The best cycling routes around Halen
4.7
(27)
482
riders
56
rides
Touring cycling around Halen, situated in the Limburg province of Belgium, features diverse landscapes and a well-developed cycling infrastructure. The region offers an extensive network of cycle paths, transitioning between forests, fens, marshes, and heathland, with gentle hills adding variety to the terrain. Cyclists can explore riverine and wetland areas, as well as culturally significant sites.
Best touring cycling routes around Halen
- The most popular touring cycling route is Linden Mill, Diest – View of the Maagdentoren loop from Zelem…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.5
(2)
30
riders
30.7km
01:48
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
29
riders
22.5km
01:17
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
riders
60.6km
03:31
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
23
riders
12.0km
00:43
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
15
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The museum keeps alive the memory of the Battle of the Silver Helmets, which took place on August 12, 1914, in Halen. It was the last major battle at cavalry division level and the only Belgian victory over German troops without Allied help during WWI. On an impressive 30 m² model, you can follow the course of the battle. You will discover a unique collection of authentic items, such as colorful uniforms, paintings by front-line painter James Thiriar, the diary of Arthur Brühe, testimonies (video montage), and of course the famous 'Silver Helmets'. Opening hours: May 1st to October 31st / Wednesday to Sunday / 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours are only possible by appointment.
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On this segment you will get to know the Zwarte Beek and the Broek van Diest.
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Beautiful chapel that stands out because of its light colours and columned roof.
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Northeast of the Sint-Jansberg monastery complex on Schomstraat lies the Oude Pastorij farm, a U-shaped farm dating from the first half of the 19th century, with the open side of the yard facing the street. The brick buildings under gable roofs (Flemish pantiles), hipped on the side wings, are situated around a rectangular yard separated from the street by a long wall and several recent service buildings. The house is located in the center of the central wing, a double house of four bays and two stories on a raised ground floor with a pitched plinth. The rectangular windows have wooden lintels and painted sills, and the rectangular door has a wooden lintel. The house is flanked on both sides by slightly projecting stables of three bays each, with a modified layout. Spacious transverse barns are housed in the perpendicular wings, each of three bays and equipped with an anchored brick basket-arch gate. These volumes feature arched windows and rectangular doors beneath a wooden lintel. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Carthusian Monastery of Sint-Jansberg and its surroundings, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/302683
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The municipality of Zelem had three parsonages throughout its history. The first was, and still is, located on the Kolenberg and called "Hoeve Oude Pastorij," better known locally as the "Donkelhoeve." Between 1969 and 1972, this farm served as a filming location for the BRT serial "Wij, Heren van Zichem" (We, Lords of Zichem), stories about "De Witte van Sichem" (The White Man of Sichem) and "Het leven van Herman Coene" (The Life of Herman Coene), written by Ernest Claes. In those stories, the farm belonged to farmer Coene. In those days, the pastor's residence was always connected to a farm that provided the pastor with his daily necessities.
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The forest is characterized by a wide variety of tree species of various ages. Surrounded by agricultural lands and old standard orchards, some trees in this forest have survived since 1900. It's no wonder that tree-dwellers like the squirrel and the woodpecker thrive in Sint-Jansberg. Even the deadwood teems with life. Its history is closely linked to the neighboring Carthusian Monastery, so the estate forest also holds significant archaeological value. So far, eight hectares of the field surrounding the Carthusian Monastery has been reforested with native tree species. Sint-Jansberg, along with Rotbroek and Gorenbroek, forms part of the larger Borchbeemden area.
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The cyclist carabiniers initially defended Halen, which was soon captured by the Germans. The Belgian troops then withdrew to the western edge of Halen, bordered by the railway embankment, where they set up machine guns. The cyclists withdrew a second time, towards the IJzerwinningshoeve (Iron Extraction Farm), where the main Belgian force was stationed. But just after crossing the sunken road of the Betserbaan (where the monument stands), the German cavalry launched a charge, trapping the cyclists between the Belgian defenses in the IJzerwinningshoeve and the advancing German cavalry. The cyclists were literally caught between two fires and suffered significant casualties. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Halen Battlefield, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/300946
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Halen?
Halen offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 50 options available. These routes cater to various preferences, from leisurely rides through scenic landscapes to more challenging tours.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Halen?
Yes, Halen is very beginner and family-friendly. Over 30 of the available touring cycling routes are rated as easy. These often utilize Limburg's extensive network of paved, largely car-free cycle paths, including former railway lines, providing gentle terrain. An example of an easy route is the Sint-Jansberg Forest – Linden Mill, Diest loop from Zelem, which covers about 12 km with minimal elevation gain.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling around Halen?
The landscapes around Halen are diverse and picturesque. You'll cycle through extensive forests, fens, marshes, and heathland areas. Many routes also meander along canals and riversides, offering serene views. While much of the region is flat, some routes incorporate gentle hills, adding variety to your ride.
Are there any longer or more challenging touring cycling routes in Halen?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, Halen offers several moderate and difficult routes. For instance, the Start of the Fruit Region – Singletrack in the Forest loop from Halen is a moderate 60.6 km route with over 220 meters of elevation gain, leading through varied forest terrain.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Halen?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Halen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This makes planning your trip convenient, especially if you're traveling by car. Examples include the Linden Mill, Diest – View of the Maagdentoren loop from Zelem and the Linden Mill, Diest – Sint-Jansberg Monastery loop from Zelem.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the cycling routes?
The region around Halen offers several points of interest. You can explore natural features like the Hellestraat Sunken Lane or the Hollow Lane of Schaffen. The broader Limburg area is also home to cultural sites like Averbode Abbey, which includes a monastery café and bakery, making for a unique stop.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or food along the cycling routes?
Yes, the Limburg region is known for being cycle-friendly, with numerous cafés and establishments dotted along the routes. Averbode Abbey, for example, features a monastery café with its own brewery and a bakery, offering a pleasant stop for cyclists.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Halen?
The touring cycling routes in Halen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 29 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained and extensive network of paths, the diverse natural scenery encompassing forests and heathlands, and the ease of navigation provided by the numbered junction system.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Halen?
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Halen, with mild temperatures and beautiful natural colors. However, Limburg's well-developed infrastructure makes it enjoyable throughout much of the year, with summer being popular and even some winter cycling possible on clear days.
Is there a unique cycling experience in the wider Limburg region near Halen?
Yes, a notable highlight in the nearby Hoge Kempen National Park is the 'Cycling through the Heathland' route. This unique 4-kilometer section includes a 300-meter-long wooden cycling bridge that rises to 6.5 meters, offering panoramic views of the heathland, grazing animals, and the region's mining heritage.
Where can I find more information about cycling in Belgian Limburg?
For additional information about the extensive cycling network and experiences in the wider Belgian Limburg province, you can visit the official tourism website: visitlimburg.be.
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