The 5 Most Beautiful Bicycle Trails Along the Belgian Coast

With the salty sea air on your face, the gentle sound of the waves in the background, and kilometers of carefully maintained bike paths winding through dunes and polders: the Belgian coast is undoubtedly one of the most unique regions to explore by bike. And when you hop on a high-quality refurbished Upway e-bike, every ride becomes a moment of pure pleasure. That dreaded coastal wind? With electric assistance, it’s nothing to fear—it’s just an invigorating breeze! Whether you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a lovely family ride, our coastline has something to delight every cyclist.

As e-bike experts, we've reviewed the best coastal bike paths to put together a top-notch list of the top 5. Ready to ride? Here's everything you need to get started on the right foot.

To remember

• A wide variety of themes: the coastal routes have something for everyone, whether it’s the outdoor art along Route Beaufort or the wild landscapes of the Zwin region.
• Ideal for e-bikes: Many routes wind through open polders where the wind can blow strongly. With an e-bike, you can cover distances—sometimes more than 40 km—effortlessly and without breaking a sweat.
• Accessible to everyone: from a short 15-km loop suitable for children in De Haan to the car-free paths of the Groen Lint in Ostend, there’s something for every cyclist.

1. A cultural tour along the Beaufort Route

If you enjoy adding an artistic touch to your cycling getaways, the Beaufort Route is perfect for you. This unique exhibition route takes you on a journey to discover works of art from past editions of the Beaufort Triennial, scattered throughout the stunning coastal landscape. Several loops are available, covering the West Coast, the Central Coast, and the East Coast. One loop connects Blankenberge, Zeebrugge, and Knokke-Heist over 33.7 km; another spans 38.6 km between Middelkerke and Ostend.

• Who it's for: Culture and art lovers who enjoy stopping to admire a sculpture or capture a work of art in a photo.
• Difficulty: easy to moderate (entirely flat terrain, but the distance requires good battery life).
• Estimated duration: about 2 to 2.5 hours (excluding stops).
• Distance: approximately 33 to 38 km, depending on the loop you choose.

2. Polders and History Along the Oudland Route

Want to swap the hustle and bustle of the seaside resorts for the soothing silence of the historic countryside? The Oudland Route is a real gem. Starting at Tourisme Bredene, it takes you deep into the Oudland polders—the very first area to be reclaimed from the sea as early as the 10th century. You’ll pass through the Uitkerke Polder bird sanctuary, quiet villages like Houtave, and drive past the splendid Anglo-Norman villas of De Haan. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the artistic “Vosseslag” watchtower, a creation by Guillaume Bijl offering a 360° panoramic view of the sea and the dunes.

• Who it's for: Nature and history lovers who appreciate diverse landscapes.
• Difficulty: moderate — part of the route passes through open polders exposed to the wind.
• Estimated duration: about 3 hours.
• Distance: 46.2 km.

3. Nature on the City's Doorstep: Ostend's Groen Lint

You don’t have to leave the city to find greenery. The “Groen Lint” (Green Ribbon) is a marked, mostly car-free route that takes you on a tour of Ostend’s surprising and little-known green belt. You’ll cycle through new parks, the Astropolis observatory, the Geuzen Woods, and the Zwaanhoek Nature Reserve. Want a touch of royalty? Stop by the iconic Wellington Racetrack, a legacy from the time of Leopold II.

• Who it's for: those who enjoy peace and quiet, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who prefers to ride safely, away from traffic.
• Difficulty: very easy — plenty of safe, car-free paths.
• Estimated duration: about 2 to 2½ hours.
• Distance: 36.2 km (starting from the Domaine Provincial de Raversyde).

4. Family Time in De Haan

Are you traveling with young children, or do you simply want to enjoy a leisurely afternoon cycling? The route around De Haan and Wenduine is the perfect choice. Starting from the charming little historic tram station in De Haan (stop 6), you’ll pass through the idyllic village centers of Vlissegem and Klemskerke. A must-see on this route: a stop at the Reigershof, an eco-friendly goat farm where kids and adults alike can learn all about how goat cheese is made. The ride can end with a round of mini-golf for the kids at La Potinière Park.

• Who it's for: Families with (young) children and recreational cyclists.
• Difficulty: very easy.
• Estimated duration: 1 hour (pure cycling time).
• Distance: 15 km.

5. Nature and Ice Cream in the Zwin Region (Knokke-Heist)

The eastern part of our coastline definitely deserves its place in this top 5. This node-to-node route around Knokke-Heist and the famous Zwin Nature Park offers a total immersion in nature. Amid the meadows and reed beds of the Zwin region, you’ll follow a beautiful route that you can start at the Anemos Beachclub (junction 13) or directly at the entrance to the Zwin (junction 86). The reward along the way? A delicious artisanal ice cream in Hazegras, a stop well-known to locals.

• For whom: foodies, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.
• Difficulty: easy.
• Estimated duration: about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Distance: 27 km.

Getting the Most Out of Your E-Bike at the Beach

At Upway, we spend our days optimizing and refurbishing e-bikes. Riding along the seashore is wonderful—but the combination of salt, sand, and wind requires a few extra precautions to take care of your bike. Here are our expert tips:

• Managing Your Battery in Headwinds: Coastal winds can be treacherous. Riding into a strong headwind drains your battery much faster than a ride on flat inland terrain. Always charge your battery to 100% before setting out. For more information, check out our article on e-bike maintenance.
• Adjust your tires pressure tires if the dune trails are sandy, deflate your tires very slightly. A wider contact patch will give you much better traction on this type of terrain.
• Thorough cleaning is essential: seawater and salty air are real enemies of mechanical components. After every ride by the sea, wipe down the frame with a damp cloth and rinse the chain and cassette with fresh water—never use a pressure washer directly on the motor! Then lightly lubricate the chain to prevent rust.

Want to explore the Belgian coast without breaking the bank? Check out our selection of refurbished e-bikes available on Upway.be, priced up to 60% less than new models, with a one-year warranty included. To help you choose the model that’s right for you, our guide to the cost of e-bikes will give you all the information you need.

Overview: The 5 Most Beautiful Bicycle Trails on the Belgian Coast

Here is a summary table to help you quickly choose the itinerary that best fits your day.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Belgian coast suitable for e-bikes?

Absolutely! The coastline is extremely flat, making it ideal terrain for cycling. And since the wind can blow strongly across the open polders, an e-bike—like Upway affordable, refurbished models —is the perfect way to reach your destination without breaking a sweat. You can also check out our article on the best Belgian e-bike brands to find the e-bike that’s right for you.

Are there any car-free routes along the coast?

Yes! The "Groen Lint" in Ostend is a great example. There, you can ride through new parks, wooded areas, and dunes in complete safety, far from car traffic.

Where does the Beaufort Route begin?

Since the route is divided into several loops (West Coast, Central Coast, East Coast), you can start from many different locations. Popular starting points for the marked loops are Blankenberge and Ostend.

What's the best itinerary for traveling with young children?

The 15-km route around De Haan and Wenduine is ideal. It’s short, completely flat, and offers great stops for the little ones: a mini-golf course in the park and an eco-friendly goat farm.

Which app should I use to follow these routes?

Most of these routes are based on the network of marked cycling nodes. All you need to do is note the node numbers, print a map, or download the GPX files from the websites of local tourist offices. Our article on the best cycling apps will also give you valuable tips for planning your rides.

Written by: Hanna Stevens | Published on: June 17, 2025 | 5-minute read

About the Author: Hanna Stevens

Hanna is a cycling enthusiast who loves discovering new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire more people to get around by bike.