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You can find the best culinary stops on cycling routes in Belgium in two ways. Follow organised food routes or plan your own using the cycle junction network. Combine regional products, local beers and authentic dishes with stunning landscapes. It is a way of travelling that makes the ride itself just as important as the destination. Discover how to turn your bike ride into an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
How do you combine cycling and food in Flanders?
Belgium, and Flanders in particular, has an extensive and well-maintained network of cycle paths. It is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys combining nature and gastronomy. The famous junction system allows you to map out your own route with ease, from one tasty surprise to the next. Distances are manageable and the landscape is mostly flat, making the routes accessible for cyclists of every level.
For a culinary bike ride you can choose between two approaches. Join a fully organised concept such as ‘Happen en Trappen’. In that case you follow a set route and are served a different course of a menu at several restaurants. Or create your own route. Plan stops at breweries, farm shops, markets and specific restaurants you would like to visit. Both options offer a great way to experience local culture and flavours.
‘ Whether you are cycling along the coast, riding through the green Kempen or exploring the rolling hills of the Hageland, local delicacies are waiting to be discovered everywhere. ’
Which culinary regions and specialities are popular?
Every region in Flanders has its own character, both in terms of landscape and cuisine. Whether you are cycling along the coast, riding through the green Kempen or exploring the rolling hills of the Hageland, local delicacies are waiting to be discovered everywhere.
What does West Flanders offer from the coast to the hinterland?
The Belgian coast offers more than just sun and sea. The Coastal Cycle Route leads you along the dunes and seaside resorts, with plenty of opportunities for a culinary stop. Think of a fresh shrimp croquette in a bistro with sea view, or a classic fish casserole in an authentic restaurant in Nieuwpoort. A recommendation is Villa de Torre in De Haan, a beautiful establishment for a refined break. For coffee with something sweet, stop at Bakkerij Pétris in Wenduine or the coffee roastery Nord C Coffee Roasters in Blankenberge.
Further inland, West Flanders offers several ‘Happen en Trappen’ routes. These organised day trips of around 50 kilometres combine cycling with a complete dinner. The dinner is spread over four or five hospitality venues. Popular routes can be found around Bruges, Ypres, Diksmuide and Veurne. You start with coffee and cake, cycle on to the starter, then to the soup, the main course and finish with a dessert. The organisation arranges everything for you; all you have to do is cycle and enjoy.
Where can you enjoy Burgundian pleasures in the greenery of the Brabantse Kempen?
The Kempen are known for their peaceful nature, forests and country roads. The ‘Grenzeloos Genieten Fietsroute’ (Borderless Enjoyment Cycle Route) of around 45 kilometres is a perfect example. Here you combine cycling and good food in a special way. The route leads you past farms with vending machines. Via these machines you can buy fresh, local products such as cheese, eggs or strawberries. Along the way there are plenty of cosy terraces and restaurants serving regional dishes from the Kempen. Make sure to try a locally brewed beer or a piece of Kempen cheese here.
What makes Limburg and the Hageland special with fruit, wine and more?
Limburg and the neighbouring Hageland form the heart of Belgian fruit growing and wine production. In spring you cycle through a sea of blossom, while in late summer you can enjoy the ripe fruit. A special experience is a bike ride along the vineyards of the Hageland. Several wine estates offer guided tours and tastings. Plan your route so that you end the day with a tasting of Belgian wine. The Riemst region even has ten specially mapped-out ‘tasty cycling routes’. These take you past the best places to eat and drink in the municipality.
Which practical tips ensure a successful culinary bike ride?
Good preparation ensures a relaxed and successful trip. With the right planning you will get the most out of your culinary cycling holiday. Check the routes and the stops you want to visit in advance. That way you will not be faced with any surprises along the way.
- Route planning: Use a junction app or an online route planner to map out your route. Most routes are clearly signposted.
- Reservations: For organised trips such as ‘Happen en Trappen’ it is necessary to book in advance. If you want to visit specific restaurants, it is also advisable to reserve a table.
- Opening times: Check the opening hours of breweries, farm shops and restaurants. Especially outside peak season these can be limited.
- Equipment: Take panniers with you if you plan to buy local products along the way. That way you can easily carry your purchases.
- Pace: Do not pack your day too full. The aim of a culinary bike ride is to take your time and enjoy the surroundings and the flavours. Allow for an easy pace with plenty of time for every stop.
What makes a culinary bike ride more than just restaurants?
A culinary voyage of discovery by bike goes beyond restaurants alone. It is precisely the small, local initiatives that make your trip special. Visit a local market to experience the atmosphere and taste the region’s products. Many farms have their own shop where you buy directly from the producer. These farm shops often offer a wide range of products, from cheese and dairy to meat, vegetables and fruit.
Do not forget Belgium’s rich beer culture either. Many cycling routes take you past small and large breweries. Many breweries have a tasting room where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink after your ride. A visit to a brewery is an excellent way to end your day and to learn more about the brewing process and the stories behind the local beers.
In short, this is just a selection of the many possibilities for a culinary bike ride in Belgium. The combination of exercise, nature and gastronomy offers a rich and satisfying travel experience. On the Traveler Tips website you will find plenty more inspiration for your next trip. Discover detailed route planners and guides for the most beautiful destinations in Belgium and beyond. Explore more and plan your perfect trip.
Frequently asked questions
To find high-quality culinary stops along Belgian cycling routes, you can use various digital tools and guides. Traveler Tips offers in-depth information about routes and destinations, aimed at self-organising travellers who want to make conscious choices. Specific apps and websites such as Happen en Trappen guide cyclists along gastronomic routes in West Flanders with high ratings. In addition, there are regional tourist platforms such as VisitBrabant and VisitWestVlaanderen, which recommend routes featuring local specialities, farms and vending machines with regional products. Finally, junction apps can help with navigation and with planning stops along culinary theme routes in various regions, such as the Brabantse Kempen, the Coast, Limburg and East Flanders.
To integrate culinary stops smartly, plan routes with eateries you have reserved in advance, such as the ‘Happen en Trappen’ arrangements. Use junction apps for navigation and choose routes that match your level. Focus on local specialities such as regional beers, cheeses or fresh fish and combine this with sustainable options such as farm shops. Check the weather forecast and make reservations in good time so you can enjoy everything to the full without time pressure.
Belgium has several regions that are ideal for culinary cycling routes. The Brabantse Kempen and the border area are known for their regional dishes and local beers. Along the Belgian Coast you can enjoy fresh shrimps and fish, while West Flanders excels with “Happen en Trappen” routes featuring gastronomic meals. Limburg, the Hageland and East Flanders also offer unique cycling routes with vineyards, farm products and local beers.
Yes, there are certainly culinary addresses along cycling routes in Belgium that take cyclists into account. Various routes, such as the Grenzeloos Genieten Fietsroute and the Coastal Cycle Route, offer stops at farms, restaurants and cafés that serve local specialities. The “Happen en Trappen” organisation even offers guided routes with pre-booked meals in highly rated restaurants. Although explicit mention of secure bike parking or charging points is not prominent in all route descriptions, these can often be found at cycling cafés and tourist locations.
For reliability and authenticity, look for establishments that offer local regional dishes, regional beers and fresh farm products, which indicates a farm-to-table approach. Value for money can be assessed based on a high average of user reviews and ratings on platforms, paying attention to a substantial number of reviews. The presence of regular local customers and recommendations for “hidden gems” from local experiences are also good indicators. Finally, check the reputation and history, such as long-established restaurants or places with strong local roots.
