Experience Flanders' Nature | railtour travel blog

In Flanders, a dense network of trail hubs provides convenient connections from station to station—for both hikers and cyclists. You can flexibly plan your own tours or choose from existing routes.

Flanders boasts a dense network of marked GR long-distance hiking trails («Sentiers de Grande Randonnée») through forests, river valleys, and hilly landscapes, which can be flexibly planned as day trips or multi-day tours. Ambitious hikers opt for long-distance routes and these GR trails, marked in white-red or white-yellow. The GR128 runs from east to west, and the GR129 from north to south. In total, the Flemish GR network spans approximately 5'000 km and connects seamlessly with trails in Wallonia and neighboring countries.

Flanders’ most beautiful hiking trails wind past charming villages, through vast forests, and to picturesque views. The «Flanders Finest» hiking trails combine cultural heritage, art, and gastronomy, offering the perfect experience for every skill level. Thanks to hiking trailheads and GPX downloads, finding your way is easy. So-called «Treinstapper» hikes in Flanders allow you to reach nature and GR trails sustainably by train—from station to station. 

Cyclists can also discover the region’s highlights via «Flanders’ Finest» bike routes: cathedrals, churches, abbeys, Flemish masters, castles, as well as restaurants and pubs serving regional beers and specialties. Bike rentals, a junction system, and GPX data ensure flexible planning. 

Nine Iconic Cycling Routes combine nature, history, and culture: for example, the Coastal Route, the Meuse and Front Route 14–18, the Kempen and Scheldt Routes, the Green Belt Route, the Art Cities Route (over 340 km), or the Grand Hills and Flanders Routes, some of which stretch over 900 km. Each route connects the most beautiful spots in the Flemish countryside through attractive cycle paths centered around a specific theme. All routes are continuous, signposted in both directions, and can be combined.

Flanders is for everyone: whether on foot, by bike, or with a little extra assistance—every journey counts. From museums with wheelchair access to sign language guides, accessible walking trails, and sensory-friendly tips: Flanders is working hard to make travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone. 

Accessible cycling in Flanders combines hills with wide, open plains. The routes wind through diverse natural landscapes, past charming villages, and into historic towns. Many routes are also comfortable on adapted bicycles or e-bikes and cater to a variety of needs. 

Flanders’ natural landscapes are part of a centuries-old tradition of art and cultural heritage. It’s been a source of inspiration for generations of creative minds and sets the stage for extraordinary places like the Verbeke Foundation, the «Reading between the Lines» installation, Antwerp’s unique Middelheim Sculpture Park, and the Beaufort Sculpture Park on the coast. Around every corner, cafés await with regional beers and specialties—enjoyment and hospitality are inseparable parts of Flanders.

Flanders’ natural gems are given special protection; for visitors, residents, and local artisans alike, #Respectvoordenatuur (Respect for Nature) is of the utmost importance.

You can enjoy micro-adventures in the Hageland, the Flemish Ardennes, the Leie region, the rolling hills of the Westhoek, the Scheldt Valley National Park, the Maas Valley RivierPark, the Brabant Forests National Park, the Haspengau Landscape Park, the Zwin region on the North Sea coast, the Hoge Kempen National Park, as well as in the Pajottenland and the Kalmthoutse Heide. All of these picturesque regions, some of which are still relatively unknown, offer the perfect setting to slow down—and are true hidden gems for classic Flanders travelers, definitely worth a visit.