“The Limburg region in Flanders, Belgium, really stands out because of its excellent cycling,” says Marco Frank, trade manager for Visit Flanders. “It’s also an off-the-beaten-path region that is much sought after by discerning travelers.”
Flanders will host the 2021 International Cycling Union Road World Championships, and in advance of the event, Visit Flanders will be highlighting opportunities for cyclists of all abilities to hit the road. The DMO has crafted three suggested routes for cycling holidays, each with a distinct focus: beer, the art of the Flemish Masters and the country’s cultural highlights.
Belgium’s beer culture has been recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance, and as they cycle between breweries and cafés, travelers will be able to enjoy some of the country’s more than 1,000 beers and learn how the craft of brewing originated and how it changed over time.
The Flemish Masters route showcases the inspired works of painters such as Pieter Bruegel and Anthony van Dyck, and many significant events related to Flanders’ famed painters are slated for the next two years. In 2020, Antwerp’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts is scheduled to reopen following a decade of renovation, and the route is dotted with churches and museums that display and preserve Flanders’ artistic heritage.
The Flemish Highlights route guides riders through Flanders’ small towns, on roads marked by natural beauty and stunning architecture. Cyclists can tour the well-preserved medieval city of Bruges, or they can learn about Limburg’s mining history at the Beringen Mining Museum and its reconstructed mineshaft. They can also pedal along a 200-meter path created through a natural pond, with the water at eye level.
Visit Flanders has created an online B2B portal with information about lodging, bike routes and attractions at flandersbikeholidaystrade.com. For more information, email Frank.
Top photo: Flemish Highlights route
Photos by Visit Flanders
