The best cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle
4.3
(840)
11,967
riders
543
rides
Touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle traverse a predominantly flat landscape, characterized by rural roads, agricultural fields, and scattered wooded areas. The region's gentle topography makes it suitable for various cycling abilities, with minimal elevation changes across most routes. Cyclists can expect to encounter a network of well-maintained paths, often passing by local landmarks and the tranquil surroundings of the abbey.
Best touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle
- The most popular touring cycling route is St. Anthony's Chapel, Salphen – Zoersel Gravel Section loop from Abdij van Westmalle, a 23.6 miles (38.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 19 minutes to complete. This route features a mix of paved and gravel sections through the local countryside.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Trappisten Café, Westmalle – Saint Elisabeth Church loop from Abdij van Westmalle, an easy 8.8 miles (14.2 km) path. This route offers a relaxed ride through the area, passing by the Trappisten Café.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Scherpenbergmolen, Westmalle – Westmalle Castle loop from Abdij van Westmalle, a 18.2 miles (29.3 km) trail leading through rural landscapes and past historical sites, often completed in about 1 hour 42 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Abdij Van Westmalle is defined by flat terrain, rural roads, and wooded sections. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and more challenging routes.
- The routes in Abdij Van Westmalle are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 700 reviews. More than 10,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Abdij Van Westmalle's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
3.8
(5)
30
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
25
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
15
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
18
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures in Abdij Van Westmalle
Tips from the Community
Beautiful avenue with a cycle and walking path; the avenue leads towards the abbey.
0
0
Beautiful walking and cycling path through an avenue.
0
0
The St. Anthony's Chapel is a chapel in the hamlet of Zalfen, located near Salphen, which is part of the Antwerp municipality of Malle. Nearby Oostmalle was hit by a plague epidemic around 1625. Around 60 sick people reportedly fled to the heath. A certain Adriaan Mattheeusen, who lost three children to the disease, had to bury them on the heath and built a chapel for this purpose. This chapel was soon also used for funeral services, and the deceased were buried in a nearby cemetery. The chapel attracted pilgrims and was therefore expanded in 1726. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Antoniuskapel_(Zalfen)
0
0
Shop of the abbey of Westmalle.
0
0
The Trappist Abbey of Westmalle has had a farm within its walls since its foundation in 1794. Since 1932, the monks have focused on livestock farming, culminating in the current fully renovated stable with room for 400 animals. The milk for Trappist cheese comes entirely from their own cows, which are allowed to graze around the abbey. The cheese dairy began in 1860, initially for their own use and then for sale at the abbey gate and in the adjacent café. Today, the cheese is also sold in specialty shops. Abbey shop opening hours Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM to 3:45 PM
2
0
Where Mary can offer some comfort to some. Whether religious or not, the benches invite you to linger.
6
0
A plaque with a memorial by a fallen soldier explains Eugeen Dierckx, born in Schilde on February 23, 1893, and died in Lo-Reningelst on October 16, 1915, at the age of 22 and a half. He was a soldier in the Great War, first building footbridges in the Yser Plain, then helping to guard the Steenstrate area. This appears to have been a quiet period, but he still died. Eugeen Dierckx was hit by a bullet in the heart and "died for the fatherland." This memorial to this young man at the anti-tank ditch serves to illustrate the folly of all wars.
6
0
The Scherpenbergmolen is a stone corn windmill, a mountain mill type, located on the northwest side of Antwerpsesteenweg (no. 378), on the corner of Tichelmanstraat. The name Scherpenbergmolen comes from the toponym Scherpenberg, while the vernacular referred to it as the "Stone Mill" (Stone Mill), because there was also a wooden mill in Westmalle. The mill was erected in 1843 by the brothers Joannes and Petrus Mullenbrück (Meulenbroeck) on their parents' property in the area of "De Jaentjes." The mill's construction site was designated as follows: "more than half an hour outside the customs line, 70 meters from the main Antwerp-Turnhout road and 45 meters from the local road Tichelmanstraat." Joannes and Petrus Mullenbrück were the sons of Christianus Mullenbrück, originally from Westphalia, Germany, who settled in the municipality of Westmalle in 1808 as a lime distiller. Joannes became a miller there, and his brother Petrus moved to Ossendrecht, the Netherlands, to also pursue the miller's trade.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Abdij Van Westmalle?
There are over 450 touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle?
The region features a predominantly flat landscape, characterized by rural roads, agricultural fields, and scattered wooded areas. You'll find a mix of paved and gravel sections on many routes, making it suitable for various cycling abilities.
Are there easy or beginner-friendly touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Yes, Abdij Van Westmalle is very welcoming for beginners, with over 250 easy routes. An excellent option for a relaxed ride is the Trappisten Café, Westmalle – Saint Elisabeth Church loop from Abdij van Westmalle, which is an 8.8-mile (14.2 km) path.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle?
While the region is generally flat, there are around 50 routes classified as difficult, which might include longer distances or more varied surfaces. For a moderate challenge, consider the St. Anthony's Chapel, Salphen – Zoersel Gravel Section loop from Abdij van Westmalle, a 23.6-mile (38.0 km) trail with mixed terrain.
What are the typical distances for touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Route distances vary significantly. Easy routes can be as short as a few miles, while moderate and difficult options can extend up to 30 miles or more. For example, the Port House Antwerp – Het Steen loop from Hegte Heyde is nearly 31 miles (49.6 km).
What can I see along the touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Many routes pass by local landmarks and natural areas. You might encounter historical sites like the Sanatorium Lizzie Marsily, religious buildings such as the Drieboomkensberg Pilgrimage Site, or natural spots like the Hegte Heyde Nature Reserve.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, the majority of touring cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Scherpenbergmolen, Westmalle – Westmalle Castle loop from Abdij van Westmalle.
When is the best time of year for touring cycling in Abdij Van Westmalle?
The spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) generally offer the most pleasant weather for cycling in Abdij Van Westmalle, with milder temperatures and less rainfall. Always check the local forecast before heading out.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Abdij Van Westmalle?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 700 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's gentle topography, well-maintained paths, and the tranquil surroundings, especially around the abbey and rural landscapes.
Are there routes that pass by cafes or refreshment stops?
Yes, several routes are designed to pass by local establishments. The Trappisten Café, Westmalle – Saint Elisabeth Church loop from Abdij van Westmalle, for instance, specifically highlights passing by the Trappisten Café, offering a convenient stop for refreshments.
Is it possible to find less crowded touring cycling routes?
While some popular routes can see more traffic, with over 450 routes available, it's possible to find quieter paths, especially during off-peak hours or by exploring some of the less-known local loops. The extensive network allows for plenty of discovery.
What are some notable historical sites or natural reserves to explore by bike?
Beyond the abbey itself, you can cycle past the Sanatorium Lizzie Marsily, a historical site, or through the serene Hegte Heyde Nature Reserve. These offer a blend of cultural interest and natural beauty along your ride.
Most popular routes in Abdij Van Westmalle
Most popular attractions in Abdij Van Westmalle
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
