Hop on your bike and sample the region
Whether you choose the vast fields around Tienen, the hills and heritage sites of the Hageland, or the delicious traditions of Noord-Dijleland: every ‘Happen en Trappen’ route lets you experience the landscape in a unique way.
You start the day with coffee and pastries, then cycle to your starter, enjoy a bowl of soup along the way, sit down for your main course and finish with a delicious dessert. This route costs 47.95 euros per person.
Hop on your bike, let yourself be surprised and sample what makes Flemish Brabant so special along the way.
1. Beets & Delights Route – 57 km
Cycling from the sugar town of Tienen to the beer village of Hoegaarden via Linter and Landen, passing through a surprisingly beautiful stretch of the Hageland. In spring, fruit orchards colour the landscape with white and pink blossoms. The route winds through open fields, sunken lanes and quiet villages steeped in history. Take your time, because this trip is not just about cycling, but also about enjoying yourself.
You set off from Tienen, where church towers and historic buildings characterise the townscape. You’ll soon leave the town behind and cycle towards Hakendover, a village known for its centuries-old horse procession. Further on, the landscape unfolds in peaceful tranquillity, with sweeping views around Landen and charming spots such as Rumsdorp.
One of the highlights of the route is Hoegaarden, where heritage and beer culture come together. The impressive St Gorgonius Church and the rich history of brewing give the village a unique character. On the way back, you’ll cycle past green valleys, historic farmhouses and quiet spots that invite you to stop for a while.
In spring, the blossoms provide an extra touch of charm, but this route remains a must-try all year round for anyone who loves peace, space and enjoying the journey.
2. The Reynvaert Route – Hageland – approx. 50 km
The Reynvaert Route takes you on a varied journey past some of the most beautiful spots in the Hageland. You start in historic Diest and cycle through a gently undulating landscape rich in nature and heritage.
Soon, the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady appears on the horizon. This famous place of pilgrimage has been a landmark in the region for generations. After the climb, you can enjoy a sweeping view before continuing on towards Zichem.
In Zichem, the Maagdentoren towers above the Demer Valley, and you can soak up the atmosphere of the Flemish countryside that also inspired the writer Ernest Claes. Via Langdorp, you follow the meandering Demer, where water and nature set a relaxed pace.
The landscape changes as you approach Averbode. Woodlands and heathland alternate, forming the backdrop to the imposing Averbode Abbey, a place steeped in history that is still bustling with life today.
Via the Demerbroeken, you return to Diest, where the Beguinage (recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the historic town centre provide an atmospheric conclusion to this varied tour.
3. The White Gold Route: a tour of chicory and asparagus – 43 km
On this tasty cycle route, you’ll discover everything there is to know about two local produce that are rightly called ‘white gold’ here: chicory and asparagus. In the landscape of Noord-Dijleland, with towns such as Kortenberg, Haacht, Boortmeerbeek, Kampenhout and Steenokkerzeel, they have been an important part of the local cuisine for generations.
Along the way, you’ll discover not only how these vegetables are grown, but also just how much patience and craftsmanship are involved. Asparagus takes years to grow and is harvested at just the right moment, whilst chicory only develops after its roots have been cultivated under special conditions. A unique piece of agricultural history that has its origins in a Brussels cellar in the 19th century.
The route takes you along peaceful towpaths beside the Leuven-Dijle Canal and past historic sites such as the Boortmeerbeek lock. Along the way, you’ll also come across local initiatives that bring the region to life, such as the Van Campenhout brewery, where regional beers are brewed with passion.
Anyone wishing to discover more about the story behind chicory can visit De Krop, the chicory museum where tradition and craftsmanship take centre stage.
