- Horst Route: 38.7 kilometres (24 miles)
Today we cycle from Leuven to the hills of the Hageland via the “Horst Route”, one of the many “Flanders’ Finest Cycle Routes”. It is ideal as a relaxing cycling excursion for exploring more of the area around Leuven.
Soon after starting out, we come across Vlierbeek Abbey. Via small unpaved roads, we cycle through the hills of the Hageland, past horse pastures, colourful fields of flowers and fruit trees. We savour the sweeping views of nature that we have all to ourselves on this route, far away from the road traffic. Time and time again, we pass cosy red brick courtyards with large gates and latticed windows. This is exactly how we imagined Flanders to be!
On the “Horst Route”, Horst Castle is impossible to miss. Unfortunately, we have a bit of bad luck; the castle is currently being renovated and is covered with scaffolding. What a pity, as the water-encircled building is a real eye-catcher!
Just before arriving back in Leuven, we pass the Stella Artois brewery! What an enormous brewery. Stella Artois is part of the largest brewery group in the world and is acknowledged as the “best-selling Belgian premium lager in the world”. The amount of beer being brewed may be beyond our comprehension.