The best running trails 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.

In de Vrede: the ultimate trappist stop After kilometers of cycling through the Westhoek, In de Vrede, right opposite the Saint-Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren, is a wonderful place to rest your legs. Here you can taste the famous Westvleteren trappists – Blond, 8, and 12 – directly from the abbey. A great reward after a hearty bike ride! And while you enjoy the peace on the terrace, your bike can also catch its breath. Charging points are available for electric bikes. You with your coffee or trappist, your e-bike with power: everyone continues with fully charged batteries. 😉 Beer, cheese, and more delicacies Those who stop here can, of course, hardly ignore the combination of beer and abbey cheese. The characterful Saint-Sixtus abbey cheese is a great partner for the Westvleteren. You can also discover trappist pâté and beer ice cream here, among other things. Prefer non-alcoholic? Then the choice is a bit more limited: Westvleteren is not offered non-alcoholic here. Fortunately, there are also coffee and soft drinks for those who still have miles to go or are simply the designated driver. Fancy a look inside? Before you hop back on your bike, it's worth popping into the abbey shop. With a bit of luck, you'll find Westvleteren and other abbey products to take home. Tip: feel free to schedule some extra time here. Because at In de Vrede, it's not just the bike that comes to a standstill... the pace of the day can also slow down a notch 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!

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)

ON 23 JULY 1827, THE FOUNDATION STONE WAS LAID BY THE HIGHLY HONOURABLE COUNT FERDINAND DEBAILLET, GOVERNOR OF THE PROVINCE OF WEST FLANDERS, CHAMBERL OF HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF THE NETHERLANDS, WILLIAM THE FIRST.

Cozy cafe for a stopover

This monument reminds me of a door that leads from one world to another.