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When I was able to go on a trip to Belgium as a blogger for Travander, I was immediately excited, but I didn't expect to come back so full of surprises. And that while this trip through Flanders is completely in line with everything I care about. You can easily travel to Belgium by train, which makes it a sustainable trip. By exploring nature and culture, it offers the opportunity to experience a vacation feeling close to home, and on top of that, you don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Flanders.
Between Ghent and Antwerp are numerous castles that you can discover during a bike ride or walk. We followed by bike the Scheldt route, a beautiful route where nature and culture alternate, taking you along the most beautiful places in Flanders. Wondering what a cycling trip along the Scheldt looks like? In this article I share my experiences with you!
The Scheldt Route: cycling along the most beautiful castles on the Scheldt
The river Scheldt rises in France and continues through Belgium to the Netherlands where it flows into the sea in the province of Zeeland. You can probably imagine that this great river used to be of great importance. Numerous castles and fortresses were therefore built along the banks of the Scheldt. These served to defend the prosperous region, including Flanders. Although many castles and fortresses have been lost over the years, the Scheldt is still home to some magnificent castles. A particularly fun way to discover them is by cycling the Scheldt Route, from Ghent to Antwerp or vice versa.
Castle Gravensteen in Ghent
The starting point of my cycling trip along the castles of the Scheldt is the crazy city of Ghent. A city with a rich history and very picturesque character. One of the most famous sights of Ghent is Castle Gravensteen, a beautiful castle that definitely belongs in Scheldt Route.
Castle Gravensteen, centrally located in the historic heart of Ghent, may no longer have a defensive function, but it is a gem to visit. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has served as a defensive structure, prison and textile factory over the years. Today it is a museum and you can learn more about the Middle Ages through interactive tours. Kasteel Gravensteen in Ghent is a taste of the magnificent castles we will see along the Scheldt Route.
Staying overnight in Ghent
If you don't travel on directly after arriving in Ghent, there are some hotels we can recommend you stay at. During previous city trips we have stayed in the centrally located apartment A Flemish Tale, but other hotels with comfortable rooms are Hotel de Flandre and Hotel Gravensteen. Looking for a nice restaurant in the evening? These are our favorite hotspots in Ghent!
Castle of Laarne
The next castle I encounter when we leave Ghent is the nearby Castle of Laarne. The route to this castle varies between 13 and 20 kilometers, depending on where you leave. During a visit to this castle, you can be surprised by the stories about witches (hunts), but above all be amazed by the treasure of silver you can discover here.
After visiting the Castle of Laarne, we cycle on to the next destination. On the way we pass the beautiful Durme Valley, a nice place to take a rest.
Wissekerke Castle
An iconic castle near Basel is Wissekerke Castle. The castle recently underwent an extensive renovation and has only recently reopened to visitors. An audio tour takes you on a fascinating exploration of the castle. This is suitable for adults, youngsters and children alike. In addition, there are numerous experiences in the castle, such as secret passages and video shows. In addition, there is the opportunity to write your own historical letter.
Also in Basel, outside the city center, you will find an impressive natural area, namely the Polders of Kruibeke. This area, with its locks that are part of the Sigma Plan to protect Flanders from flooding, offers dreamy landscapes. You can take lovely walks here and spot various animals and birds. With some luck, you may even see a beaver working on its dam at dusk!
Tips for snacks and drinks
From all that cycling you get quite hungry, so after a visit to Kasteel Wissekerke you can visit one of the following hotspots for a tasty snack and drink:
- For a culinary experience, be sure to visit Basel at 't Hofke of Basel are. This hot spot has been awarded a Michelin star, so the dishes here are finger-licking good.
- For a quick snack and drink, Café Brocante comes highly recommended. Taste one of the home-brewed beers here, such as the Brocante Tripel or Brocante Donker.
Hof ter Saksen
The next iconic castle I encounter on our bike route along the Scheldt River is the castle grounds of Hof ter Saksen. The castle is currently being renovated and will not open as a restaurant location until 2024. It promises to be a wonderful destination. One thing I know for sure, I will return here to admire the end result!
Bornem Castle (Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde Castle)
Shortly after admiring Hof ter Saksen, we continue our journey to Castle de Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde, better known as the Castle of Bornem. This castle can only be visited by appointment or during special open days. This is because it is still the residence of Count John II de Marnix. We have an appointment and are lucky enough to meet the count himself. Only part of the castle is set up as a museum, but you can see pieces from the private collection here and there.
Tip for snacks and drinks
Near Bornem Castle you will find the Abbey of Bornem. The abbey is known for its beautiful architecture, library and, of course, brewery. The library houses a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts, books and documents, including one of the largest collections of medieval manuscripts in Belgium.
Antwerp
Had enough of all the cycling? Then for only €4 you can take your bike on the water bus and travel along the Scheldt to Antwerp. In Antwerp you can end the Scheldt route with a visit to 't Steen. An old, medieval castle where nowadays the attraction The Antwerp Story housed in. Here you can learn more about the history of Antwerp and also get inspiration for a visit to this cozy port city.
Traveling by train to Belgium
You can bike the Scheldt Route from Ghent to Antwerp, or vice versa, and this is ideal to combine with a train trip to Belgium. In fact, bicycles can be taken on the train. A big advantage of this is that you can start and end wherever is most convenient for you. Also, train trips from the Netherlands to Belgium are well arranged and often do not take long.
Please note that you cannot travel your OV card to Belgium as you are crossing a land border. You must therefore be in possession of A ticket from NS International.
Find nature in Belgium
Do you like biking along water and quiet, open landscapes such as along the Scheldt? Then Belgian Limburg also highly recommended, with its flat cycling routes and green nature.
And after that, do you want a little more variety with hills, forests and hiking trails? Then the Belgian Ardennes is a great next step for a slightly more adventurous nature trip. See all our tips for the Belgian Ardennes.
Tessa Knijnenburg
Always traveling, always on the go. I love Rotterdam and everything this city has to offer in terms of hotspots! My friends go crazy with me because I want to drag them everywhere, so you can understand how happy I am to make new discoveries for Travander. I am always eager to have new adventures and share my enthusiasm with you. Rotterdam, and maybe even the whole world, is about to be rediscovered through my eyes!
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