Tour of Flanders

Wichtig: Nur englische Routenbeschreibung.

A cycling excursion through the distinctive area celebrated by Jacques Brel in his worldfamous song ‘Marieke’. Here, beer brewed by monks flows and you cycle through a genuine farm landscape, where the streets have names like Blinde Ezelstraat (Blind Donkey Street), Jokstraat (Fib Street) and Leugenboomstraat (Street of the Tree of Lies). Here, the bicycle is king and many a world-class cyclist was born. An exotic destination, and just a few hours away: the ancient Flanders region to the south of Brugge (Bruges).

Highlights
Bruges
Culture and nature
Cycling Museum

If you are looking for alternating culture and nature during a captivating but not too strenuous cycling excursion, this is a destination worth considering. Belgium is also ideal for those wishing to experience the particular character of a cycling holiday for the first time. Cycle from one hotel to the next without any uncomfortable baggage. You may also choose from accommodation based on bed and breakfast or half-board.
After arriving, possibly with a round trip and overnight stay in Roeselare, the first stage brings you to Kemmel, famous for the ‘mountain’ of the same name. While underway, you pass an impressive war church, the last resting place of thousands of British soldiers. There are more reminders of the First World War in Ieper (Ypres), with its imposing harbour.
The first day of cycling takes you through hilly countryside, and is thus the most difficult day. The rest of the trip is mostly flat country roads that meander past farmhouses, manor houses and numerous small churches dedicated to Our Lady. 

On the way to Diksmuide, some of the route takes you along the river Yzer, where the mediaeval town of Poperinge is the allocated stop for a coffee break. You reach Brugese via small country roads, and stay in this Burgundian city for three nights, where you will most certainly enjoy the wonderful mediaeval buildings, the canals, and the outdoor cafés that determine the local colours. From Bruges, there is a marvellous circular route to the bathing place of Knokke and Het Zwin nature reserve. A different route takes you to Ostend, the ‘Queen of bathing places’, and the friendly town of De Haan. 

You then travel back to Roeselare, where a visit to the Cycling Museum of former world champion Freddy Maertens forms a sporty finish to this last day of cycling. If you would like to conclude your holiday in a literally tasty atmosphere, you are welcome to visit a small chocolate factory (except for the month of July).

The route from day to day
sat		Arrival in Roeselare;if poss. excursion on own bicycle, 45
sun		Roeselare – Kemmel/Ieper, 48
mon		Kemmel/Ieper – Diksmuide, 44
tue		Diksmuide – Bruges, 56
wed		Bruges, round trip Ostend, 66
thu		Bruges, round trip Knokke, 59
fri		Bruges – Roeselare, 53
sat		End of the tour, after breakfast
1 km = 0.62 miles