The best cycling routes around Vleteren

From Belgian WWI rest zone to Trappist pickup point Today, cyclists and beer lovers come here to pick up their reserved crate of Westvleteren. More than a hundred years ago, this was a very different place. At the end of 1917, the area around St. Sixtus Abbey was set up as a Belgian rest zone. Soldiers could catch their breath here after their deployment at the front. Initially, the monks feared that the Belgian troops would cause nuisance, but that concern proved unfounded. The soldiers behaved exemplarily and helped the abbey where needed. A British officer described the place as an “oasis of rest and peace in the middle of the war desert.” Today, that peace still reigns here, only with a very different mission: no soldiers resting, but cyclists picking up their crate of Blond, 8 or 12. 🍺 Tip: picking up your Westvleteren here? Then take a look at the information board. You are standing in a place where war history and Trappist beer come together beautifully today.

A mill with a moving past! Right next to the De Sceure community centre stands this magnificent wooden post mill from approx. 1760. It originally ground grain in Gijverinkhove, but in 1973 it was fully restored and moved to Oostvleteren thanks to the then-mayor (hence the name!). In the wooden shed next to it, you can dive straight into nostalgia. A beautiful, photogenic resting spot while cycling through the Westhoek where the polder wind has free rein!

A fairytale discovery! Deeply hidden among the rhododendrons and old trees of Kasteeldomein De Lovie, you'll suddenly stumble upon this magnificent historic garden pavilion. With its classic columns and unique domed roof, this memorable 'gloriette' looks like it's straight out of a romantic picture book. The ultimate secret tip to slow down and admire during your bike tour!

Sint-Bavokerk – Watou's historic heart Anyone walking or cycling through Watou can hardly fail to notice the striking Sint-Bavokerk. This historic church has been the heart of the village for centuries and, with its graveyard wall and characteristic architecture, is an atmospheric eye-catcher on Watouplein. The church also has a special connection to the art that so typifies Watou. During the Kunstenfestival Watou, the historic interior is regularly given a contemporary interpretation, bringing together old and new in a surprisingly beautiful way. So, during your visit, be sure to take some time to look up, step inside the church, or enjoy the view from the square. History, art, and the typical atmosphere of Watou come together beautifully here.

Are you cycling in the region? Then make sure you don't miss this hidden gem on your route! The Boterweg is one of the most idyllic and characteristic country roads in the region, where you can enjoy kilometers of undisturbed peace. Why should you definitely include this stretch in your route? It's a perfect double track! No hassle from cars, just the pure cadence of your wheels on the surface. Natural air conditioning in summer: the road is beautifully flanked by a perfectly straight, stately row of trees. On hot summer days, these leafy canopies provide a wonderfully cooling shade, making cycling here extremely pleasant.

St. Sixtus Abbey & In de Vrede: Trappist beer with a touch of mystery 🍻 A bike tour through the Westhoek is not complete without a stop at the St. Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren. The brewery itself remains closed to visitors, but the abbey walls and the information center Het Claustrum offer a beautiful glimpse into the lives of the monks and the rich history of this special place. Right next to the abbey, you'll find In de Vrede, the meeting center where you can enjoy a Westvleteren Blond, 8, or 12, accompanied by a snack on the terrace. In the abbey shop, depending on availability, you can also purchase Trappist beer and official glasses. A delightful stop where tranquility, history, and an authentic West Flemish beer moment come together!

Hop fields around the St. Sixtus Abbey 🍺🌿 Typical Poperingse hop fields regularly appear around the St. Sixtus Abbey. The meters-high wooden poles and wire nets form an impressive landscape where the hop plants enthusiastically climb upwards in the summer. In spring, the first green tendrils appear, and in late summer, the fragrant hop cones are ready for harvest. Even outside the growing season, the tall poles remain a recognizable feature of the landscape. A typical piece of the Poperingse region that immediately gives your bike tour around the abbey extra character! 🚴‍♂️

Bridge closure: The bridge at Fintele is closed to all traffic until October 2, 2026 due to works. New lock gates are being installed, among other things. I came from the Diksmuide direction, had to turn back and continued cycling along Reninge. I haven't seen the situation on the other side yet (whether you can continue to Veurne, for example)