The best gravel rides in Brussels

Brussels offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 180 trails recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate paths to more challenging rides, primarily exploring the region's ancient woodlands and extensive green belts.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain. The Sonian Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features well-maintained compacted gravel paths, some asphalt sections, and narrower unpaved trails. The broader Green Belt route encircling Brussels includes woodlands, agricultural land, and rolling hills, offering a mix of surfaces and some challenging inclines.

Yes, Brussels has options suitable for beginners and those looking for an easier ride. While many routes are moderate to difficult, there are 12 routes classified as easy on komoot. These often feature well-maintained gravel paths, particularly within the Sonian Forest, providing a pleasant experience for all fitness levels.

Many gravel routes in Brussels pass by significant natural and historical landmarks. For instance, the Sonian Forest and Château de La Hulpe Loop takes you past the historic Château de La Hulpe. You might also encounter serene spots like the Boitsfort Ponds or the Red Cloister Abbey, especially on routes traversing the Sonian Forest or its periphery.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Green Belt Route (Groene Gordel) is an extensive 126-kilometer cycling route that encircles Brussels. Sections of this route offer a significant gravel biking experience, traversing diverse landscapes, including forests, valleys, and agricultural land, with some notable elevation changes.

The gravel biking community highly rates the trails in Brussels, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews on komoot. Riders frequently praise the immersive experience of ancient woodlands, the variety of terrain, and the opportunity to explore extensive green spaces right on the city's doorstep. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths within the Sonian Forest and the scenic vistas along the Green Belt.

Yes, many gravel routes in Brussels are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Sonian Forest loop from Brussels is a challenging 65.1 km circular path, and the Groene Gordel and Kravaalbos Loop offers a 39.5 km circular ride through varied landscapes.

Many gravel trails, particularly those entering the Sonian Forest, are easily accessible from various points around Brussels via public transport. Areas like Watermael-Boitsfort and Hoeilaart serve as convenient starting points for routes into the forest, which is well-connected to the city's public transport network.

Absolutely. The Green Belt route, in particular, is known for its 'enticing vistas' and 'sweeping landscapes,' including impressive panoramas as it traverses rolling hills and valleys. Within the Sonian Forest, while dense with trees, you'll find serene spots and open clearings that offer picturesque views of the ancient woodlands.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Brussels, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can also be excellent, especially within the shaded Sonian Forest. Winter riding is possible, but trails may be muddy or icy, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, several routes incorporate beautiful water features. For instance, the Tervuren Park Ponds – Sonian Forest loop from Albert passes by the scenic ponds in Tervuren Park. The Sonian Forest itself is home to tranquil spots like the Boitsfort Ponds and Étang Sec, which can be found along various routes.

Yes, Brussels offers challenging gravel routes for experienced riders. The Grasdelle Trail Clearing – Rouge-Cloître Lake loop from Stockel - Stokkel is a difficult 40.3 km route with significant elevation. Longer loops through the Sonian Forest or sections of the Green Belt also provide demanding terrain and elevation changes, sometimes requiring good to very good fitness.