The best road cycling routes around Turnhout

Road cycling routes around Turnhout offer a diverse landscape, primarily characterized by flat plains and gently rolling hills. You'll find well-paved paths through extensive natural areas like fens, heathlands, and forests, as well as dedicated cycle paths along waterways such as the Dessel-Schoten Canal. This variety ensures experiences suitable for different fitness levels.

Komoot offers over 1,900 road cycling routes around Turnhout, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This extensive network includes routes ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's always a new path to explore.

Yes, Turnhout offers numerous easy and moderate routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. Approximately 400 routes are classified as easy, providing gentle terrain and manageable distances. Many paths are traffic-free, like sections of the Bels Lijntje, making them ideal for a comfortable introduction to road cycling in the region.

Turnhout's routes often pass through beautiful natural areas. You can cycle through the diverse Turnhouts Vennengebied (Marshes of Turnhout) with its fens and heathlands, especially striking when the heath blooms purple. Other notable areas include the Belse Heide Nature Reserve with its heathland ponds, and the unique Kapucienenberg Land Dunes. You might also encounter highlights like the Lovenhoek Nature Reserve.

Absolutely. Turnhout is known for its excellent cycling infrastructure, including routes along waterways and converted railway lines. The Dessel-Schoten Canal offers 63 kilometers of scenic cycling, while the Bels Lijntje, a 37-kilometer traffic-free path on an old railway line, connects Turnhout towards the Netherlands and features a 360° Panorama Tower with views of the Marshes of Turnhout.

Many routes offer opportunities to visit historical and cultural landmarks. In Turnhout's city center, you can see the historic Castle of the Dukes of Brabant and the peaceful Beguinage of Turnhout, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further afield, you might encounter impressive structures like Borrekens Castle or Postel Abbey, which are often accessible from cycling paths.

While Turnhout is largely flat, there are routes that offer longer distances and some gentle climbs for more experienced riders. For instance, the Netekanaal Cycling Path – Netekanaal Cycle Path loop from Herentals is a difficult 122 km trail, providing a significant challenge. Overall, there are over 160 difficult routes available for those seeking a more strenuous ride.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Turnhout, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 700 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's varied Flemish landscapes, well-maintained paths, and the ability to combine natural beauty with historical sights. The dedicated cycling infrastructure and the range of routes for all abilities are frequently highlighted.

Yes, Turnhout offers many excellent loop trails for road cyclists. A popular choice is the Turnhout and Arendonk Loop, a moderate 39 km route. Another option is the Albert Canal Cycle Path – Albert Canal Cycle Path loop from Bouwel, which is a moderate 67.5 km path following the scenic canal.

Yes, many routes in the Turnhout region pass through towns and villages where you can find cafes, pubs, and restaurants. A local favorite mentioned is the Farmer Ice Cream at Holstein Farm, located near the Bels Lijntje, offering a unique stop for a treat during your ride.

Turnhout is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Late summer is particularly beautiful when the heathlands in areas like Turnhouts Vennengebied bloom purple. Spring and early autumn also offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While winter cycling is possible, be mindful of weather conditions.

Yes, many routes in Turnhout provide a diverse cycling experience, blending open fields with forested sections. For example, the Cycle Path Along Engels Kamp – Open Fields Route loop from Herentals offers a good mix of these landscapes, allowing you to enjoy both expansive views and shaded paths.