4.4
(185)
12,167
riders
375
rides
No traffic road cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied traverse a diverse landscape of heathlands, fens, grasslands, and forests. The region is situated on a sandy plateau, creating a mosaic of wet and dry areas ideal for varied cycling experiences. Many routes utilize former railway lines, offering smooth, car-free paths through serene natural surroundings. This area provides a generally flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for road cyclists.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.4
(10)
326
riders
67.5km
03:07
80m
80m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(7)
166
riders
63.4km
02:29
70m
70m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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120
riders
123km
05:31
240m
240m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
135
riders
105km
04:51
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
116
riders
91.4km
04:18
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied
The pronunciation is often incorrect, but with a hyphen, it's better: Bele-ven. There's plenty to experience, especially if you're a birdwatcher. A true paradise for many birds, the Spoonbill is also regularly spotted, and it's a breeding ground for various meadow birds. From a mammoth-shaped wooden platform, you have a magnificent view of Het Beleven. Sandy paths crisscross the nature reserve "Het Beleven" with wide verges and hedgerows; 'Suskes Klompenpedje' (7.5 km)—the name gives it away—you can follow the wooden clogs. A printed version of the route is available at the Hollandershoeve and Visit Reusel-De Mierden. Het Beleven is situated in a bowl-shaped depression. And to think, until recently, there were only corn fields here. The deep drainage ditches have been filled in, and the enriched soil has been largely removed. Source: Brabantslandschap.nl
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This isn't the main entrance. This entrance immediately leads you past the old sheepfold (later a cowshed), the old abbey farm (built in 1640), and the old washhouse (built in 1640).
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Don't hesitate to enter this abbey. The large courtyard is surrounded by various buildings that you can explore at your leisure. You can also visit a permanent exhibition, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
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beautiful windmill that can sometimes be visited.
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Farm with a beautiful windmill, the mill still works and is occasionally open to visitors.
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In the heart of Herentals stands the Cloth Hall, the most important witness to Herentals' rich past. The building was built in the early fifteenth century by wealthy wool weavers and cloth makers to conduct their trade. In 1512, the building was almost completely destroyed by fire. Reconstruction was completed in 1534. Over the years, the town hall has undergone numerous repairs and renovations. The last major renovation took place in 2010. The Cloth Hall is a simple, rectangular building. The tower is approximately 35 meters high. Since the mid-sixteenth century, a carillon has hung in the belfry. The fifty bells together weigh almost four tons. The carillon is still played regularly. The oldest sources refer to the building as the "gulden huys," "meethuys," or "loothuys." Around 1430, the building was officially given the name "town hall." Since 1998, it has officially been called the Cloth Hall. The belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cloth Hall now serves a socio-cultural purpose, regularly hosting exhibitions and concerts. During exhibitions, the Cloth Hall is freely accessible. The belfry is not open to the public. Source: https://www.herentals.be/lakenhal
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Nice view of the Turnhout skyline, interesting buildings :)
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Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied offers a wide selection of traffic-free road cycling routes, with over 300 tours available. These range from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.
You'll experience a diverse and picturesque landscape. The routes wind through expansive heathlands, numerous fens (shallow lakes), grasslands, marshes, and forests. In late summer, the heath blooms, transforming the landscape into a beautiful purple hue. This mosaic of ecosystems provides a visually stimulating and varied cycling experience.
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, routes like the Houterenberg Climb – Entrance Abbey Tongerlo loop from Oosthoven cover over 120 km with around 237 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Netekanaal Towpath – Path along the Grote Nete loop from Turnhout, which is over 115 km long with 139 meters of elevation.
The Bels Lijntje is a former railway line converted into a smooth, car-free cycle path. It's a major highlight for road cycling, connecting Turnhout in Belgium with Tilburg in the Netherlands. You can experience a significant portion of this route on tours like the Bels Lijntje – Bels Lijntje loop from Turnhout, offering serene natural surroundings on a mostly flat, paved surface.
The region is beautiful year-round, but late summer is particularly stunning when the heath blooms purple. Spring and early autumn also offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. The generally flat terrain makes it accessible for cycling in most conditions, though checking local weather is always recommended.
Absolutely! The reserve is known for its natural beauty. You can find several observation towers offering panoramic views of the fens and heathlands, such as the Kleine Klotteraard viewing tower or the Observation tower Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied. There are also bird-watching hides and extensive wetlands to explore.
The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 140 ratings. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of car-free paths, the peaceful natural surroundings, and the diverse landscapes encountered on their rides.
Yes, there are over 35 easy routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths, especially along sections of the Bels Lijntje, make it very accessible. Many routes are mostly paved, ensuring a smooth experience.
Many of the available routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Cycle path along Poppelsedijk – Belevenven loop from Turnhout offers a moderate 67 km circular ride through varied scenery.
The visitor center, Klein Engelandhoeve, often serves as a convenient starting point for routes and provides amenities, including parking. Additionally, routes starting from Turnhout or other nearby towns will typically have designated parking facilities for visitors.
While the focus is on natural landscapes, some routes may pass by points of interest. For instance, the The Laermolen Watermill – Nieuwe Kaai loop from Turnhout includes a watermill, adding a touch of historical interest to your ride through the region's natural beauty.


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