Along beautiful cycle paths to Antwerp from the Noorderkempen (and back)

Start: Bicycle juntion point 99, Westmallebaan, 2960 Brecht, Vlaanderen, België
End: Bicycle junction point 99, Westmallebaan, 2960 Brecht, Vlaanderen, België

Antwerp has changed enormously in recent years. Hop on your bike to see first-hand how much it’s changed with this nice cycling route from the Noorderkempen to Antwerp and back. En route you get to enjoy beautiful nature, cycling on rural roads and along the water. In Antwerp, the possibilities are endless, from discovering architectural gems to visiting museums or enjoying a nice, leisurely lunch on a sunny terrace ... Tip: don’t forget to attach your bicycle bags to your ride. Whether you love good chocolate, enjoy shopping for nice clothes or a good read, there’s always something that will make your heart sing in the city’s many shops.

If you enjoy cycling through beautiful nature and visiting cities, then this route ticks all your boxes. It starts from junction 99, near the well-known Trapke Op pub in Brecht along the Schoten-Dessel canal. Follow the towpath in the direction of Schoten for a short while before taking a sharp turn and heading into the fields. A little later you cross over the bridge over the E19 after which you reach the quaint village of Maria-ter-Heide.

Cycle through the beautiful 'De Inslag' castle estate and Peerdsbos leisure park in Brasschaat to get to Kleine Bareel in Schoten. From there, follow junction 78 to Ekeren. First you cross the bridge and railway in Veltwijcklaan, after which the route merges with the new bicycle highway next to the railway line that takes you in a straight line to Antwerp. You cycle past small allotments and De Oude Landen, one of the most beautiful urban nature reserves in Flanders. Here you can spot birds, see wild orchids in the spring or come face to muzzle with the gentle Galloway cows that graze here from July to December.

Next up is the Antwerp Luchtbal district, with its many tower blocks. Keep following the new cycle path to get to the Kinepolis cinema complex in Noorderlaan. A little further you find yourself on a bridge with a stunning view. The new, glittering Port House immediately catches your eye. From here you also look out over the port of Antwerp. Time to pull out your camera or phone for a cool shot.

Now bike down the bridge to the new Port House, from where you can reach the Eilandje neighbourhood. Prepare to be amazed because this neighbourhood has undergone a radical transformation, from a run-down port neighbourhood into a residential district, combining waterfront living with stunning architecture. Follow Rijnkaai southbound in the direction of the city centre. Look to your right now and then, at the Scheldt, which flows past you on the way to the sea.

Tip: the new Schengenplein is situated on the other side of Kattendijkdok, on the site of the car park of the former customs building. This 10,000-sqm car-free square is the same size as Groenplaats. There are several walking trails and play areas in the square, which has been planted tall trees. You can immediately see why they call it the green heart of the Eilandje neighbourhood.

Also in Rijnkaai, you bike past the new Droogdokkenpark (on the site of the old dry docks), the Red Star Line museum and the MAS, after which you reach Steen Castle, the new gateway to the city for visitors.

Are you hungry and thirsty? Park your bike here and head into Antwerp’s historic city centre. There are plenty of lunch options to choose from. You can also visit one of the many museums or stroll through the shopping streets. Take advantage of all the tasty food in Antwerp because you will burn off all the calories during your return trip to the Noorderkempen anyway. 

Hop back onto your bike after visiting Antwerp and follow junctions 56 and 26 to get to the new Park Bridge and Park Spoor Noord. This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Antwerp because of the light and shadow effects. At junction 26, choose junction 79. Ride up the bicycle street to get to the bicycle bridge over the Albert Canal. Need to catch your breath? Here too, you can snap some cool shots. Turn left, as you ride down the bridge, in the direction of the Albert Canal instead of following the arrows for junction 79. Leave the city and cycle along the towpath. You will see the Sportpaleis on the other side of the water. At the first bridge, you can admire the colourful works that street art artists made to honour Julie Van Espen, who was killed here (Due to works on the bridge, the works of art are not that easy to get to for the time being).

Keep following the towpath along the Albert Canal to Schoten, where you turn left towards the Schoten-Dessel canal. On the way to Sint-Job and Brecht you pass several locks and marinas and ride through beautiful rural surroundings.

Good to know: while several parts of this route, especially in the nature reserves, are unpaved, they are always passable.

Need a break from it all? Park your bike at a hotel or B&B and spend the night in Antwerp. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy everything the city has to offer. After a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, you will be raring to go for your ride back to the Noorderkempen.