The most beautiful cycling routes in Ghent and its surroundings

The Overstromen cycling guide brings together 7 beautiful cycling routes along the Scheldt, Durme and Rupel rivers. They are all easy to explore from Ghent. One of these is the Bergeend (Shelduck) bicycle route, a delightful bike ride that starts at the Blaarmeersen. You know, that cosy green area where the local youth enjoy the sunshine all summer long.

A piece of geographical history was restored in 2018: the Reep reopened. Besides an iconic library, it provided something else too. With the reopening of the water, after all, Ghent once again lies at the confluence of the Scheldt and the Lys.

Waterfowl in the Gentbrugse Meersen

The first part of the trail leads you toward the Gentbrugse Meersen, where you're sure to feel as good as the thousands of waterfowl that live there. Seen it and admired it? The next stage is smooth pedalling towards Laarne and Wetteren.

The sublime 14th-century castle of Laarne is one of the best-preserved fortified castles in Flanders. It houses an impressive art collection of Brussels tapestries, 16th-century furniture and a wonderful silver collection. It is like stepping into a time machine that flashes you back to noble times.

In search of the Just Judges

But for now, it's best to just zip on across the cycle lanes. The passageway across the Scheldt brings cyclists safely to the heart of Wetteren. According to historical hearsay, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb panel 'The Just Judges' was hidden here.

The suspected thief, Arsène Goedertier, was from Wetteren and took his secret to the grave. His house was searched with all hands for the missing Judges a few years ago, but in vain.

Eyes open, in other words. You never know, a real Van Eyck might suddenly slip between your bicycle chain.

Need to recharge the batteries after this cycling route? Then you can do so in an overnight stay at B&B Kwaadham 52 or B&B Faja Lobi.

The Groenpolen cycling route starts in the heart of Ghent. A bike ride that takes you to the green edge of the city. From the Coupure, you cycle out of the centre, towards Keizerspark. It then goes via the Reep to Portus Ganda, the city's passing port. This cycling route also takes you to the place where the Scheldt and the Lys merge again after 60 years.

Once you cycle out of Ghent, you follow the towpath along the Scheldt for about four kilometres. Past the lock, you ride straight into the Gentbrugse Meersen green area. The area of nature is best known for the Geboortebos and the Peace Monument. But the free-roaming cows, the play forest and the barefoot trail are also among the attractions.

From Marshes to Pink Elephants

On top of that, you can enjoy an impressive panorama of the Marshes and the Scheldt here. A vista that immediately gets under your skin, because the nature and the peacefulness of the landscape are truly beautiful.

You will cross the charming rivers a few times. The Heusdenbrug will bring you safely to the other bank of the Scheldt in Melle, the home of the famous pink-elephant beer Delirium Tremens. Order one at one of the village cafés! Or make an appointment for a fun tour of the brewery – a matter of getting straight to the source.

Cycle through the Parkbos

A little further on, you will find yourself in a new area of greenery: in Zwijnaarde, you'll trek through Parkbos with wooded areas, open landscapes, stream valleys and stately castle lanes. Ride back into Ghent along the new cycle bridge and take in the green Citadel Park for a while. 

You can stay at B&B d'Apotheeke in Zwijnaarde along this route. The perfect base for exploring Ghent's areas of greenery.

This cycling route in Ghent is just over 50 kilometres and very family-friendly. Not coincidentally, it is the most popular cycling route among the East Flanders regions. You will discover the most beautiful corners of the Lys region, hidden between Ghent and Deinze.

This landscape inspired numerous artists, such as George Minne, Gustave Van de Woestyne and Valerius De Saedeleer. You can view their work at the Museum of Deinze and the Lys region or the Gust De Smet Museum, all of which are on your cycling route.

Cycling along the Old Lys

The tour is a succession of idyllic spots and picturesque villages. That means you will encounter all sorts of fascinating sights along your way. Astene Lock, for example: a historical drawbridge over the Lys that is still manually operated, a well-preserved lock, with a ship's café full of curiosities and ship's attributes to boot.

Via the rural Maaigemdijk, you will cycle 1.3 kilometres past a tall line of trees on a dirt road along the banks of the Old Lys. This enclosed tributary of the original Lys has so many charming nooks and crannies. So feel free to stay there for a while if you feel like it.

A centuries-old Renaissance castle

A little further on, you will finally arrive at the Renaissance castle in Ooidonk. A centuries-old building that exudes pure class with its impressive towers and stepped gables. After that intense bike ride, you'll naturally linger for a while at a local café or brasserie. Because experiencing the local hospitality scene is also part of your adventure.

Discover the Lys region by bike or boat and spend a wonderful night in Drongen at B&B Halewijn.

The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers is recognised around the globe as an artistic highlight. It is one of the most influential paintings ever created. In total, the 18 panels show a magical Biblical story, but one of them is still missing.

Two panels were stolen from St Bavo’s Cathedral on the night of 10 April 1934. A series of threatening letters demanded a ransom. One panel did resurface, but the other remains missing to this day. Every year, somebody claims they have unravelled the mystery. Every credible clue is also seriously investigated. Various trails lead to Wetteren.

Will you find the stolen panel?

The Vermoedeleyck Daar cycling route plays into that. Keep your eyes peeled during the trip and maybe you'll contribute. You'll be pedalling past all the places where the Just Judges were sought. Keep your eyes peeled for a 1.49-by-0.55-metre panel. There’s even a reward waiting for the lucky finder.

If you don't have enough patience to find the missing panel, you have another option on Van Eyck's trail. The Heer Borluut cycling route will lead you along the Keizerpoort across the Scheldt, for a southern cycling circuit in the green periphery around Ghent.

Once you pass the Rietgracht in the Gentbrugse Meersen, you leave the actual border of the 15th-century town privilege. If you’d committed a crime, you’d be an outlaw once you’d passed this point.

This scenic cycling route is ideal in spring or summer. Not too long, but just long enough to get a blissful breath of fresh air. So you can hurry your way towards the crowded Blaarmeersen on a hot day. Not to dive into the swimming pond, but to hop on your bike and discover the nicest cafés between the Lys and Scheldt. And believe us, there are some.

You will explore the municipalities of Sint-Martens-Latem, Nazareth and De Pinte and – of course – then return to Ghent. On this café route, you have a choice among a great many nice (beer) establishments to quench your thirst. Sometimes, you don't need any more than that. The wind in your hair, sunshine on your face and the right company to spend some time with on an outdoor patio.