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Kemmelberg

A Cycling Challenge

by J L Putman & M Soenen

The Kemmelberg is a hard nut to crack, and the ascent of it (and of other hills in the area) is a challenge for every cyclist. Even with the smallest gears on the bike, it takes a lot of effort to conquer the cobblestone roads, with a gradient of up to twenty-two percent on the Kemmelberg.

The Kemmelberg is part of the course for major cycling races which visit West Flanders, such as Gent-Wevelgem.

Photo © Philippe Vercoutter

Cycling race.

But Heuvelland is also gradually becoming a hotspot for recreational cyclists. The bicycle network (with junctions) allows an individual to explore Heuvelland, and even the entire Westhoek and West Flanders.

Photo © Philippe Vercoutter

On the Kemmelberg cobblestones.

Several websites offer information about attractive cycling routes.

The West Flemish 'Bergen' cycle route is 45km long and runs along the Kemmelberg and Rodeberg, the linguistic border town and smallest town in Belgium - Messines - and the provincial domain, 'De Palingbeek'.

Mountainbikers will also get their money's worth in Heuvelland, with loops from thirty kilometres to more than 100km.

RELATED KEMMELBERG LINKS:
Landscape
Landscape: Panoramic View of a Vineyard

EXTERNAL LINKS:
West-Vlaamse Bergenfietsroute (in Dutch)
Fietsnetwerk West-Vlaanderen (in Dutch)
Toerisme Heuvelland (in Dutch, English, French, & German)
Fietsroute (in Dutch, English, & French)
Fietsen in Heuvelland - Route You (in several languages)