The best road cycling routes around Merchtem

Nice place to stop for a break.

At the top of the bridge, you have enough space and even benches to safely overlook the Dender. This provides beautiful reflections.

The Oude Hansbrug has been a protected monument since 1988. It is a cast-iron, late 19th-century bridge over the Dijle between Keerbergen and Haacht. There has been a lot of history surrounding the Oude Hansbrug. It can already be found in the 13th century, albeit as a wooden bridge. In the 19th century, it was replaced by a cast-iron riveted bridge with a fixed section on the Keerbergen side and a drawbridge section on the Haacht side. During the First and Second World Wars, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. In 1958, a new concrete bridge was built 200 meters upstream, and the Oude Hansbrug was retired. It could no longer handle the traffic flow. Deterioration began, and it soon had to be closed, even to pedestrians and cyclists, because it was no longer safe. It simply rusted away. Together with the historical societies of Haacht and Keerbergen and both municipal administrations, a battle against time began. It soon became clear that this battle was being lost, and restoration was out of the question because there was simply nothing left to restore. Rebuilding the bridge by perfectly replicating it was the only alternative to save this now-classified monument. While pillars and bridgeheads were being restored, the Flemish Region began replicating the old bridge: a perfect copy in the same materials as the original bridge. In the night of June 14 to 15, 2005, this bridge was brought to the site in pieces by three semi-trailers, and the next day it was assembled by a large crane. On August 27, 2005, the bridge was officially reopened. The Oude Hansbrug has been a protected monument since March 16, 1998. Source: https://www.keerbergen.be/product/292/oude-hansbrug

Iron balance bridge over the Dijle, built to replace a worn-out swing bridge from 1822 (3 wooden spans on 2 stone pillars). A bridge was already located at this site in 1234 (deed drawn up by Knight Walter van Haacht). Earliest depiction of 'a' Hansbrug with toll house of the de Croy Family (figurative pre-cadastral plans by Adriaan van Montigny). Sometimes the bridge had to be replaced by a ferry or pontoon (including around 1820). The current bridge was damaged by the Belgian Army in 1914 and then repaired. Tolls were levied until after 1886. On December 23, 1890, the Municipalities of Keerbergen (Province of Antwerp) and Haacht (Province of Brabant) were granted permission to build a new bridge by the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry and Public Works, Bridges and Roads Department. After some changes to the original plans, this bridge was completed and delivered in 1893 (February 22). The total cost was 46,550 BEF paid by the Belgian State, the Province of Brabant, and the two municipalities involved. The iron parts were built by the Van Aerschot company from Herentals, also widely known as a caster of iron mill axle heads and as a constructor of riveted iron mill rods. Inventory Immovable Heritage: Hansbrug, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/200147

This church in the village of Vlassenbroek – built without a steeple but with a roof turret above the intersection of the nave and transept – was dedicated to Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. In the Rhineland, she is known – and this is by no means meant disrespectfully – as the "Mouse Saint," since in the Middle Ages she was invoked primarily against those pests that constantly helped themselves to the food supplies in the house and barn.

Tucked away in a meander of the Scheldt River, the village welcomes thousands of hikers, cyclists, and bon vivants every year. The Gothic St. Gertrude's Church, visible from the Scheldt banks, towers over the landscape and is an iconic sight. It's open to the public every Sunday in July and August. Did you know that Vlassenbroek is also a uniquely creative village? This artists' village has a magnetic pull on anyone who loves art and beauty. In these narrow streets, you'll discover a rich collection of works by sculptors and painters. The picturesque surroundings must have something to do with it. It's the perfect place to get lost. (Scheldeland)

Since 1988, the Old Hans Bridge has also been protected. It is a cast-iron bridge from the late 19th century that spans the Dijle River between Keerbergen and Haacht. The Old Hans Bridge has been the subject of much discussion. It dates back to the 13th century, albeit as a wooden bridge. In the 19th century, it was replaced by a riveted cast-iron bridge with a fixed section on the Keerbergen side and a retractable section on the Haacht side. During the First and Second World Wars, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. In 1958, a new concrete bridge was built 200 meters upstream, and the Old Hans Bridge was retired. It could no longer handle the flow of traffic. Deterioration began, and soon it had to be closed, including to pedestrians and cyclists, because it was no longer safe. It simply rusted away. Together with the historical societies of Haacht and Keerbergen and both municipal councils, a battle against time began. It soon became clear that this battle was being lost, and restoration was out of the question because there was simply nothing left to restore. Reconstruction by perfectly replicating the bridge was the only alternative to save this now-listed monument. While the piers and bridgeheads were being repaired, the Flemish Region began the reconstruction of the old bridge: a perfect copy using the same materials as the original. During the night of June 14-15, 2005, this bridge was delivered in sections by three semi-trailers, and the following day it was assembled by a large crane. On August 27, 2005, the bridge was officially reopened. The Oude Hansbrug has been a listed monument since March 16, 1998. Source: https://www.keerbergen.be/product/292/oude-hansbrug

It can get busy (and dangerous) there during rush hours. At less busy times, it's a nice street for cycling.