The best cycling routes around Soest

There are over 160 touring cycling routes around Soest, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy riverside paths to more challenging routes through heathland and forested areas.

Yes, Soest offers many easy routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Riverside view of the Eem – Bike path along the Eem loop from Soest is an easy 9.8-mile (15.7 km) trail that takes about 56 minutes to complete, offering pleasant riverside landscapes.

The touring cycling routes around Soest feature a diverse landscape, including flat riverside paths along the Eem river, open heathland, and shaded forested sections. While elevation changes are generally modest, you'll encounter varied surfaces, including some sandy sections on certain trails.

Many of the easier, flatter routes along the Eem river are well-suited for families. These paths often provide a relaxed cycling experience away from heavy traffic, allowing for enjoyable outings with children. Look for routes marked as 'easy' for the most family-friendly options.

Route durations vary significantly. Shorter, easy routes like the Sandy Section on MTB Trail – Hoge Vuurseweg loop from Soestdijk can be completed in under two hours (approx. 1 hour 41 minutes for 12.4 miles/19.9 km). Longer, moderate routes, such as the Bike path along the Eem – Old Harbour of Spakenburg loop from Bethanie/Hebron, can take around 2 hours 50 minutes for 29.7 miles (47.8 km).

The routes offer diverse scenery, from the tranquil Eem river to heathland and forests. You can also discover interesting points of interest. For instance, some routes pass by the historic Groeneveld Castle or lead to the Heidestein Forest Lake. The Bike path along the Eem – Old Harbour of Spakenburg loop from Bethanie/Hebron specifically leads to the historic Old Harbour of Spakenburg.

Yes, for more experienced touring cyclists, there are routes with greater distances and elevation changes. The Zuiderheide – Zuiderheide loop from Soestdijk is a difficult 30.8-mile (49.5 km) route with over 120 meters of elevation gain, offering a more challenging experience through the Zuiderheide area.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Soest, with mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder weather and potentially wet or icy conditions, especially on unpaved sections.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Soest are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This makes planning your trip convenient, as you don't need to arrange for return transport. Examples include the Roedenlaan Gravel Path – Zuiderheide loop from Soestdijk.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's varied terrain, from peaceful riverside paths to scenic heathland and forested sections, and the well-maintained network of trails suitable for different skill levels.

While specific cafes are not listed for every route, the region around Soest is generally well-equipped with towns and villages where you can find cafes, restaurants, and shops. Routes that pass through or near urban centers or popular attractions are more likely to have refreshment stops available.

Parking is generally available in and around Soest, particularly near popular recreational areas and trailheads. Many routes start from locations like Soestdijk or Bethanie/Hebron, where public parking facilities can often be found, though it's always advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations.