Real adventurers explore by bike in autumn, and Flanders’ Finest Cycle Routes take you to a wonderful bit of UNESCO World Heritage: Belgian beer culture.
It's no wonder that UNESCO holds our liquid heritage in such high regard. For centuries, Belgium has been the epicenter of beer brewing, thanks to the craftsmanship of many generations of brewers. You can enjoy a wide variety of flavors here: beer styles such as Trappist, wheat beer, oud bruin, tripel, kriek, and oude geuze encompass more than 1,500 unique beers. Every brew has its own story, which is why each one is always served in a specially designed glass.
Beers by bike
You can savor all these heavenly flavors from the seat of your bike. Flanders’ Finest Cycle Routes take you on a two-wheeled tour of Belgium’s rich beer heritage. These thoughtfully planned rides lead you to historic breweries and abbeys, cozy local cafés, centuries-old brews, and the newest non-alcoholic creations. Just remember to pace yourself: enjoy a tasting, stay hydrated, and keep it to a sip or two when you’re back in the saddle, or go for one of the excellent alcohol-free options.
A hops bike tour in Flanders Fields takes you to where it all starts. Hops are the basis of these wonderful beers and the Westhoek is the hops supplier par excellence. This cycling adventure winds gracefully between hop vines, military cemeteries, and monumental breweries.
Cycling in the Flemish Ardennes takes you through a vast landscape. You will come across heritage sites, delightful pubs and centuries-old breweries such as Liefmans and Roman. Please note there are a few steep hills along the way. Prefer to take it easier? A (rented) e-bike ensures a more comfortable ride.
Discover the delights of lambic and geuze on the Lambic-Geuze route. These complex, slightly tart and funky beers are brewed exclusively in the Pajottenland and the Zenne Valley. This route takes you past all these gems, right in the heart of a glorious rolling landscape.
Festivals and a stunning view
Rather leave the cycling to someone else? Then head to one of the autumn beer festivals. Billie’s Craft Beer Fest, Modeste Bierfestival or the Kerstbierfestival are just a few superb examples. Would you like to find out more about brewing craftsmanship? Then you will love Belgian Beer World at the Brussels Bourse. This impressive visitor center explains all about Belgium’s unique beer heritage. At the end of your visit, don't miss the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a beer and a breathtaking view of Brussels. That’s the icing on the cake — or the head on your beer.
