The best MTB trails around Lo-Reninge

From Belgian WWI rest zone to Trappist pickup point Today, cyclists and beer lovers come here to pick up their reserved crate of Westvleteren. More than a hundred years ago, this was a very different place. At the end of 1917, the area around St. Sixtus Abbey was set up as a Belgian rest zone. Soldiers could catch their breath here after their deployment at the front. Initially, the monks feared that the Belgian troops would cause nuisance, but that concern proved unfounded. The soldiers behaved exemplarily and helped the abbey where needed. A British officer described the place as an “oasis of rest and peace in the middle of the war desert.” Today, that peace still reigns here, only with a very different mission: no soldiers resting, but cyclists picking up their crate of Blond, 8 or 12. 🍺 Tip: picking up your Westvleteren here? Then take a look at the information board. You are standing in a place where war history and Trappist beer come together beautifully today.

The Sint-Jans-Onthoofdingkerk in Stavele is also known as the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' of the Westhoek! If you look closely while cycling through the Yser Valley, you'll notice something about the skyline of Stavele. No, it's not due to the Westvleteren trappist beer or the Hommel beer from the Hop Festivals: the church tower of the Sint-Jans Onthoofdingkerk is really a little bit crooked! This robust church tower has been suffering from stability problems for decades and at some point decided to subtly lean towards the countryside. Although engineers are keeping a close eye on things and the tower has fortunately been declared stable, we secretly have our own, West Flemish version of the Tower of Pisa here in the Westhoek.

Are you cycling in the region? Then make sure you don't miss this hidden gem on your route! The Boterweg is one of the most idyllic and characteristic country roads in the region, where you can enjoy kilometers of undisturbed peace. Why should you definitely include this stretch in your route? It's a perfect double track! No hassle from cars, just the pure cadence of your wheels on the surface. Natural air conditioning in summer: the road is beautifully flanked by a perfectly straight, stately row of trees. On hot summer days, these leafy canopies provide a wonderfully cooling shade, making cycling here extremely pleasant.

St. Sixtus Abbey & In de Vrede: Trappist beer with a touch of mystery 🍻 A bike tour through the Westhoek is not complete without a stop at the St. Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren. The brewery itself remains closed to visitors, but the abbey walls and the information center Het Claustrum offer a beautiful glimpse into the lives of the monks and the rich history of this special place. Right next to the abbey, you'll find In de Vrede, the meeting center where you can enjoy a Westvleteren Blond, 8, or 12, accompanied by a snack on the terrace. In the abbey shop, depending on availability, you can also purchase Trappist beer and official glasses. A delightful stop where tranquility, history, and an authentic West Flemish beer moment come together!

Folk nostalgia on the Yser 🍻 Anyone cycling through Stavele can hardly ignore the authentic facade of ’t Hof van Commerce. This 180-year-old inn breathes the atmosphere of the Westhoek, with old signs, horse stables, and an interior full of antiques and stories. The former stables have been given a new life as atmospheric themed rooms, the terrace is located on the spot of the former pigsty, and even the toilet is in an old rabbit hutch. 😄 On the terrace, near the historic Stavele bridge and the Yser, you can enjoy a Picon, regional beer, or a hearty Breughel buffet. A wonderful place to put your bike aside for a moment and experience the authentic Westhoek at its best!

Bridge closure: The bridge at Fintele is closed to all traffic until October 2, 2026 due to works. New lock gates are being installed, among other things. I came from the Diksmuide direction, had to turn back and continued cycling along Reninge. I haven't seen the situation on the other side yet (whether you can continue to Veurne, for example)

Wonderful view and good for bird watching.

ON 23 JULY 1827, THE FOUNDATION STONE WAS LAID BY THE HIGHLY HONOURABLE COUNT FERDINAND DEBAILLET, GOVERNOR OF THE PROVINCE OF WEST FLANDERS, CHAMBERL OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF THE NETHERLANDS, WILLIAM THE FIRST.