The best cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving
4.3
(994)
14,013
riders
649
rides
Touring cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving traverse a predominantly flat landscape characterized by extensive forests, open fields, and a network of canals. The region features gentle gradients, making it suitable for relaxed cycling. Paths often follow waterways and lead through wooded areas, offering varied scenery. The terrain is generally smooth, with options for both paved and gravel surfaces.
Best touring cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving
- The most popular touring cycling route is Grotenhoutbos Lake – Warandeplas…
Last updated: August 28, 2026
4.8
(12)
74
riders
52.3km
03:08
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
69
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Sign up for free
3.5
(6)
44
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
42
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
35
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving
Tips from the Community
History The chapel was erected in 1626. At that time, the region was plagued by a pest epidemic. Legend has it that about 60 inhabitants of Oostmalle fled the village with the disease to the heath at Zalfen. Adriaan Mattheeusen, an inhabitant of Zalfen, who lost some of his children to the epidemic, was obliged to bury them in the heath and erected a chapel in their memory. Soon, the chapel served for funeral services, and the dead were buried in the adjacent cemetery. The chapel soon became an attraction for pilgrims. For this reason, it was enlarged in 1726 to its current appearance (see upper part in the side gable dated by means of sintered stone). The chapel is depicted on Ferraris' cabinet map (1770-1778) on a triangular plot of heath. A loop of tall trees surrounds the chapel. On Vandermaelen's map (1846-1854), the chapel is located south of the Salphen road, amidst a triangular forest plot. Description The Sint-Antonius chapel of Salphen is located south of the Salphen road, an old avenue of predominantly tall English oaks (Quercus robur), and is surrounded by tall trees (mainly Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris). It is an oriented brick chapel with a three-sided closed west facade and a lower rectangular choir under slate gable roofs (ridge parallel to the street) with a bell tower. On the east side, there are two tuit-gables on shoulder pieces with crenellations. On the north side, there are rectangular windows and a basket-arch door and a basket-arch door. The plastered and painted interior has a wooden frame with a tie beam. The furniture includes an altar from the 19th century and a painted wooden statue of Saint Anthony Abbot (late 15th or early 16th century).
0
0
Very beautiful castle almost in the center of Oostmalle and yet surrounded by tranquility
0
0
The St. Anthony's Chapel is a chapel in the hamlet of Zalfen, located near Salphen, which is part of the Antwerp municipality of Malle. Nearby Oostmalle was hit by a plague epidemic around 1625. Around 60 sick people reportedly fled to the heath. A certain Adriaan Mattheeusen, who lost three children to the disease, had to bury them on the heath and built a chapel for this purpose. This chapel was soon also used for funeral services, and the deceased were buried in a nearby cemetery. The chapel attracted pilgrims and was therefore expanded in 1726. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Antoniuskapel_(Zalfen)
0
0
The Grotenhoutbos, also known as the Gierlese Bos, is a forest in Flanders, southwest of Turnhout, on the border of the municipalities of Vosselaar and Gierle. It covers an area of 375 hectares and is part of the Natura 2000 area "Forest and heathland areas east of Antwerp." https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grotenhoutbos
0
0
There are also often events held here.
1
0
beautiful recently renovated cycle path
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving?
There are over 580 touring cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving, offering a wide variety of options for exploring the region's flat landscapes, forests, and canals.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving?
Yes, the region is well-suited for beginners and families, with over 350 easy routes. These routes typically feature gentle gradients and smooth terrain, often following canal paths or quiet forest trails. An example is the Lock 1 Rijkevorsel – Picnic Area by the Canal loop from Sint-Jozef-Rijkevorsel, which is 22 km long and very flat.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving?
The terrain is predominantly flat, characterized by extensive forests, open fields, and a network of canals. You'll find options for both paved and gravel surfaces, with paths often following waterways and leading through wooded areas, offering varied scenery.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving?
Yes, many routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Smooth cycle path along the canal – Dessel–Turnhout–Schoten Canal loop from Sint-Jozef-Rijkevorsel offers a 38.9 km circular ride along a flat canal path.
What can I see along the touring cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving?
The routes often pass by natural attractions such as Duivelskuil Pond and De Pomp/Poelberg. You might also encounter the Eksterheide observation hide, which is great for wildlife spotting, or cycle through the Eksterheide Nature Reserve itself.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving?
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with mild temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer, while winter cycling is possible but may require appropriate gear for colder, potentially wetter weather.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for more experienced riders?
Yes, for those looking for longer distances, routes like the Grotenhoutbos Lake – Warandeplas loop from Sint-Jozef-Rijkevorsel cover 52.7 km, passing by significant water bodies. Another option is the Westmalle Trappist Abbey – Zoerselbos loop from Sint-Jozef-Rijkevorsel, which extends to 61.3 km.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 700 reviews. Reviewers often praise the quiet, well-maintained paths, the diverse scenery of forests and canals, and the overall relaxed cycling experience suitable for all levels.
Can I find routes that feature gravel paths?
Yes, the region offers routes that incorporate gravel surfaces, providing a different cycling experience. An example is the Gravel path De Roet – Tarstraat (gravel path) loop from Sint-Jozef-Rijkevorsel, which is an easy 30.5 km path through natural surroundings.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting along the routes?
Given the nature reserve setting, there are good opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially in areas like the Eksterheide observation hide. Cyclists often report seeing various bird species and other local fauna, particularly in the quieter wooded and wetland areas.
Is Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving suitable for a full day of cycling?
Absolutely. With numerous routes ranging from short, easy loops to longer, moderate excursions, you can easily plan a full day of cycling. Many routes connect to form longer journeys, and the flat terrain makes covering significant distances enjoyable.
Most popular routes in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving
Most popular attractions in Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
