The best gravel rides in Kasteeldomein Van Vorselaar En Omgeving

good gravelride, a few km's, double-track, in the mid of woods and fields, away from habitation, skimming along an old NATO-airfield (never used, cause sand from nearby dunes could be blow up the runways an damage motors, which is a no-go for a military airfield). To gravelride can be extended by several km's to almost the village of Oostmalle by taking the Salphensebaan once arriving in the smal hamlet of Salphen.

Honestly? This is actually a walking path next to the Nete River, and recreational cyclists should behave courteously towards hikers, not the other way around. Some people think this path is part of a cross-country course.

Generations of castle lords and the village community have cared for the magnificent heritage we have today. We must cherish this legacy with care. Everyone has a responsibility in this regard: the government, the owners, and certainly also the visitors. We all want to safeguard this for future generations. VORSELAAR: Proposal to protect the castle "de Borrekens", the rectory, the immediate surroundings of the castle, and the linden avenue as a village landmark. The castle was built in the thirteenth century as a military fortification for the Duke of Brabant, granted as a fief to the Lord Van Rotselaer. The latter gave the fortification, which had the character of a moated castle, the ground plan that can still largely be seen today. Little is known about its evolution since the thirteenth century. The castle is depicted in a print by Ertinger in the second half of the seventeenth century and published by Jacques Le Roy. This shows that the current castle's core still largely reflects this condition. The building's military character was lost in the eighteenth century, and it was converted into a "house of pleasure." This involved the demolition of several surrounding walls and defensive towers, and the moat separating the forecourt from the castle was filled in. Simultaneously or shortly before, several embellishments were carried out on the castle, with J.P. van Baurscheit as the architect. The buildings in the forecourt were constructed during the same period. In the 1850s and 1860s, restoration work was carried out in keeping with the fashion of the time. Several dormers, stepped gables, fireplaces, turrets, and battlements were added in the Neo-Gothic style. The interior was also altered during this period and in the same style. Although this renovation significantly altered the castle's appearance, the renovation itself is remarkable as a testament to the Neo-Gothic style that emerged in our region around 1850.

Protected cycle path (gravel). Essentially a straight line from Oelegem to Sint Job in 't Goor (connecting with the Schoten Canal). Despite its straightness, it's not endless and offers plenty of variety.

nice place to catch your breath and do some bird watching

Seeing this amazing moated castle on site was one of the highlights of the day. We were lucky that the sun was shining on the castle at just the right moment, so it looked really picturesque. The castle is far enough away from the forest, and the moat is wide enough, that it is not unlikely that you will be able to enjoy this. You can also drive behind the castle, but the prettier side is the front and left side.

The entrance to the black trail in Herentals marks the start of a challenging and technical MTB route, especially for experienced mountain bikers. This trail offers steep climbs, fast descents and sharp turns that will test your agility and strength. Surrounded by dense forests and with a rough terrain, this is a must for those who love the beautiful nature of the Antwerp Kempen.

This quiet singletrack near Het Zwarte Water in Herentals winds narrow and gracefully through the forest, surrounded by dense greenery and moss-covered tree trunks. The path offers a relaxed ride with soft turns and slight elevation changes, perfect for taking in the calm beauty of nature.