The best cycling routes in Antwerp

Antwerp offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 5,800 options available. More than 3,500 of these are classified as easy, making the region very accessible for all skill levels.

Antwerp's touring cycling routes offer a diverse range of landscapes. You can expect scenic rides along the Scheldt River, through flat plains, and gentle rolling hills. The Kempen region provides forests, quiet dirt roads, and gravel paths, while areas like the Kalmthoutse Heide National Park feature expansive heathlands. You'll also find routes exploring polder landscapes and urban green spaces like Rivierenhof Park.

Yes, Antwerp is very accommodating for beginners and families. Over 3,500 of the touring cycling routes are rated as easy. A great option for exploring the city's highlights at a relaxed pace is the Antwerp highlights route, which is an easy 24.3 km path through the city center and architectural landmarks.

Many touring cycling routes in Antwerp pass by significant attractions. You can cycle past historic sites like the Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and Het Steen. The Scheldt Castles Route, for instance, follows the Scheldt River and showcases beautiful castles. Other routes might take you through the Zurenborg district with its Art Nouveau architecture, or along the revitalized Eilandje district with the MAS museum.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Antwerp are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the De Paepekelders Tourist Tower – The Zwart Water loop from Olen offers a moderate 40.3 km circular ride. The region's extensive network of cycle paths makes it easy to plan circular tours.

Antwerp has a well-developed public transport network, and many cycling routes are accessible via train or tram, especially within and around the city. The city's commitment to cycling includes bike-friendly public transport options, making it convenient to combine cycling with other modes of travel. You can often find parking near train stations or tram stops to start your ride.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Antwerp, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the region's flat terrain and well-maintained paths mean that cycling is enjoyable year-round, with autumn offering beautiful foliage and winter providing a quieter experience, though you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially wet conditions.

Yes, areas like the Kalmthoutse Heide National Park, accessible via touring cycling routes, are known for their unique flora and fauna, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting. Additionally, parks such as Nachtegalenpark within the city are home to deer, providing a chance to observe nature even closer to urban areas.

The touring cycling experience in Antwerp is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 8,800 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from the serene river paths to the quiet woodlands of the Kempen region, and the excellent cycling infrastructure that makes exploring both urban and natural areas a pleasure.

Yes, the Port of Antwerp and the revitalized Het Eilandje district are excellent areas to explore by bike. Routes along the Scheldt River quays allow you to observe drawing bridges, locks, and old container cranes. The From Lock to Lock Route is an example of a moderate 47.1 km ride that offers insights into the port's industrial and natural landscapes.

Absolutely. The Antwerp region features several natural monuments and lakes that are integrated into cycling routes. For instance, you might encounter highlights like Putse Moer or The Zwart Water. The Kapucienenberg Land Dunes are another natural monument you could discover while cycling through the varied landscapes of Antwerp.

While many routes are easy to moderate, Antwerp also offers longer options for those seeking a greater challenge. Routes like the Mechelen-Boom route, at 58.9 km, or the Brick Route, spanning 54.7 km, provide moderate-difficulty rides that take several hours to complete, exploring more of the region's diverse terrain.