Traveling by bike in Belgium is a unique way to discover this beautiful country and its tourist attractions. Belgium has a well-developed and safe network of cycle paths, making it an ideal destination for cyclists of all levels. With a gentle climate, medieval towns, delicious chocolate, gastronomy and beer, you’ll be sure to enjoy one of the many routes detailed in this article.
How to prepare for your cycling trip around Belgium
First thing to sort out is your accommodation. There are plenty of options available in Belgium, as they are used to receiving many tourists during high season. You’ll need a comfortable base to start discovering the country. Using a property search such as Rentola can really help you to get a better idea of what’s available, what the best areas are and filter your search according to your needs. Once you have a good spot to call home, you can plan your cycling route.
Before embarking on your trip, it is important that you inform yourself well about the weather, the distance you want to cover each day and the difficulty of the terrain. Summers can get quite hot in Belgium, so opting for a spring route may make things slightly easier, as long as the rain holds off. If hot, make sure you pack sun cream to avoid sunstroke and/or burns.
It is also recommended that you carry a repair kit and a detailed map of the route you are going to follow. There are APPs available that can track your itinerary and make sure you don’t get lost. Not only that but it will offer stats about your performance, speed, connect you with other riders in the area and recommend routes.
Another important tip is to wear comfortable clothing adapted to the weather, as well as a helmet and other necessary safety items. Don’t forget to also bring enough water and food to recharge your batteries during the tour. Energy bars are a favourite with many cyclists as they aren’t too bulky and provide the correct amount of calories to help you finish the cycle.
What are the best cycling routes in Belgium
Regarding the itinerary, Belgium is a country with a great variety of landscapes and tourist attractions, so you can choose between different routes according to your interests. Some popular options for cyclists include the Brussels Canal Route, which will take you through beautiful towns and cities such as Brussels, Gant and Bruges, or the County of Flanders Route, crossing green fields and picturesque villages in the region.
You can also choose to take the Meuse Valley Route, which will allow you to discover the beautiful landscape of the Meuse Valley, and visit places like the medieval town of Dinant and Freyr Castle. Enjoy one of the many Belgian beers after the route, after all, you will have earned a treat after a day exercising! Just make sure you don’t indulge during the route, as their beers are treacherously strong.
Another option is the Ardennes route, which will guide you through the stunning landscape of the Ardennes and meaning you can visit places like the city of Liège and the Luxembourg County region.
In any case, don’t forget to enjoy the road and take the time to discover the charms of Belgium. You can stop in the towns and cities that you find on your route to taste the delicious Belgian gastronomy and do some shopping in the local shops. There’s a great mix of routes for all levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an expert, go for it and get out there!
