The best traffic-free bike rides in Domein De Hees
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No traffic touring cycling routes in Domein De Hees traverse a landscape rich in historical avenues and diverse natural features. The area is characterized by extensive forested sections, including stately tree-lined avenues, and varied biotopes such as wet meadows and fens. Cyclists can also find tranquil routes along the meandering Mark River and explore good gravel sections in the middle of forests and fields. This region offers a mix of flat paths and gentle undulations, making it suitable for various…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
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75
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
42
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
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Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(2)
20
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Domein De Hees
Tips from the Community
A beautiful chapel to relax in. https://www.erfgoedroosendaal.nl/htmlpag/glaskunst/strijbeek_hubertuskapel_20240604.pdf
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Beautiful cycle path in a quiet area, along the meandering Mark.
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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.
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De Loteling is nestled in the wooded Zoersel district and offers an oasis of peace and relaxation for those seeking it. Be aware that it can get quite busy here.
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The town hall is an example of civil, late Gothic architecture in brick and sandstone. When the withdrawing German troops dynamited St. Catherine's Tower on October 23, 1944, the town hall was also almost completely destroyed. After the war, this monument was meticulously rebuilt. In 1525, a meeting between Count Antoon de Lalaing and the residents of the Freedom of Hoogstraten decided to build a town hall. The count decided to finance the new town hall himself, as the city's citizens were already helping to bear the heavy burden of building a new choir. The late Gothic town hall was built between 1530 and 1534 to a design by Rombout II Keldermans. He was a master architect from Mechelen and a member of one of the most important master architect families of the Brabant Gothic period. Rombout II Keldermans, like his father, was Mechelen's city architect. Moreover, he rose to become master architect to the Dukes of Brabant and was even appointed personal architect to Emperor Charles V, who ennobled him in 1516. The master builder from Mechelen worked in Hoogstraten until his death in 1531. Afterward, work on the town hall continued under the direction of Hendrik Lambrechts and Antoon II Keldermans. The original town hall housed a concierge's lodge, a butcher's office, a secretariat, a council chamber, an archive storage room, and a two-part militia hall for the guilds. Today, the VisitHoogstraten office is located in the town hall. Source: www.visithoogstraten.be
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In 1914, Baron Alfons van der Straten Waillet inherited the castle. By dividing it among his children, it passed to his 4th son, Baron Jacques van der Straten Waillet, in 1973. In 1978, the castle, which has perfectly preserved its appearance from 1561, was protected as a monument. After the death of Baron Jacques van der Straten Waillet in 1984, the castle was inhabited by his widow, born Countess Christiane de Lannoy, and his sister, Lady Marie-Josephe van der Straten Waillet. After the death of the baroness in 2022, the castle was put up for sale. The asking price was 3.8 million euros. The municipality of Malle decided to purchase the castle after a survey among its residents. This purchase was largely financed by the Kempens Landschap Foundation. Source Wikipedia
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In 1695, the last heir of the Cottereau family owed a lot of money to Pierre Farisau, and later to his heir Filips Robijns. In 1702, the castle was claimed by the creditors, but the court returned the castle to Lady Moytray, the widow of the Cottereau. In 1738, her brother inherited the castle and it was sold to the heirs of Filips Robijns. The castle then had the appearance of a fortified castle with a monumental gate, drawbridge, double rampart and forecourt. These heirs sold the castle to Jacques Benoit Pauwens in 1743. The Pauwens family lived in the castle until 1847. In 1829, Baron de Norman renovated the castle. His children sold the castle in 1848 to an Antwerp diamond merchant, Mr Bovie. He renovated the castle and a garden was created by the landscape architect Koelich. From 1874 to 1878 the castle belonged to Louis Geelhand. Baron de Turck de Kersbeeck bought the castle in 1878 and had the building restored and renovated by architect Schadde.
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The Westmalle Castle is located in the village of Westmalle in the municipality of Malle. The origins of the castle go back to a large fortified farm, the Mansus de Trisco (Dutch: Hoeve Ten Driessche), which was founded around 1100. The farm was the residence of the representatives, the meiers, of the Dukes of Brabant. In 1449, the estate was sold by Philip the Good as Duke of Brabant to Henri van der Moelen, a municipal councilor of Antwerp. In 1505, his son, knight Hendrik van der Moelen, received all feudal rights from Philip I of Castile (also known in the Netherlands as Philip the Fair). Hendrik's grandson, Evrard de Cottereau, built the current castle in 1561. The avenue to the church of Westmalle was constructed in 1650.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Domein De Hees?
Domein De Hees offers a wide selection of car-free touring cycling routes, with over 300 options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring there's a suitable path for every cyclist.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes in Domein De Hees feature a diverse range of terrain. You'll find smooth, well-maintained paths along historic, tree-lined avenues, tranquil cycle paths alongside the meandering Mark River, and even some good gravel sections through forests and fields, including past an old, unused NATO airfield. This variety ensures an engaging experience for touring cyclists.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy ride?
Yes, Domein De Hees has plenty of options for less experienced cyclists or those seeking a relaxed ride. There are over 130 easy routes. For example, the Looiweg Drawbridge – Gravel Path Along the Canal loop from Rijkevorsel offers a gentle 32 km journey with minimal elevation changes.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in Domein De Hees?
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant cycling conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons along the historic avenues, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is also popular, especially with the shaded avenues providing respite from the sun. Winter cycling is possible, though some gravel sections might be muddier.
Are there any specific natural features or landscapes to look out for?
Absolutely. The domain is famous for its unique, star-shaped pattern of sixteen broad avenues, lined with stately trees like beech, oak, and larch, and often underplanted with rhododendrons. You'll also encounter diverse habitats including wet meadows and fens, and the scenic Mark River. The variety of trees, including swamp cypress and 'boksboom', adds to the natural beauty.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Domein De Hees?
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Domein De Hees, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 550 ratings. Reviewers frequently praise the quiet, car-free nature of the routes, the beautiful forested avenues, and the diverse landscapes that make for a truly immersive touring experience.
Are there any longer, more challenging no traffic routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there are 33 difficult routes available. An example is the Westmalle Castle – Sluice bunker Antitankgracht loop from Rijkevorsel, which covers over 66 km and includes more significant elevation changes, offering a rewarding long-distance ride.
Can I find routes that pass through different towns or areas surrounding Domein De Hees?
Many routes extend beyond the immediate domain, allowing you to explore the wider agricultural and natural landscape. For instance, the Turnhout Marina – Bels Lijntje Pedestrian Bridge loop from Rijkevorsel takes you on a moderate 38 km journey, connecting different points of interest in the broader region.
Are there any circular routes available for touring cyclists?
Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes in Domein De Hees are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Boundary Marker 218 – Heathland and Pond Landscape loop from Rijkevorsel is a moderate 66 km example that offers a comprehensive tour of diverse landscapes.
What are the options for parking when visiting Domein De Hees for cycling?
While specific parking areas are not detailed for every route, the region generally boasts good cycling infrastructure and accessibility. Given its popularity for outdoor activities, you can typically find designated parking facilities in and around Rijkevorsel, Hoogstraten, or Brecht, which are the main towns bordering the domain.
Are there routes that follow rivers or canals?
Yes, the area features beautiful cycling paths along waterways. The Cycle Path Along the Mark – Bridge Over the Mark Meander loop from Hoogstraten is a moderate 49 km route that specifically highlights the tranquil and scenic experience of cycling along the meandering Mark River.
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