Cycling tour on the Trappist Route

Your cycling tour on the Trappist Route starts in the small Belgian town of Turnhout. Situated in the Campine, a flat sand and heathland landscape, the town is known for its playing card production. After arriving at the hotel, grab your bike and visit the local Nationaal Museum van de Speelkaart. Learn more about the history and production of playing cards. Get in the perfect mood for your cycling tour along the Trappist Route with a well-kept Belgian beer near the 12th century moated castle.

On the way to your first stage destination of Antwerp, the cycle path first takes you to Malle. In the district of Westmalle, you will reach the first monastery on your cycling tour along the Trappist Route. Try one of the beers brewed in the monastery brewery before getting back on the saddle towards Antwerp. Situated on the Scheldt, the city is one of the most important diamond processing centers in the world. The city is the birthplace of the world-famous artist Peter Paul Rubens, in whose city palace you can admire some of his masterpieces. Treat yourself to some Antwerpse Handjes (baked goods) or the sweet creations of local chocolatiers.

Today, you cycle through Flemish villages to the Trappist abbey Nazareth near the village of Brecht. Unfortunately, beer is no longer brewed here. In the abbey store, you have the opportunity to purchase soaps, candles and flags made by the nuns themselves. In your overnight stay in Brasschaat, the several-hectare municipal park with the Kasteel van Brasschaat and extensive gardens await you.

Today you cross the Belgian-Dutch border. A few kilometers behind it, you will reach Zundert, the birthplace of Vincent van Gogh. Just outside the small town is the third Trappist monastery on your cycling tour. The Trappist beer Zundert has been brewed in the Maria Toevlucht Abbey since 2013. In your overnight stay in Breda, take a stroll through the Grote Markt, the center of the old town. Soak up the relaxed serenity of the city in one of the many cafés. The beguinage near Valkenbergpark is an ideal place to recharge your batteries for the cycling stage to Oisterwijk the following day.

Your cycling tour on the Trappist Route takes you through the idyllic landscape of North Brabant. You pass through the villages of Chaam and Alphen, enjoying the beautiful nature along the way. A highlight of the day is the Beekse Bergen Safari Park, where you can experience rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo up close. Shortly after, you reach the Trappist monastery Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven. This is where the famous La Trappe beer is brewed, which you can taste in the beer garden. Refreshed, you tackle the final kilometers and arrive in Oisterwijk. This charming town delights visitors with its picturesque streets, cozy cafés, and surrounding nature reserves – perfect for a relaxing evening.

Today, you continue your cycling tour towards Belgium. Passing through dense forests and open meadows, you follow well-paved cycle paths to the charming town of Baarle. Due to its unique history, the border between the Netherlands and Belgium runs crisscross through the town – even straight through houses and streets! Within just a few steps, you can easily switch between both countries. Once on Belgian soil, you continue to Turnhout, the cultural center of the Kempen region. Known as the city of playing cards, Turnhout impresses with its imposing castle, charming alleys, and lively atmosphere. End the day in one of the cozy beer cafés and try some Belgian specialties – perhaps even another Trappist beer?

After breakfast, your cycling tour on the Trappist Route unfortunately comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Turnhout with an extra night.