The Green Belt Route, or Groene Gordelroute, circles Belgium’s capital through the landscapes of Flemish Brabant. Presented by Flanders by Bike as an iconic cycle route, it offers a journey of ridges, valleys, fields and woodland, with glimpses towards Brussels.
A circuit around the capital
The Green Belt Route is approximately 126 km long. Toerisme Grimbergen identifies the town as both its starting and finishing point, making the Pastoor Woutersstraat parking area a practical reference for the full circuit. The route explores the green fringe surrounding Brussels rather than concentrating on the city centre.
Flanders by Bike describes a landscape of ridges and fertile valleys, where streams wind through the countryside and castle estates punctuate the views. VISIT Vlaams-Brabant also highlights the contrast between farmland, woodland and occasional views towards the capital.
Fields, forest and local flavours
The ride moves through a region associated with the painter Bruegel and with crops including hops, grapes and chicory. The landscape is not uniformly flat: open views across rolling fields alternate with green valleys and more enclosed wooded scenery.
The Sonian Forest is among the woodland settings associated with the route. Castle grounds add another character to the countryside, while local breweries and beer cafés offer opportunities to experience the region beyond the bicycle saddle.
Terrain and navigation
Expect a hilly ride with some steeper climbs. VISIT Vlaams-Brabant lists the route’s surface as 85% paved, 11% unpaved and 4% cobblestones, so the circuit includes more than smooth tarmac. The changing terrain is worth considering when choosing a bicycle and planning daily distances.
According to Toerisme Grimbergen, the route has its own signs in both directions and also uses the existing numbered cycle junction network. VISIT Vlaams-Brabant provides a printable route map and a separate list of junction numbers. Its route page also identifies benches and places to eat and drink along the way.