The best cycling routes around Merksplas
4.3
(50)
809
riders
55
rides
Touring cycling routes around Merksplas traverse a diverse countryside characterized by vast fields, lush forests, and serene riverside paths. The region features an extensive network of well-maintained cycling paths, including those through the significant natural and historical area of Merksplas-Kolonie. This landscape combines open and closed areas with agricultural lands and natural spaces, offering varied scenery for cyclists. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various skill levels.
Best touring cycling routes around Merksplas
- The most popular touring cycling route is Zoerselbos Gravel Trail – Zoerselbos loop from Merksplas, a 34.1 miles (54.8 km) trail that takes 3 hours 18 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers a mix of gravel paths through forested areas.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Wortel-Kolonie – Wortel Prison loop from Kolonie Merksplas, an easy 14.9 miles (24.0 km) path. This route explores the historical Merksplas-Kolonie area with mostly flat terrain.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Gravel path De Roet – Wortel-Kolonie loop from Kolonie Merksplas, a 25.1 miles (40.3 km) trail leading through natural landscapes and gravel paths, often completed in about 2 hours 24 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Merksplas is defined by diverse countryside, extensive forests, and the unique Merksplas-Kolonie area. The cycling network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family rides to more challenging routes with unpaved segments.
- The routes in Merksplas are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from more than 40 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Merksplas's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
5.0
(4)
46
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
149
riders
58.8km
03:20
60m
60m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.5
(8)
37
riders
24.0km
01:29
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
59
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
34
riders
41.5km
02:29
70m
70m
Moderate bike 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
Pleasant cycling on very good cycle paths.
0
0
Freestanding neo-Gothic church with a partially integrated west tower, designed by P.J. Taeymans, dating from 1872–1874, surrounding square. Source: Heritage Inventory
1
0
De Loteling is nestled in the wooded Zoersel district and offers an oasis of peace and relaxation for those seeking it. Be aware that it can get quite busy here.
2
0
More information about this historic farm and the link with Hendrik Conscience and his novel "De Loteling": https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_loteling
0
0
A silent witness to the history of the Wortel Colony. This former prison recalls the strictly regulated living and working conditions of the colony, where the poor and vagrants were housed and forced into labor. Stroll past this historic building and experience the special atmosphere of a place that once shaped the daily lives of many.
3
0
Wortel-Kolonie Vagrants' Cemetery This historic cemetery, nestled in the woods of Wortel-Kolonie, commemorates the vagrants who stayed here between 1890 and 1940. Approximately 170 graves are numbered, some with names, and tell the story of the former charitable colony. A quiet, impressive place steeped in history and remembrance.
9
0
The town hall is an example of civil, late Gothic architecture in brick and sandstone. When the withdrawing German troops dynamited St. Catherine's Tower on October 23, 1944, the town hall was also almost completely destroyed. After the war, this monument was meticulously rebuilt. In 1525, a meeting between Count Antoon de Lalaing and the residents of the Freedom of Hoogstraten decided to build a town hall. The count decided to finance the new town hall himself, as the city's citizens were already helping to bear the heavy burden of building a new choir. The late Gothic town hall was built between 1530 and 1534 to a design by Rombout II Keldermans. He was a master architect from Mechelen and a member of one of the most important master architect families of the Brabant Gothic period. Rombout II Keldermans, like his father, was Mechelen's city architect. Moreover, he rose to become master architect to the Dukes of Brabant and was even appointed personal architect to Emperor Charles V, who ennobled him in 1516. The master builder from Mechelen worked in Hoogstraten until his death in 1531. Afterward, work on the town hall continued under the direction of Hendrik Lambrechts and Antoon II Keldermans. The original town hall housed a concierge's lodge, a butcher's office, a secretariat, a council chamber, an archive storage room, and a two-part militia hall for the guilds. Today, the VisitHoogstraten office is located in the town hall. Source: www.visithoogstraten.be
6
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Merksplas?
Merksplas offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 45 different options to explore. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy rides to more challenging adventures.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Merksplas?
Yes, Merksplas is very family-friendly and offers numerous easy routes. For instance, the Wortel-Kolonie – Wortel Prison loop from Kolonie Merksplas is an easy 24.0 km path that explores the historical Merksplas-Kolonie area on mostly flat terrain, perfect for a relaxed ride.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling in Merksplas?
The region boasts a diverse countryside, featuring vast fields, lush forests, and serene riverside paths. You'll encounter unique areas like Merksplas-Kolonie with its characteristic tree-lined avenues and fens, as well as picturesque forests and lakes in the Blakheide area.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Merksplas?
Many of the touring cycling routes in Merksplas are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Zoerselbos Gravel Trail – Zoerselbos loop from Merksplas, a moderate 54.8 km route that offers a mix of gravel paths through forested areas.
What historical or cultural sites can I visit along the cycling routes?
Merksplas-Kolonie is a significant historical and cultural site, offering insights into its past as a poorhouse and vagrant colony. You can explore the prison museum or the visitor center Kolonie 5-7. Additionally, the Dodendraad World War I Memorial – View of Zondereigen church loop from Merksplas takes you past a historical memorial.
Are there any routes with unpaved sections for a more adventurous touring cycling experience?
Yes, some routes in Merksplas include unpaved segments for those seeking a more adventurous ride. The Gravel path De Roet – Wortel-Kolonie loop from Kolonie Merksplas is a 40.3 km trail that leads through natural landscapes and gravel paths.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Merksplas?
The touring cycling routes in Merksplas are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse countryside, extensive forests, and the unique Merksplas-Kolonie area, as well as the well-maintained cycling network suitable for various ability levels.
What natural attractions or viewpoints can I discover on the touring cycling routes?
You can discover several natural attractions, including the unique landscapes of Wortel-Kolonie, and various serene lakes such as Bootjesven and Duivelskuil Pond. The Blakheide area also offers picturesque forests and lakes.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders looking for longer distances, routes like the Bels Lijntje – 't Zand Recreation Lake loop from Merksplas offer a moderate 53.3 km journey, providing ample opportunity to cover more ground and enjoy varied scenery.
What is the Merksplas Botanical Garden and is it accessible by bike?
The Merksplas Botanical Garden is an 8-hectare sanctuary with over 7,000 plant species, offering a tranquil stop for nature lovers. While specific cycling routes directly through it are not detailed, its location in Merksplas makes it easily accessible as a side trip from many local cycling paths.
Does Merksplas offer routes that cross into the Netherlands?
Merksplas's location near the Dutch border allows for cycling routes that traverse this unique border area, offering varied cultural and natural experiences. You might encounter areas like Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau Border Enclaves, which are known for their complex border situation.
Most popular routes around Merksplas
Most popular attractions around Merksplas
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
