudflats and salt marshes. The river itself was also an inexhaustible
source of inspiration for writers, poets and sculptors. This cycling route tells the
story of the Scheldt, both past and present. The paved and car-free dike roads
make for comfortable, relaxed cycling. And waiting at the end of the bike ride,
there's a plate of eel and a local beer to be had on a scenic waterfront terrace.
Strawberry Route (40 km)
The Strawberry Route illustrates just how important agriculture and horticulture
are to this region. It combines the historic centre of Hoogstraten with the beautiful
Markvallei and the vast countryside of the Dutch-Belgian borderlands. Your customers
will cycle past strawberry fields and greenhouse after greenhouse filled to the brim
with delicious strawberries. As a matter of fact, if they want to sample some, all they
have to do is buy them fresh — straight from a vending machine!
> Contact the Province of Antwerp for more information
84 85A compendium of regional cycling routes A compendium of regional cycling routes
River Lys Route (51 km)
The River Lys route is a journey of discovery, where your customers will see
East Flanders the loveliest nooks of the Lys Valley between Ghent and Deinze, situated
in a landscape that has served as inspiration to countless artists. It goes
without saying that this is the perfect route for admiring their works in
the museums along the way. A bike ride along picturesque villages such as
Deurle and Sint-Martens-Latem and a visit to the majestic Ooidonk Castle
are all part of this route.
Castles Route (49 km)
The rich industrialists of the past century built huge mansions and
imposing castles on the banks of the River Scheldt. The Castles Route,
which shows cyclists in and around Destelbergen, is just a stone's throw
from Ghent and will escort your customers past meadows and beautiful
parks with charming houses. The top attraction is the Castle of Laarne, a
moated castle dating back to the Middle Ages.
Plan Beer - Oudenaards Brown Route (31 km)
This route combines cycling with beer brewing in the beer capital of the
Flemish Ardennes. It’s a trip that spans beautiful landscapes and hilly roads
with Flemish cobblestones, steep 'mountains' and fantastic views. Your
customers can stop at one of the 11 authentic pubs or one of the four
breweries (Liefmans, Roman, Cnudde and Smisje).
> Contact the Province of East Flanders for more information
86 87A compendium of regional cycling routes A compendium of regional cycling routes
Flemish Brabant Beer and Wine Route (27km)
Take a bike trip through nature, along the banks of the Demer,
over the hills of the Hageland and into the Dyle River Valley. It’s
the perfect route for tasting a Jack-Op beer or sampling one of the
Hageland’s delicious wines.
Blossom Route (42 km)
This cycling route takes you past endless rows of fruit trees that are
absolutely stunning in full bloom. From one historical attraction to the
next, cycling along this route brings the promise of colourful scenery
and the crisp, sweet scent of thousands of blossoms along the way.
Your customers will also pass by Het Vinne Provincial Domain, where
they can walk across Flanders’ largest natural lake on corduroy roads or
around it passing its different watchtowers and hides.
Geuze Route (38 km)
Visit a brewery; taste a geuze; cycle up past Beersel Castle or through
the enchanting Hallerbos. Or why not take a stroll about Halle or
spend a spell relaxing on the sun terrace of Boelekewis in Huizingen?
The delicious things to be tasted and the beautiful and varied nature
more than make up for the gruelling stretches punctuating this
incredibly hilly landscape!
> Contact Tourism Flemish Brabant for more information
88 89A compendium of regional cycling routes A compendium of regional cycling routes
Discover Tongeren’s Ancient Past (45km)
Tongeren, the first city in Belgium, provides an endless source of fascination with its
Roman and medieval relics and its gorgeous basilica. Winding its way through the
Limburg
De Kevie nature reserve, this rugged cycling route characterised by some seriously
steep climbs passes through scenery that is punctuated with impressive castles and
fortresses. However, it also goes through Herstappe, Belgium’s smallest municipality.
Cycling in Voeren (25km)
This route packs the very best of the Voer region into a single bike trip. It takes
cyclists through rustic villages and tiny, quiet hamlets, including the picturesque
Veurs which consists almost entirely of timber-framed houses and several castles
and mills in the green, among which include the Sint-Pieters-Voeren Castle. Your
customers will even get to spring across the border into the Netherlands for a
tick. Handy tip: not a single metre of this cycling route includes level ground. The
hilly character of this region, however, does reward your customers with the most
impressive panoramas.
From Herkenrode through De Wijers Route (35 km)
This bike ride makes its way through the rich past and present of this region. Starting
from Herkenrode Abbey, your customers will pedal eagerly out into the green. For
those who love water, there's no lack of it here. The trip includes cycling past the
canal’s waters and into the land of 1001 ponds (Wijers!), otherwise known as the De
Wijers nature reserve. From the vantage point of the watchtower, your customers get
a spectacular view across the ponds. In Bokrijk, there is a 212m long bike path that
will even take them “under” the water level. The Time's listed Cycling Through Water
will have your customers cycling at eye level with the water’s surface.
> Contact the Province of Limburg for more information
90 91A compendium of regional cycling routes A compendium of regional cycling routes
Green Belt Bruges (53.2km)
This cycling route introduces your customers to the diverse surroundings that
encircle the World Heritage City of Bruges. The tour offers a diverse mix of forests,
West Flanders castle parks, open landscapes with fields and meadows, straight canals and
picturesque villages. There are also numerous historical sights to discover such as
the Fortress of Beieren (a former military site that has been transformed into a
recreational park), St. Trudo’s Abbey and Tillegem castle. Picnic areas, play areas
and natural sites make the Green Belt Bruges a site not to be missed!
Cogge-Geeraert (41km)
This cycling route highlights how the Yser basin was flooded during the First
World War and explains what the role of historical figures Karel Cogge and Hendrik
Geeraert was in this gripping episode of the Battle of Yser. The route connects
places and monuments that bear witness to this singular event and recall the
great suffering of war: the King Albert I Monument in Nieuwpoort, the Town Hall
and Country Estate in Veurne, the Belgian military cemeteries of Steenkerke and
Ramskapelle, the bust of Karel Cogge, the Ganzepoot and the Frontzate (Belgian
Railway Line 74).
The Waterhoek Cycling Route (50 km)
The Waterhoek Cycling Route takes your customers to the Upper Scheldt that
divides Avelgem and Anzegem. The route starts out from the Pumping Station in
Bossuit, where it goes on to trace the Bossuit-Kortrijk canal and the old Kortrijk-
Ronse Railway Line 83 to Avelgem. From there your customers will start cycling
towards Tiegemberg. On their way back they will pass by Kerkhove, Waarmaarde
and the towpath along the River Scheldt.
> Contact the Province of West Flanders for more information
92 93You can also read
