The best traffic-free bike rides around Merksplas
4.5
(175)
4,636
riders
212
rides
Gravel biking around Merksplas offers routes through a landscape characterized by minimal elevation changes, featuring numerous plas, fens, ponds, and extensive forests. The region includes the historical Merksplas-Kolonie, with its grid pattern of avenues and green spaces, and areas like Blakheide, known for heathlands and unpaved paths. These natural features provide varied terrain for gravel enthusiasts seeking no traffic gravel bike trails.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Merksplas
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Route…
Last updated: July 14, 2026
4.5
(2)
113
riders
81.6km
04:37
130m
130m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
96
riders
93.1km
05:24
140m
140m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
37
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
64
riders
84.8km
04:56
160m
160m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
31
riders
46.2km
02:38
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. 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 around Merksplas
Tips from the Community
Nice little church. It was closed when we were there.
0
0
Beautiful avenue with a cycle and walking path; the avenue leads towards the abbey.
0
0
Path through the forest towards the abbey and brewery of Westmalle.
0
0
Beautiful walking and cycling path through an avenue.
0
0
pleasant picnic area with brand new oak benches, both under cover and outdoors.
0
0
Larger covered rest area at the intersection of Poppelseweg and several hiking and cycling paths.
0
0
It's always worth taking a closer look...
0
0
Generations of castle lords and the village community have cared for the magnificent heritage we have today. We must cherish this legacy with care. Everyone has a responsibility in this regard: the government, the owners, and certainly also the visitors. We all want to safeguard this for future generations. VORSELAAR: Proposal to protect the castle "de Borrekens", the rectory, the immediate surroundings of the castle, and the linden avenue as a village landmark. The castle was built in the thirteenth century as a military fortification for the Duke of Brabant, granted as a fief to the Lord Van Rotselaer. The latter gave the fortification, which had the character of a moated castle, the ground plan that can still largely be seen today. Little is known about its evolution since the thirteenth century. The castle is depicted in a print by Ertinger in the second half of the seventeenth century and published by Jacques Le Roy. This shows that the current castle's core still largely reflects this condition. The building's military character was lost in the eighteenth century, and it was converted into a "house of pleasure." This involved the demolition of several surrounding walls and defensive towers, and the moat separating the forecourt from the castle was filled in. Simultaneously or shortly before, several embellishments were carried out on the castle, with J.P. van Baurscheit as the architect. The buildings in the forecourt were constructed during the same period. In the 1850s and 1860s, restoration work was carried out in keeping with the fashion of the time. Several dormers, stepped gables, fireplaces, turrets, and battlements were added in the Neo-Gothic style. The interior was also altered during this period and in the same style. Although this renovation significantly altered the castle's appearance, the renovation itself is remarkable as a testament to the Neo-Gothic style that emerged in our region around 1850.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available in Merksplas?
Merksplas offers a vast network for gravel biking, with over 170 routes available on komoot. Many of these routes are designed to keep you away from busy roads, focusing on the region's quiet forests, heathlands, and historical paths.
What makes Merksplas ideal for no-traffic gravel biking?
Merksplas is characterized by its flat terrain, extensive forests, fens, and the unique historical landscape of Merksplas-Kolonie. These features provide a diverse range of unpaved roads and compacted gravel paths, ensuring a serene and traffic-free gravel biking experience through nature and heritage sites.
What natural features or landmarks can I expect to see on these routes?
You'll encounter a variety of natural beauty, including numerous lakes and fens. Highlights include the tranquil Warandeplas, the serene Bootjesven, and the picturesque Duivelskuil Pond. The Eksterheide Nature Reserve also offers beautiful forest sections.
Are there family-friendly no-traffic gravel bike routes in Merksplas?
Yes, Merksplas has many easy routes suitable for families. The flat terrain and numerous dedicated cycling paths through forests and the Merksplas-Kolonie make it safe and enjoyable for all ages. Look for routes marked as 'easy' on komoot for the most family-friendly options.
What is the typical elevation gain on Merksplas's no-traffic gravel routes?
Merksplas is known for its minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for relaxed gravel biking. Most routes feature gentle undulations rather than steep climbs. For example, the Route Turnhoutse Vennen area, a 53 km ride, has an elevation gain of only around 79 meters.
Are there no-traffic gravel routes specifically through the Merksplas-Kolonie?
Absolutely. The Merksplas-Kolonie is a highlight for gravel bikers, offering a unique setting with its grid pattern of stately avenues, agricultural lands, and expansive green spaces. Its well-maintained gravel paths wind through woodlands and past monumental buildings, providing a distinct traffic-free experience. Many local routes incorporate sections of this historical site.
Where can I park my car when starting a no-traffic gravel bike tour in Merksplas?
Merksplas and its surrounding areas generally offer convenient parking options near popular trailheads and natural reserves. Specific parking information is often detailed within individual komoot tour descriptions, but common starting points like the Merksplas-Kolonie or near nature reserves are good places to look for parking facilities.
What is the best time of year to enjoy no-traffic gravel biking in Merksplas?
The spring and autumn months are particularly pleasant for gravel biking in Merksplas, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer also offers good conditions, especially when riding through shaded forest paths. Winter can be enjoyed, but some paths might be muddy or wet, so appropriate gear is recommended.
Are dogs allowed on the no-traffic gravel bike trails in Merksplas?
Many natural areas and trails in Merksplas are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is on a leash. However, it's always best to check local regulations for specific nature reserves or protected areas you plan to visit, as rules can vary. Ensure your dog is comfortable with longer rides if you plan to bring them along.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in Merksplas?
The Merksplas area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's quiet, diverse landscapes, the extensive network of unpaved paths that keep you away from traffic, and the unique blend of natural beauty with historical sites like the Merksplas-Kolonie.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or accommodation along the no-traffic gravel routes?
While many routes focus on natural immersion, Merksplas and nearby villages offer various bike-friendly cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops for refreshments or overnight stays, ensuring you can refuel and rest comfortably.
Can I find challenging no-traffic gravel routes in Merksplas?
While Merksplas is generally flat, some routes offer longer distances and varied terrain that can be challenging. For instance, the The Zwart Water – Warandeplas loop from Natuurreservaat Eksterheide en omgeving is a difficult 87 km route, and the Westmalle Castle – Forest Path Near the Brewery loop is another challenging 82 km option, both providing extensive time away from traffic.
Most popular attractions around Merksplas
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
