F5 Antwerp–Hasselt via Albert Canal (south bank)

The F5 links Antwerp and Hasselt along the Albert Canal, and this collection follows the south bank. It’s a straight-shooting, mostly paved ride that’s flat, fast, and super simple to navigate—great for commuters, training spins, or a chilled canal-day on a road, touring, or e-bike.

Expect a mix of dedicated cycleways and quiet service roads beside the water. Leaving Antwerp you’ll pass ports and industry, then it opens up through the Kempen into Limburg with big locks, long bridges, and wide-open views. Wayfinding is easy: follow F5 signs and the canal—hard to get lost.

Tips: wind can be a factor (it’s exposed), shade is limited, and there can be long stretches without shops, so top up water and snacks. Watch for occasional construction detours and a couple of short unpaved bits. Crossings near industrial zones and lock access roads deserve a little extra attention.

One-way is simple with trains: start/finish in Antwerpen-Centraal, Herentals, Geel, Beringen, or Hasselt and mix your segments as you like. Family-friendly for confident riders thanks to minimal junctions and steady surfaces.

If you’re after a no-drama, keep-rolling canal ride with big-sky vibes, this south-bank F5 is your go-to.