4.8
(4)
163
riders
Fort Oelegem – anti-tank canal loop from Nijlen
06:18
117km
170m
Gravel riding
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
Tips
Includes movable bridges
Check opening times.
After 21.0 km for 19 m
After 86.6 km for 21 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
11.0 km
Fort Oelegem
Highlight • Historical Site
During World War II, the German Wehrmacht used the fort as a storage facility. After the liberation, it served the US Army as an anti-aircraft defense center against V1 rockets.
In 1947, the fort's military use finally ended, and it became private property.
Today, it is home to approximately 1,300 bats. On certain days and by appointment, you can visit it as part of a guided tour.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
15.5 km
Antitank Canal
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
18.3 km
Antitankgracht – Green ribbon around the city of Antwerp
Highlight • River
The moat has a length of about 33 km and is at least 6 meters wide. It connects the Scheldt near Berendrecht with the Albert Canal in Oelegem
Translated by Google •
Tip by
20.1 km
anti-tank canal
Highlight • Structure
The anti-tank canal was to stop the advance of German tanks and other rolling stock towards Antwerp. However, the enemy came from the other side...
The canal and its banks have since evolved into a green connection between different nature reserves. Plants and animals now easily make the crossing to another nature reserve. Some parts of the original canal have disappeared due to the expansion of the harbor and the construction of highways.
The remains of the canal are now invaluable as a moat. Several fortresses and many bunkers were built along the canal. They have been serving as a comfortable hibernation place for bats for some time now. The calcareous concrete of the fortresses is also very useful for the growth of mosses, ferns and many other plants.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
23.3 km
Antitank Ditch Antwerp
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
25.6 km
De Inslag
Nature Reserve
31.1 km
De Uitlegger
Nature Reserve
36.7 km
Loopgraven en bunkers in het Mastenbos
Archaeological Site
37.5 km
Mastenbos
Forest
40.1 km
Antitankgracht
Lake
41.3 km
Schans van Smoutakker
Fort
41.6 km
Antitank Ditch — Yellow Connecting Route
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
48.1 km
Kanaaldok B2
Lake
49.3 km
Scheldt–Rhine Canal Towpath
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
58.4 km
Moretusbos
Forest
69.6 km
Pathway Along the Lake at Beauvoislaan
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
117 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
34.6 km
29.5 km
23.6 km
17.9 km
11.2 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
34.6 km
30.4 km
25.1 km
21.5 km
4.82 km
493 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Saturday 5 September
24°C
8°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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