Active Spring Holiday: Vacation Spots Close to Cycling and Hiking Trails

As soon as spring arrives, there’s nothing better than heading outdoors for a walk or bike ride to enjoy the blooming nature and sunny weather. But the pleasant spring sun also invites you to take a seat on a terrace and admire the views of charming cityscapes. Want to combine a city trip to romantic Bruges with hikes in the Bruges countryside or bike rides around the vibrant city of Ghent? In this article, we highlight the best destinations close to cycling and hiking trails!

Active Spring Holiday: Vacation Spots Close to Cycling and Hiking Routes in Flanders

From the flat landscape surrounding Bruges to the poppy-covered hills of French Flanders — cycling through Flanders opens up a world of discovery. The number of churches and castles you’ll encounter is astounding! Flanders has no fewer than 1,800 Catholic churches, and when you add in all the beautiful castles, it becomes clear that planning a walking or cycling route here is anything but simple.

Bruges: Belgium’s Medieval Open-Air Museum

A fantastic starting point for a walking or cycling holiday is the historic city of Bruges. Few places feel as authentically medieval, with guild houses lining the canals, lively squares, and numerous bridges. Kick off your spring getaway with a horse-drawn carriage ride or take a boat tour through the scenic canals. A fun alternative — or addition — is a guided rickshaw tour. Don’t forget to try a traditional sugar waffle with chocolate. You can find them everywhere, but at Go.fre, you’ll get a unique version: a long waffle on a stick with the topping of your choice.

Hiking in the Bruges Countryside

Bruges attracts visitors from across the Benelux and beyond, but many don’t realize it’s also a great base for hiking. The Bruges countryside offers forests, heathlands, castle estates and abbeys. Looking for a great route? Try the “Three Castles Walk.” Just south of the city, this trail leads through wooded areas past three beautiful castles. Combine your walk with a visit to the large terrace of De Trutselaar, a charming farmhouse café surrounded by nature. Of the three castles, Tillegem is moated, while the other two resemble grand manor houses with walkable gardens.

Bulskampveld Cycle Route

The Bulskampveld Cycle Route is a scenic ride through the Flemish countryside featuring woodland, heath, and wide sandy forest paths. Starting from Oostkamp, this 50-kilometer route showcases natural and cultural heritage. If you want to shorten the ride but still experience its beauty, stop in Beernem. Park your bike and take a walk along the boardwalks through the woods and along the water — a perfect spot for birdwatching and enjoying the largest natural area of West and East Flanders.

Brilliant Moments in Ghent

Ghent is one of the most car-free cities in Europe, making it ideal for cyclists. The Korenlei and Graslei form the picturesque heart of the city. Unlike Bruges' narrow canals, Ghent is defined by the wider River Leie. Whether floating on a boat, relaxing at a riverside terrace, or just sitting on the quay like a student — life in Ghent is all about enjoyment. Don’t miss the St. Michael’s Bridge for one of the most photogenic views in town: the guild houses and impressive buildings like the Belfry.

Active Spring Holiday: Ghent’s Green Poles Cycle Route

This route combines city and countryside, starting in central Ghent and following the towpath along the River Scheldt. You’ll cross both the Scheldt and Leie rivers multiple times and finish the loop through park forests, castle avenues, and stream valleys.

Vennbahn Cycle Path: From Maastricht to Monschau

Maastricht is known for its lovely terraces on the Vrijthof and the iconic Sint-Servaas and Sint-Jan churches. Enjoy spring sunshine on the square and soak up the historic charm. Want to explore more? Head to Fort Sint Pieter for a scenic hike to Sint-Pietersberg, passing Neercanne marlstone castle, vineyards, and viewpoints over the Meuse River.

Cycling from Maastricht to Monschau via Aachen

Looking for a cross-border cycling route? Start in Maastricht, head to Aachen, and then follow the Vennbahn Cycle Route to Monschau, Germany. Plan several days for this 80+ km journey — there are climbs! The first stage leads from Aachen to Raeren in Belgium. Tip: book an overnight stop in Raeren to explore the High Fens National Park. Still feeling energetic? From Roetgen, cycle through rolling terrain to Monschau, where a well-earned terrace awaits amidst picturesque half-timbered houses.

Active Spring Holiday: Walking and Cycling Across Borders!

Want to enjoy spring actively while discovering cultural heritage? In Flanders, Bruges and Ghent offer the perfect mix: start your Bruges stay with a boat ride through the canals before exploring the surrounding countryside, and enjoy a terrace in Ghent before cycling scenic routes along the Scheldt. For a real adventure, cycle from Maastricht via Aachen to Monschau and soak up every moment of your active spring getaway!