4 cycling routes along castles

This 49-kilometre-long cycling route kicks off in Destelbergen and surprises you en route with its impressive avenues and phenomenal castle estates. You cross the nature area known as the Kalkense Meersen, where you will discover a rich landscape that is bursting with life. 

However, the star is undoubtedly Laarne Castle. A moated fortress from the 11th century, used today as a museum. You will learn all about the fascinating history of this castle and will be immersed in a history of successful families, political marriages and threatening thunderclouds. Game of Thrones, but in Scheldeland.

The name of this route - meaning Eel Route - may give you a clue. This cycling route sticks mainly to the waterside. You start cycling in Bornem and continue for 37 kilometres along and across the rivers Scheldt and Durme. You cross over a grand total of 4 times with the ferry. A wonderful way to blow away the cobwebs, in other words.

The highlight of this cycle ride? The magnificent Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde Castle – otherwise known as Bornem Castle. Wow, what a royal gem. And it has quite a tale to tell. The castle is beside the Old Scheldt and was built in the 10th century. It bore witness to countless episodes of war and violence. Today it is an example in heritage protection. Inside, among its treasures, you'll find a magnificent collection of carriages and paintings. After which you continue your ride past breathtaking nature areas.

Off you to go Hemiksem, for the start of the 39-kilometre Bever Cycling route. You'll explore the grand Scheldt area between Temse and Kruibeke, admire the flood plains along the way and end up in amidst the Polders at Kruibeke. 

When you reach Hingene you will immediately notice the elegant D'Ursel Castle. It dominates the village centre and, for four centuries, was the summer residence of the duke of d’Ursel family. The Province of Antwerp was able to purchase the castle in 1994 and has transformed it into an exhibition area. Today, you can come here and enjoy concerts and thrilling exhibitions, or spend the night in the duchess' former painting atelier in the castle park. 

Cozy villages, breathtaking nature and not one but two castles! The Scheldt Castles Cycle Route guides you for 59 kilometers along the grandeur of yesteryear. On your tour, the meandering water of the Scheldt is never far away.

Along the way you visit Bornem Abbey and the magnificent castle of Marnix van Sint-Aldegonde with its entrance bridge, turrets and moat. You ride through the quiet area of Weert, you pass Buitenland, hamlet of Bornem, the castle of Ursel in Hingene and drive through Scheldt villages Mariekerke and Sint-Amands, where you overlook the most beautiful bend of the Scheldt.