The best cycling routes around Kempen

Kempen offers over 300 touring cycling routes, catering to various preferences and skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 1,700 reviews.

Kempen's terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for touring cyclists of all abilities. You'll primarily encounter well-maintained, often traffic-free paths that wind through extensive pine forests, tranquil heathlands, and past peaceful canals and lakes. Some areas, like the Hoge Kempen National Park, also feature unique dune landscapes and elevated sections, offering varied scenery.

Yes, Kempen is very welcoming for beginners and families. Over 180 of the routes are rated as easy. For example, the Niers Riverside – The Niers near Oedt loop from Kempen (Niederrhein) is an easy 18.1-mile (29.0 km) path offering scenic views along the Niers river.

Kempen offers several unique cycling experiences and attractions. You can cycle through the treetops in Bosland National Park or experience 'Cycling through the Heathland' in Hoge Kempen National Park, which features a remarkable 300-meter-long wooden cycling bridge. Other notable spots include the historic Postel Abbey and the Sas4 viewing tower. You can also explore natural highlights like the Krickenbecker Lakes and the Schroliksee Viewing Platform.

Many of Kempen's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. An example is the Toeppersee – Elfrather Lake loop from Kempen (Niederrhein), a 30.0-mile (48.3 km) trail leading through varied landscapes including lakes.

The Kempen region is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural colors. The heathlands are especially stunning when in bloom during late summer and early autumn. The extensive pine forests also offer refreshing shade during hotter summer days.

Yes, some cycling routes in Kempen integrate the region's mining past. You might encounter features like slag heaps, old mining complexes, and former railway lines that have been repurposed into cycling paths. C-Mine, a former mining site now a cultural hub, serves as a symbolic starting point for some tours.

Many popular starting points for cycling routes in Kempen, especially near national parks and key attractions, offer designated parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for information on parking availability at the trailhead.

The Kempen region has public transport connections that can help you access various parts of its cycling network. While specific access points vary, many towns and villages that serve as starting points for routes are reachable by bus or train, allowing for car-free travel to your cycling adventure.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on public paths and designated cycling routes in Kempen. However, if you plan to cycle off-road or in very sensitive natural reserves, especially within national parks like Hoge Kempen, it's always good practice to check local regulations. The national parks focus on providing car-free cycling experiences on well-marked paths.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Kempen, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse and serene landscapes, including the quiet woodlands, picturesque heathlands, and peaceful waterside paths. The well-maintained, often traffic-free paths and the flexible junction system for route planning are also frequently highlighted as major positives.

While many routes are suitable for day trips, Kempen also offers options for longer cycling adventures. The Kempen Route itself is a 213 km route stretching between Antwerp and Maasmechelen, offering a variety of landscapes. You can also combine several shorter routes using the region's extensive cycling junction network to create your own multi-day tour.