Everything you need to know about the mountain bike route in Kasterlee

In the mood for a hefty dose of adventure in the green? The mountain bike route in Kasterlee is a real classic in the Kempen and popular among mountain bikers of all levels. This route combines two loops into a varied course of 27 km, accounting for 142 meters of elevation and more than 76% unpaved paths.

You ride over the beautiful Kempense Heuvelrug, a unique landscape of forests, heath, and sand dunes. Expect a playful mix of sandy stretches, possibly muddy passages, and steep climbs — always different depending on the weather conditions. A route that never gets boring!

Bicycle rental in Kasterlee

No mountain bike of your own? No problem! In Kasterlee and the surrounding area, there are several providers where you can rent quality bikes, from recreational bikes to fully-fledged mountain bikes.

Bicycle rental providers

Fietsen Van de Water
Located in the center of Kasterlee, close to the MTB routes. You can come here for mountain bikes including helmet rental.

Fietsen Tim
Also rents quality mountain bikes.

The loops

Green loop

• Distance: 11 km
• Unpaved: almost entirely
• Character/short description of the route:
  The green loop starts at Floreal Kempen in Lichtaart and is ideal for a relaxed ride or recreational enjoyment. You follow smooth singletracks through forested areas with plenty of flow and few technical difficulties.

Blue loop

• Distance: 16 km
• Unpaved: largely unpaved
• Character/short description of the route:
  The blue loop departs from Sporthal Duineneind in Kasterlee and immediately offers more challenge. The terrain becomes hilly with short climbs and technical sections that test your bike handling skills. Ideal for sporty mountain bikers.

Connections for those who want to go further

Not finished yet?

Want to add extra kilometers to your ride? You can do so via:

Red loop (Herentals)

• Distance: approx. 16.5 – 17 km
• Character/short description of the route:
  The red loop in Herentals is the most physical and challenging of the network. You ride over the Kempense Heuvelrug with short, consecutive climbs and a mix of sandy and muddy sections.

This loop connects perfectly to the green and blue loops in Kasterlee, allowing you to easily combine longer, varied rides.

Starting points

You can start at:

• Sporthal Duineneind (Kasterlee)
• Floreal Kempen (Lichtaart)

Parking

Both starting locations have:

• ample parking space
• good accessibility

Facilities

At the starting points you will find:

• cafeteria
• restroom facilities
• water refill station
• clear signage

Issues on or off the route? Report them via the Route Reporting Point.

Restaurants along the way

During your ride, you will encounter many cozy stopping places:

• restaurants in Kasterlee
• cafés and restaurants in Lichtaart
• charming terraces near the Kabouterberg

Perfect for taking a break and recharging your energy.

Extras along the route

Discover the outdoors in and around Kasterlee!

Feeling like an active day in nature? Kasterlee and its surroundings offer a variety of surprising outdoor activities for both young and old! Where nature, adventure, and coziness come together. Put on your hiking shoes, hop on your bike, or enjoy a descent of the Kleine Nete and discover the most beautiful spots in the Kempen!

Nature on and off the route

You will cycle through the most beautiful parts of the Kempen:

• the forests of the Kempense Heuvelrug
• the valley of the Kleine Nete (also popular for kayaking)
• vast sandy dunes and heathlands

Extra experience: Pumpkin Village & Sleeping Giant

Pumpkin Village Kasterlee

Kasterlee is the pumpkin village of Belgium. Thanks to the sandy soil, this has grown into a true tradition, featuring impressive giant pumpkins, cozy events, and delicious local products during the season.

The Sleeping Giant

On the Kempense Heuvelrug lies the Sleeping Giant, a rolling landscape reminiscent of a resting giant. With forests, sand dunes, and surprising height differences, this is the perfect extra stop for your mountain biking trip.

Make your ride even more enjoyable with a visit to these attractions

• Kabouterberg – playful and iconic sand hill
• Heemerf De Waaiberg – authentic glimpse into the Kempen past
• Keeses Mill – historical mill from the 17th century
• Frans Masereel Centre – international center for graphic arts

Whether you’re going for a relaxing ride or a sporty challenge: the mountain bike route in Kasterlee offers a perfect mix of nature, variation, and experience. Hop on your bike and discover it for yourself!