Kempen Cycle Route (Maasmechelen–Antwerp)

Kempen Cycle Route (Maasmechelen–Antwerp)

A cycling tour with 8 stages, starting in Lille, Flemish Region, Belgium.

Overview

About this tour

Cruise across the Belgian Kempen from the Meuse at Maasmechelen to the port city of Antwerp. Think pine forests, heathlands, canal banks, and quiet villages—classic Campine vibes. The route runs mostly on dedicated cycle paths and quiet back roads, with just a few short busy stretches.

Surfaces are largely smooth asphalt and concrete, with some short gravel and paving-stone bits through woods and parks—totally fine on a touring or endurance bike. The profile is mostly flat, so it’s great for an easy multi-day roll or a longer day if you’ve got the legs.

Highlights: start near Hoge Kempen National Park, spin along wide canals, and finish under Antwerp’s cathedral spire by the Scheldt. Wayfinding is straightforward thanks to Flanders’ cycle node network; a GPS track helps in forest sections.

Ideal for riders who want a relaxed, scenic point-to-point across one of Belgium’s most bike-friendly regions.

8
Routes
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Duration
204.2 km
Distance
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Avg. speed
556 m
Ascent
587 m
Descent

Kempen Cycle Route (Maasmechelen–Antwerp)

Stages of this tour

All 8 stages of this tour can be opened on the map or in the Bikemap App for more details, where you can adjust them in the route planner or download them as GPX or KML file. Use them as a template for planning your own tour, or let Bikemap navigate you along them directly.

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Kempenroute - 4 - Gierle - Antwerpen

Cycling route in Lille, Flemish Region, Belgium

Stage 4 of the Kempenroute rolls from Gierle (Lille) to Antwerp. It’s a flat, 46 km ride on mostly quiet roads and cycle paths, with a few short gravel bits. You leave the green Kempen villages behind and finish in the lively port city on the Scheldt, with its cathedral and old town close by. Easy going, low traffic, perfect for a relaxed day ride. 35–40 mm tires feel comfy, but any bike will do.
46.5 km
Distance
98 m
Ascent
119 m
Descent
Kempenroute - 4 - Gierle - Antwerpen
PavedUnpavedGravel
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Kempenroute - 4 - Gierle - Antwerpen

Cycling route in Lille, Flemish Region, Belgium

Short hop on Kempenroute Stage 4 through Lille (home to Gierle), looping 3.2 km on quiet roads and cycle paths. Mostly flat with a mix of asphalt and some gravel, it's a quick connector within the stage toward Antwerpen. Handy warm-up or leg stretcher if you're setting off from Lille and want to stay close. Expect peaceful lanes, easy navigation, and a taste of the Kempen vibe.
3.2 km
Distance
12 m
Ascent
3 m
Descent
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Kempenroute - 3 - Vosselaar to Lille

Cycling route in Vosselaar, Flemish Region, Belgium

Easy spin on the Kempenroute from Vosselaar to Lille. It’s flat, short (about 4.5 km), and mostly on quiet roads and cycleways with smooth pavement. You’ll pass through classic Kempen scenery and roll into Lille, the municipality that includes Gierle. Great as a warm-up or family-friendly link.
4.5 km
Distance
4 m
Ascent
0 m
Descent
0

Kempenroute 3: Lommel – Vosselaar

Cycling route in Lommel, Flemish Region, Belgium

A relaxed Kempen spin from Lommel to Vosselaar. Roll out past the Lommel Sahara and pine forests, then cruise quiet roads and cycle paths through classic heathland villages. It’s flat, mostly paved, and easygoing—about 57 km. Finish near Turnhout in friendly Vosselaar, perfect for a terrace stop.
56.8 km
Distance
76 m
Ascent
115 m
Descent
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Kempenroute 2: Houthalen to Lommel

Cycling route in Houthalen, Flemish Region, Belgium

Stage 2 rolls from Houthalen’s green outskirts through Kempen pine forests to Lommel. Mostly smooth cycle paths and quiet roads, with a couple short gravel stretches and gentle ups and downs. Plenty of shade and nature vibes toward Bosland, then finish near the Lommel Sahara’s dunes and lake. About 47 km, easy and beginner friendly.
46.7 km
Distance
196 m
Ascent
189 m
Descent
0

Kempenroute - 2 - Zonhoven - Houthalen

Cycling route in Zonhoven, Flemish Region, Belgium

Short hop on the Kempenroute from Zonhoven to Houthalen. Smooth, fully paved cycleway and basically flat – ideal for an easy spin or a family ride. You’ll pass Zonhoven’s ponds and heath before rolling into the pine forests around Houthalen. About 4 km door to door, great as a warm-up or a quick link between towns.
4.2 km
Distance
11 m
Ascent
11 m
Descent
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Kempenroute 1: Genk - Zonhoven

Cycling route in Genk, Flemish Region, Belgium

Easy first leg of the Kempenroute from Genk to Zonhoven. It’s about 12 km on smooth cycle paths, mostly flat with a gentle downhill. Roll past the ponds of De Wijers and heathland near De Teut, with plenty of nature views and no traffic stress. Perfect warm-up or family ride. Start in Genk, a former mining town turned green hub, and finish in Zonhoven for a quick drink or ice cream.
11.7 km
Distance
29 m
Ascent
61 m
Descent
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Kempenroute 1: Maasmechelen–Genk

Cycling route in Maasmechelen, Flemish Region, Belgium

Easy first leg of the Kempenroute from Maasmechelen to Genk. Roll out by the Maas and the gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park, then cruise mostly on smooth, dedicated cycleways. It’s about 31 km with gentle ups and downs—great for a relaxed half-day spin. Finish in Genk, a former mining town turned creative hub, with cafés and nearby Bokrijk. Low traffic, mostly paved, straightforward navigation.
30.6 km
Distance
132 m
Ascent
89 m
Descent