Once upon a time, there was a curious traveler who, upon reaching the Flemish lands, discovered a hidden treasure: the “Flanders’ Finest“, twenty-five short cycling loop routes that unfolded like golden threads around art cities and enchanting landscapes.
Each route was like a magical door leading into worlds where nature embraced history, and the roads told tales of ancient times and authentic flavors.
Starting from cities like Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, and Mechelen, as well as from small picturesque and lesser-known locations, the traveler could choose their path, short or long, to explore the wonders of this enchanted land.
It wasn’t necessary to be a valiant knight on two wheels; these paths welcomed everyone, offering the chance to discover the hidden gems of the region by bike. And so, following the enchanted maps, every step or pedal stroke became a chapter of a timeless fairy tale, where reality surpassed imagination, and every corner revealed a new marvel.
It sounds like the beginning of a fairy tale. But it’s reality.
Flanders, the region in northern Belgium, is renowned for its bike-friendliness and for offering cyclists endless holiday ideas. To the already numerous options, suitable for all types of cyclists – from beginners to flandriens, from families to solo riders – 25 short routes have been added to explore the surroundings of the Flemish towns.
The three Flanders’ Finest routes to discover Flanders by bike
To start the fairy tale, uh… the exploration, we have chosen three routes to explore the surroundings of three Flemish art cities.
Leuven and the “Dieric Bouts” Cycling Route
The “Dieric Bouts” cycling route is a 42 km loop starting from Leuven, the birthplace of the 15th-century Flemish Master, inviting you to discover the region’s art, cultural heritage, and brewing tradition, surrounded by the green landscapes around the city.
This is a loop route that starts and ends at Leuven’s Grote Markt square. Mostly flat, it’s suitable for cyclists of all levels. Along the way, you’ll find artistic and natural wonders, such as the Gothic Town Hall of Leuven, famous for its 235 statues depicting notable figures from the city’s history.
Continuing, you’ll encounter the Church of St. Peter, which houses two masterpieces by Dieric Bouts: “The Martyrdom of St. Erasmus” and “The Last Supper.” The latter, painted between 1464 and 1468, is considered one of the first perspective representations in Flemish painting.
Heading south, after passing through the charming Beguinage district and skirting the imposing Arenberg Castle, you can visit Park Abbey, founded in the 12th century, with its well-preserved monastery, working watermill, ponds, and gardens.
The highlight of the tour is the chance to taste the region’s craft beers. A recommended stop is Hof ten Dormaal, an artisanal brewery known for producing beer from its own hops and grains. One of these beers is even named “Bouts.” Quite fitting for this journey.
Ghent and the Lys Region Route
The Lys Region Route is a 58 km cycling loop that winds through the picturesque landscapes of Flanders, following the course of the Lys River. It passes by castles, parks, abbeys, and artists’ villages, crossing cities like Ghent, Sint-Martens-Latem, and Deinze. This loop is also predominantly flat and suitable for cyclists of all levels, combining paved bike paths and low-traffic secondary roads.
What to see along the route
Of course, Ghent, a city rich in culture and historical heritage, including the famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painted by the Van Eyck brothers, preserved in the St. Bavo’s Cathedral. And then, the iconic Gravensteen Castle, known as the Castle of the Counts.
Leaving the city, you pass through Parkbos, a vast green area of 1,200 hectares that hosts nine castles, including the neoclassical Grand Noble, characterized by charming avenues. Pedaling along, you reach the Astene Lock, a fascinating piece of engineering along the Leie River, where the drawbridge is still operated manually.
More castles await, especially the majestic Ooidonk Castle, and picturesque artists’ villages like Sint-Martens-Latem and Deurle, known for their scenic beauty and creative atmosphere.
Bruges and the Castle Cycle Route
The Castle Cycle Route offers a fascinating 56 km journey through the picturesque countryside surrounding Bruges, leading cyclists to discover historic castles and stately homes along an easy, well-marked route, integrated into the Flanders cycling network.
The ideal starting (and ending) point for the tour is Bruges’ train station. Leaving the city, which is already fairy-tale-like in itself, cyclists can experience their own adventure in one of the castles along the route. For example, the Tillegem Castle, a 14th-century fortress surrounded by a moat and immersed in lush green estates, offers a serene and historical atmosphere. Or the Loppem Castle, a neo-Gothic architectural gem that still preserves its original furnishings and features a fascinating maze in the surrounding park.
Another unique stop is the Beisbroek Castle, which houses an astronomical observatory within a natural area. Garden lovers can visit the ornamental garden of Tudor Castle, where they can take a relaxing break surrounded by the monumental arboretum.
The Complete Tour of the Art Cities
For those enchanted by these delightful cities and unwilling to miss a single gem, there’s the Iconic Art Cities Route, one of the 9 iconic routes that cross the region.
Covering 332 km, this route connects Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp, Mechelen, Ghent, Bruges, and Ostend, offering a mix of history, art, and culture. Perfect for first-time visitors to the region, the route passes through both charming urban centers and lush natural areas.
The perfect way to not miss the 2025 events, such as Leuven’s celebration of 600 years of its historic university, Antwerp’s 75th anniversary of the Middelheim open-air museum, or the Grey Shrimp Festival on the North Sea coast.
Our tip? Take your time to explore each city.
Plan Your Trip
To enjoy Flanders by bike without worries, opting for an organized tour can be the ideal choice. Expert cyclists, curious travelers, or families looking for a two-wheeled adventure can find tailored solutions for every level and need with Girolibero.
For a unique experience, why not choose a bike and boat tour? Cycling along the canals during the day and sleeping aboard a cozy vessel allows you to discover Flanders from a unique and unusual perspective.
More info
To download GPX tracks, find the node network sequence to follow, and bike rental points: Flanders’ Finest Cycling Routes.
To choose your favourite Iconic Route: Flanders by bike
