The best cycling routes around Turnhout

Turnhout offers a vast network for touring cyclists, with over 2,600 routes available. This includes a wide range of options from easy to more challenging rides, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

The touring cycling routes around Turnhout are primarily characterized by the flat, green Kempen countryside. You'll encounter varied landscapes including heathland, coniferous forests, and serene waterways like the Dessel-Schoten Canal. While many routes are easy, such as The Zwart Water nature reserve – Le Paige Castle loop from Herentals, there are also moderate options like Around Postel Abbey, and some more difficult routes with moderate elevation gains, such as Keiheuvel Aeroclub – Keiheuvel sand dunes loop from Mol, offering diverse experiences.

Turnhout's touring cycling routes pass through a rich tapestry of natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the unique heathlands and dry drifting dunes of areas like the Kapucienenberg Land Dunes and the Belse Heide Nature Reserve. Waterways such as the Dessel-Schoten Canal provide scenic paths, and you might encounter lakes like The Zwart Water. Historical sights, including the moated Castle of the Dukes of Brabant and the UNESCO World Heritage Beguinage, are also often integrated into routes.

Yes, Turnhout is very suitable for family cycling. With over 1,500 easy routes, the region's generally flat terrain and well-maintained paths make it ideal for cyclists of all ages. The converted railway line, known as the Route Bels Lijntje, offers a largely traffic-free experience, perfect for families. An example is The Laermolen Watermill – Bels Lijntje loop from Baarle-Nassau.

Many natural areas around Turnhout are accessible for dogs, but it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially when passing through nature reserves like Landschap De Liereman or areas with grazing animals and wildlife. Always check local regulations for specific nature reserves you plan to visit to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for everyone.

Yes, the majority of touring cycling routes around Turnhout are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point. This makes planning your trip convenient, as you don't need to arrange for return transport. Routes like De Paepekelders Tourist Tower – The Zwart Water loop from Olen are excellent examples of these well-planned circular tours.

Turnhout and the surrounding region are well-equipped for cyclists. While specific parking locations for each route vary, you'll generally find ample parking in towns and near popular starting points. The region also benefits from a comprehensive public transport network, and many trains and buses accommodate bicycles, making it possible to combine cycling with public transport for longer distances or to reach starting points.

The most pleasant time for touring cycling in Turnhout is typically from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors, making for comfortable rides.

Absolutely. While many routes are suitable for day trips, Turnhout also offers options for longer touring cycling experiences. The extensive network of canal paths, such as those along the Dessel-Schoten Canal and the Albert Canal, can be linked to create extended journeys. For example, the Junction of Four Canals – Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal loop from Geel offers a substantial ride of over 68 km.

Yes, the Kempen region is known for its welcoming villages and towns, offering numerous opportunities for refreshments. You'll find cafes, pubs, and restaurants in many of the communities along the routes. Accommodation options, ranging from hotels to guesthouses and B&Bs, are also readily available, particularly in and around Turnhout, making it easy to plan multi-day cycling adventures.

The touring cycling routes in Turnhout are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse and peaceful landscapes, including the quiet heathlands, serene canals, and extensive forests. The well-maintained cycling infrastructure and the variety of routes catering to different skill levels are also frequently highlighted as major attractions.