This short gravel adventure blends suburban charm with lush green escapes, weaving through parks, forts, and lesser-known castles in the North-East periphery of Antwerp. We balanced nature and heritage to maintain a smooth ride—no hike-a-bike moments, ensuring a nice flow.
We kick off in Rivierenhof, Antwerp’s largest park, and head north through the suburbs of Deurne and Merksem, where two hidden castles—Bisschoppenhof and Boekenborg—await discovery. Even lifelong Antwerp residents might be surprised by these tucked-away green zones.
From Fort Merksem, we roll into Peerdsbos, a forest known for its long, straight avenues flanked by majestic beeches and oaks—perfect for a meditative stretch of gravel.
Next, we trace the off-road side of the Kempen Canal, gliding through the green residential areas of Schoten and 's Gravenwezel, until we reach the elegant Hof Ter Linden castle.
The final leg takes us through Wijnegem, where you’ll pass Europe’s largest inland shipping lock and wrap up the ride with a visit to the fourth castle on the route: Wijnegemhof.
Let us ride for charity during the Pedalfestival.
At 10:00 on Saturday 11th october a short social ride of 30 km to sponsor our goal will take off.
Pedal Festival brengt een gevarieerd programma van routes, kamperen, lezingen, workshops, kortfilms, social rides, een fietsreismarkt en een warme festivalvibe. Pedal festival verbindt en inspireert zowel nieuwsgierige beginners als ervaren wereldfietsers.