Flemish (Eurotoday) – A newly opened cycling route around the Flemish periphery of Brussels is set to attract visitors to the scenic and culturally rich Green Belt. This picturesque trail guides cyclists to Gaasbeek Castle and several other historic estates and gardens in the region.
The cycling path, now accessible to the public, aims to draw tourists away from the city center and into the lush surroundings of the Flemish periphery. Launching from Gaasbeek Castle, the route weaves through multiple heritage sites and gardens, forming a key component of an ongoing regional initiative to enhance the area’s cultural and natural appeal for tourism.
The route is part of a strategic campaign designed to spotlight the Flemish outskirts of Brussels.
“Many tourists who visit Brussels have no idea of the green oasis that is located right next to the capital,”
said Ben Weyts (N-VA), Minister for the Flemish Periphery.
“We are changing that with this campaign.”
“The Flemish periphery offers the best of both worlds: countryside charm and a wealth of cultural history,”
Weyts added.
“Its many castles, for instance, are truly worth exploring.”
The most iconic of these is Gaasbeek Castle, which has undergone an extensive renovation.
“We’ve invested over 15 million euros in restoring the castle in recent years. It is now fully modernized,”
the Minister said.
“Now it’s time to make sure everyone has the chance to discover it and see the value of our investment.”
Weyts also pointed out that the area’s hospitality sector is already seeing the benefits:
“We are very pleased with the early success. Next, we want to further link the castles and iconic estates to give all sites in the region a tourism boost.”
The route takes visitors past several key heritage sites, including Rubens Castle in Elewijt, Groot-Bijgaarden Castle, Bouchout Castle, Gaasbeek Castle, and the Castle of Beersel.
“Each of these castles has fascinating histories to share,”
Weyts noted.
“Think of Everaard t’Serclaes, whose statue is on the corner of the Grote Markt in Brussels.”
Weyts explained that many visitors seek out the statue for good luck in love, yet are unaware of the legend’s local roots:
“People come from far and wide to rub the statue. But few know that t’Serclaes was a rebel against the lord of Gaasbeek Castle and was eventually murdered in Lennik. His story is intrinsically connected to the region.”
To share these unique stories with a broader audience, Weyts plans to utilize Zaventem Airport, just outside Brussels and within the Flemish periphery.
Comments
14 responses to “New Brussels Bike Trail Opens Access to Castles and Green Belt Treasures”
Ah, nothing screams adventure like pedaling past a bunch of castles while trying to dodge the local pigeons. Who knew escaping the city for a “green oasis” meant risking your life on a bike for some history? 🚴♂️🏰
Oh, lovely! Just what we needed—another bike path to pedal past castles while pretending we’re not just a stone’s throw from the city’s fancier cafes. 🚴♂️🕌 Because nothing screams “adventure” like cycling past history you probably won’t even bother to stop and see! 😂
Oh brilliant, just what we needed—a bike trail to remind us that history is just a few pedals away from our daily cycle of traffic jams and overpriced frites. 🚴♂️ Who knew the countryside was hiding all these castles just behind the smog?
Oh great, just what we needed—a bike trail to show off the castles that most tourists never bothered to look for. Because nothing screams “authentic European experience” quite like pedaling past heritage sites while dodging the local wildlife and wondering why you didn’t just take a tram instead! 🚴♂️💨
Oh great, just what we need—more tourists on bikes pretending to care about history while dodging potholes. 😂 If I wanted to see castles, I’d just watch a period drama on telly! 🏰🚴♂️
Oh, fantastic—a bike trail to help tourists discover the “hidden gems” of Brussels’ periphery! Because nothing screams adventure like pedaling past historic estates instead of, you know, enjoying a fine Belgian beer in the city! 🍻🚴♂️
Oh, brilliant! Just what we needed—more cyclists clogging the roads instead of enjoying a proper Belgian beer. 🚴♂️🍻 Who knew our castles were just waiting for the Tour de France to roll through?
Cycling through the Flemish periphery, eh? Because nothing screams “I’ll take a break from city life” like pedaling past a castle with a side of overpriced artisanal cheese. 🍷🚴♂️ Who knew history came with such good views… and a bike tire shortage! 😂
Fantastic! Nothing says “enjoy nature” quite like pedaling past castles while trying not to inhale the fumes from the city. 🚴♂️💨 Just what we needed—more places to save on gym fees by cycling through history! 🏰😏
Absolutely brilliant! Who needs the hustle and bustle of the city when you can pedal past castles and pretend you’re in a fairytale? 🚴♂️💨 Just what the world needed—another excuse for tourists to wear Lycra and discover what lies beyond the nearest café! 😂
Oh, fantastic! Because nothing screams “adventure” quite like pedaling past a bunch of castles while praying you don’t end up on a 15 million euro bike path that leads straight into a hedge. 🚴♂️🏰 #LivingTheDream
Guess it took them this long to realize there’s more to Belgium than just fries and chocolate! 🚴♂️💨 Who knew a bike path could unlock the secrets of castles? Talk about a real ‘wheel’ deal! 😂
Oh, fantastic! Just what I needed – a bike trail to explore castles while I dodge cyclists like they’re an annoying Brussels diplomat at a networking event. 🚴♂️💨 Who knew the Flemish periphery had more to offer than just good chocolate and traffic jams?
Oh great, just what we needed—a cycling route to remind us that we could be enjoying the lush countryside instead of being stuck in endless traffic! 🚴♂️ Perfect for those who find castle tours just too riveting and prefer to sweat their way through history!
So, let me get this straight: a €15 million “modernized” castle is now a bike stop? Brilliant! Just what we needed—more cyclists pretending they’re on a countryside jaunt while dodging the actual countryside! 🚴♂️🏰
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