RAVeL cycling in Belgium: the complete guide to Wallonia's greenway network

Anyone looking for RAVeL cycling routes in Belgium will soon come across the Vennbahn. The Walloon RAVeL network features around 1,450 kilometres of paved, traffic-free cycling paths, many of which follow former railway lines and canal towpaths. The Vennbahn is one of the best-known routes. Stretching 125 kilometres, it runs from Aachen through East Belgium to Troisvierges in Luxembourg. Along the way, it passes through the German-speaking Community of Belgium, including towns and villages such as Bütgenbach, Waimes and Sankt Vith. The route is ideal for a 3- or 4-day cycling tour. Staying in a holiday home gives you the flexibility to plan your trip at your own pace. At Casapilot, you'll find a wide selection of holiday homes in the Belgian Ardennes, making the perfect base for exploring the region's many RAVeL routes.

The Vennbahn Cycle Route (RAVeL 45 + 48)

The Vennbahn Cycle Route is one of the best-known routes in the RAVeL network. Stretching 125 kilometres, it runs from Aachen through East Belgium to Troisvierges in Luxembourg. Along the way, you'll pass through places such as Kalterherberg, Sourbrodt, Bütgenbach, Weywertz, Waimes, Sankt Vith and Burg-Reuland. As the route follows a former railway line, the gradients are gentle, usually no more than two to three per cent. The entire route is paved and well signposted. For the full journey, we recommend allowing three days, covering around 40 kilometres per day, or four days at approximately 30 kilometres per day. The Vennbahn is suitable for both touring bikes and e-bikes. Highlights along the way include the high plateau between Sourbrodt and Waimes, Lake Bütgenbach and the viaducts near Sankt Vith. Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented in places such as Bütgenbach and Sankt Vith. Luggage transfers between stages can also be arranged. The approximately 40-kilometre stretch from Aachen to Bütgenbach makes a great first day of cycling.

The Ourthe Cycle Route

The Ourthe Cycle Route winds its way through the Ardennes, linking towns and villages such as La Roche-en-Ardenne, Hotton, Marcourt and Bomal along the river. Some of the most scenic sections take you through forests, past historic castles and along the water's edge. The route is ideal for both shorter day trips and multi-day cycling tours. If you stay in La Roche-en-Ardenne, you can explore the surrounding area and choose individual sections to suit the time you have available. Vielsalm is another great base for cycling in the region. This route is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to combine cycling with nature and a relaxing stay in the Ardennes.

The Meuse Cycle Route (RAVeL 1)

The Meuse Cycle Route (RAVeL 1) follows the River Meuse from the French border through Dinant, Namur, Huy and Liège to the Dutch border. Along the way, the scenery is characterised by dramatic cliffs, beautiful riverside landscapes and landmarks such as the Rocher de Bayard, Freÿr Castle and Waulsort. Unlike the Vennbahn, this route passes through more towns and lively urban areas, making it easy to combine cycling with sightseeing and stops to enjoy the local food. The area around Dinant makes an excellent base for exploring the route, while Namur is a great destination for a day trip. The Meuse Cycle Route is particularly appealing if you'd like to combine outdoor adventures with cultural discoveries.

The Sambre Cycle Route and Canal du Centre (Hainaut)

The Sambre Cycle Route and Canal du Centre reveal a different side of Belgium from the forested routes of the Ardennes. Along the River Sambre and the canal, you'll encounter impressive landmarks that reflect the country's industrial heritage. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Strépy-Thieu boat lift and the historic hydraulic boat lifts of La Louvière. The mostly flat paths are ideal for leisurely bike rides, allowing you to combine cycling with cultural discoveries along the way. The region is particularly well suited to a weekend getaway if you'd like to explore not only the scenery but also Belgium's industrial past.

The best time to explore the RAVeL cycling routes is between April and October. In April and May, temperatures range from 12 to 20°C, with fresh spring colours and fewer visitors making for pleasant cycling conditions. E-bikes are also readily available to rent locally. June and July are particularly popular with families, thanks to temperatures of 18 to 26°C and long daylight hours. However, the Vennbahn can get a little busier at weekends. August is another good month for cycling, as many sections through the forests offer welcome shade. During the school holidays, family-friendly routes tend to be busier. Things become quieter again in September and October, when the autumn colours on the Vennbahn plateau are especially beautiful. This is also a great time for older cyclists and anyone planning a midweek getaway. From November to March, cycling trips tend to be shorter and more dependent on the weather, with some sections potentially becoming icy. For these months, holiday homes with wellness facilities may be a better choice than a cycling-focused holiday. It's also worth bearing in mind that the Vennbahn plateau, at an altitude of 500 to 600 metres, can be around 5 to 8°C cooler than the coast. Dressing in layers is therefore recommended. If the weather isn't suitable for cycling, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during the colder months. The Belgian Ardennes are also ideal for cross-country skiing and winter hiking.

