The best cycling routes in Abdij Van Westmalle
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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,…
Last updated: October 8, 2026
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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History The chapel was erected in 1626. At that time, the region was plagued by a pest epidemic. Legend has it that about 60 inhabitants of Oostmalle fled the village with the disease to the heath at Zalfen. Adriaan Mattheeusen, an inhabitant of Zalfen, who lost some of his children to the epidemic, was obliged to bury them in the heath and erected a chapel in their memory. Soon, the chapel served for funeral services, and the dead were buried in the adjacent cemetery. The chapel soon became an attraction for pilgrims. For this reason, it was enlarged in 1726 to its current appearance (see upper part in the side gable dated by means of sintered stone). The chapel is depicted on Ferraris' cabinet map (1770-1778) on a triangular plot of heath. A loop of tall trees surrounds the chapel. On Vandermaelen's map (1846-1854), the chapel is located south of the Salphen road, amidst a triangular forest plot. Description The Sint-Antonius chapel of Salphen is located south of the Salphen road, an old avenue of predominantly tall English oaks (Quercus robur), and is surrounded by tall trees (mainly Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris). It is an oriented brick chapel with a three-sided closed west facade and a lower rectangular choir under slate gable roofs (ridge parallel to the street) with a bell tower. On the east side, there are two tuit-gables on shoulder pieces with crenellations. On the north side, there are rectangular windows and a basket-arch door and a basket-arch door. The plastered and painted interior has a wooden frame with a tie beam. The furniture includes an altar from the 19th century and a painted wooden statue of Saint Anthony Abbot (late 15th or early 16th century).
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Beautiful avenue with a cycle and walking path; the avenue leads towards the abbey.
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Path through the forest towards the abbey and brewery of Westmalle.
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Beautiful walking and cycling path through an avenue.
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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)
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Shop of the abbey of Westmalle.
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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
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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
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