The best cycling routes around Wellen

Around the Sint-Martinus church lies a spacious, walled churchyard that immediately exudes a calm and charming atmosphere. A few striking lime trees provide shade and character, while old grave crosses whisper silent stories from the past. Through the main entrance, beautifully marked by two sturdy limestone pillars, you step into this special piece of heritage. The church itself is a fascinating mix of styles and periods: a 14th or 15th-century Gothic tower, an 18th-century nave, and a transept with a choir from the early 20th century, designed by Mathieu Christiaens. Together, they form a harmonious whole that has effortlessly stood the test of time.

The chapel at Oetersloven is also known as the chapel of the Bokkenrijders (Goat Riders). Jan van Muysen, a clog maker from Wellen, had left a letter of complaint at the farm of Jan Wouters from Ulbeek, demanding a large sum of money, or else his farm would be set on fire. The money was to be placed in a hole near the chapel. Wouters, however, recognized Van Muysen, despite his disguise. Jan van Muysen was arrested as a goat rider on April 1, 1774, and beheaded on June 16 of the same year in the Bonderkuil in Wellen.

Near Zutendaal, locations containing World War II trenches have been identified based on global WWII research and conflict archaeological maps, particularly along the Albert Canal near Zutendaal. Remains of trench structures can be seen from a new wooden platform overlooking these relics, where commemorative plaques and information panels will be installed. The presence of these trench remains was accurately determined through aerial photography from 1944–1945 and archaeological research as part of the provincial project "Under the Radar," after which the locations became part of heritage routes and projects. The trenches are included as one of the 16 stops on the WWII cycling and heritage route in Zutendaal. This route takes you past various remnants of World War II in the area, such as a field hospital, memorial stones, the bridge over the Albert Canal, trenches, memorial sites, and airfield Y-29. It also provides historical context through text, photos, and audio via the Heritage App. The trenches are located in the green area along the Albert Canal near Zutendaal, between Sluisstraat and Bilzerweg. Here, the trench tracks have been partially reconstructed, with a memorial plaque still visible in the terrain itself. They are part of the regional conflict heritage that reflects the military activities and defenses in this region during World War II.

Café Coureur and their Lumberjack rides in both winter and summer are slowly becoming legendary: Lumberjack is one of the first gravel rides ever in Belgium. The rides are great and varied, the staff (Peter, Simon, Virze, and the team) are extremely friendly, and the afterparty with a BBQ and a fire is a must. Not to mention the beautiful café itself with photos and other cycling elements, and the cool Kwaremont beer… Just to be clear, I don't work for Café Coureur, but I am an avid gravel rider and have been riding the Lumberjack for many years.

As early as the 7th century, a wood-and-clay church is said to have stood here. The following saints are said to be buried there: Lambertus, Landoaldus, Amantius, Vinciana, and Landrada. These were followers of Saint Amandus, who is also supposedly buried there. In the second half of the 8th century, the relics of these saints were supposedly elevated to the altar. The saints are known as the Saints of Wintershoven. Around 1200, a single-nave Romanesque church was built of natural stone (coal sandstone, iron sandstone, flint, blue limestone, and the like). Fragments of Roman roof tiles were also incorporated into the church. Many of these building materials likely came from a nearby Roman villa. The building had a single nave, comprised four bays, and had an integrated west tower. The west facade, the two side walls, and the foundations of the choir of this building have been preserved. At the front of the south facade stood a small round-arched doorway, now bricked up, the Paradise Gate, which, in addition to the churchyard, also provided access to the presbytery. Excavations were carried out in the church from 1967 to 1968. Several graves, burial vaults, and three postholes from the original wooden church were uncovered, but no trace of the Saints of Wintershoven was found.

Beautiful, shady bike path

Delicious, honest, and wonderful. Highly recommended!

Ideal stopover