Bütgenbach and East Belgium: The Ideal Base for the Vennbahn

Bütgenbach and the surrounding villages make an excellent base for a cycling trip along the Vennbahn. Bütgenbach is located right on the route and, with its beautiful lake, offers a lovely opportunity to go for a swim after a day in the saddle. You'll also find holiday homes near the Vennbahn in Sourbrodt, Waimes, Xhoffraix and Sankt Vith. The region is ideal for multi-day cycling tours, family holidays and e-bike adventures. Bike and e-bike rentals, as well as luggage transfers, are available locally. The area is also easily accessible for cyclists travelling from Aachen. At around 40 kilometres from the city, Bütgenbach makes a great destination for a weekend getaway with an overnight stay. If you'd prefer to stay a little further east, you can also find holiday homes in the Eifel and Moselle regions.

La Roche-en-Ardenne: The Ideal Base for the Ourthe Cycle Route

La Roche-en-Ardenne is also a great base for a RAVeL cycling holiday. From here, you can explore various sections along the River Ourthe and enjoy rides towards Hotton or Bomal. There are also plenty of holiday homes in nearby places such as Vielsalm and Manhay. La Roche-en-Ardenne is particularly well suited to a shorter cycling break of one or two days. Families with children and active groups can also combine their cycling holiday with a kayaking trip on the Ourthe. If you're planning to bring your four-legged companion along, you'll also find holiday homes in the Ardennes where dogs are welcome.

Durbuy: Combine Cycling with a Stroll Around Town

Durbuy is an excellent choice for a holiday that combines cycling with sightseeing. The Ourthe RAVeL route runs from Bomal to the outskirts of Durbuy, offering a great way to explore the surrounding area by bike. The town is particularly appealing to mixed travel groups, where some enjoy cycling while others prefer to wander through the old town or discover the local sights. Thanks to its compact range of tourist attractions and amenities, Durbuy is also a great destination for those who would rather explore on foot than by bike.

The Belgian Coast: Cycling with Sea Views

The Belgian coast is another great destination for a RAVeL cycling holiday. The coastal cycle route stretches for around 70 kilometres along the North Sea. It is flat and mostly paved, taking you alongside the sea and offering plenty of opportunities to stop and relax on the beach. This makes the coast an ideal choice for a weekend combining cycling and beach time. However, bear in mind that it can be windier here in autumn and spring than in the more sheltered areas of the Ardennes.

When planning a RAVeL cycling holiday in Belgium, you can either bring your own touring bike by car or rent one locally. E-bike rentals are available in several places, particularly in Bütgenbach, Sankt Vith and La Roche-en-Ardenne. Prices generally range from €30 to €40 per day. If you're planning to cycle the Vennbahn over several stages, you can also arrange luggage transfers. These usually cost between €10 and €20 per bag, per stage, and should be booked around two weeks in advance.

Aachen is an ideal starting point for the Vennbahn, as the route begins practically right outside the main railway station. Aachen is around an hour from Cologne, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Düsseldorf, and about 2.5 hours from Frankfurt. For navigation along the way, the free official RAVeL app is a useful tool, allowing you to check for any current route closures. It's also worth carrying a printed map, especially when cycling through more remote forest sections.

Beyond the paved RAVeL routes, the Ardennes offer plenty of exciting mountain biking opportunities, with more challenging forest tracks and trails. Along the main routes, you'll generally find places to refill your water bottle every 15 kilometres or so. Towns and villages such as Bütgenbach, Sourbrodt and Sankt Vith also have cafés where you can stop for a well-deserved break.

When planning your trip, remember to take the season into account. Some sections may be temporarily closed for maintenance, particularly between November and February. There's also plenty to discover in the region beyond cycling. If you'd like to take a day off between rides, why not make time for some of the other activities in the Ardennes, from hiking and sightseeing to water-based adventures?

A holiday home in the Ardennes offers cyclists plenty of flexibility. A secure bike storage area is particularly useful if you're travelling with several bicycles. You can also prepare your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen, whether it's a hearty breakfast before setting off or a pasta dinner to enjoy together in the evening. After a long day in the saddle, unwind in your private sauna or hot tub. For groups of three or four people, a holiday home can also work out more cost-effective than booking separate rooms in a country inn. At Casapilot, you'll find accommodation close to the Vennbahn, for example in Bütgenbach or slightly further off the route in Waimes and Sourbrodt. This means you can explore different stages during the day and return to the same holiday home each evening.

Whether you'd like to explore the Vennbahn over several stages, enjoy leisurely rides along the River Meuse or combine cycling with a seaside getaway, Belgium has a wealth of scenic routes to suit every taste. With a holiday home as your base, you can plan your rides at your own pace and explore the region on your own terms. After an active day in the saddle, you can unwind, put your feet up and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Explore our holiday homes in the Ardennes and find the perfect place to stay for your next RAVeL cycling holiday.