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Duvel is cycling here
The Duvel route consists of two loops, each around 22 km long, which take cyclists and cycling beer lovers to interesting sights and beautiful nature. Duvel, a yellow-blonde, somewhat bitter beer, known and renowned in the Scheldeland region and far beyond, is the leitmotiv and seasoning of this magnificent cycling route.
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| In co-operation with the Tourist Office of the Province of Antwerp the Duvel Route was fully grafted onto the existing junction network in the towns of Puurs, Boom and Willebroek. The Scheldeland tourist region you are cycling through is a very watery area with many photogenic and picturesque spots. Small ferries and bridges also take you across any rivers. You will be cycling on and across water, as it were!
The Duvel cycling route is conceived around the four raw materials used to brew Duvel with: barley, water, hop and yeast. During the cycling trip you will discover elements referring to these natural products throughout the landscape. Along the route a number of information signs also give more explanation about their relationship with the region. During your trip you can or must also take a guided tour of brewery Duvel Moortgat.
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| When leaving Willebroek, you can first enjoy the magnificent view of the rowing ponds at the Hazewinkel Bloso centre. The bicycle trip will then take you through the Broek De Nayer Provincial Domain. This domain can be considered a typical recycling area. Peat was once exploited here, but it became an open sewer and industrial waste was dumped here later. However, in the past fifteen years or so nature took over again. The result is a mosaic of different biotopes with a rich flora and fauna. Many rare birds have their nesting site here.
After Willebroek comes the Scheldt-Brussels Sea Canal and then Ruisbroek Sauvegarde. Rumour has it that the village's name has something to do with an exemption from plunder and pillaging in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by French and English troops. Against payment, of course. Others claim that Sauvegarde simply means sentry.
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| Further along the route you can also familiarise yourself with some historic buildings referring to the regions rich brewing past. For instance, Willebroek is home to the former De Ster brewery, while the Ruisbroek canal is the location of the silos of the former Albert malting plant. The Klein-Willebroek ferry is where you will find the impressive building of the former Lamot brewery and in Heffen the old buildings of the former Seeldraeyers brewery.
History gave the region its own story. In short, a trip full of culture, nature and delicious pleasure
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Of course you can decide yourself where to start the trip. Two excellent restaurants are the starting points of the Duvel route, offering the necessary facilities to begin the route comfortably.
STARTING LOCATION 1: Bistro The Boathouse
Bistro The Boathouse is a unique location with a great southern terrace and a breathtaking panoramic view of the rowing ponds of the Hazewinkel Bloso centre. You can enjoy a snack, drink or culinary meal there. And especially for the Duvel Route we have created a delicious and budget-friendly Duvel menu!
Address: Beenhouwerstraat 24, 2830 Heindonk www.bistro-the-boathouse.be
STARTING LOCATION 2: Hof van Coolhem
Hof van Coolhem is a 13 ha domain with a bee garden, asparagus garden and historic park with numerous interesting information board. It is a great place to dine in the brasserie or enjoy a regional beer on the sun-drenched terrace!
Address: Coolhemstraat 64, 2870 Puurs - www.hofvancoolhem.be
The most import stop along the way is the Duvel-Moortgat brewery itself. Be sure to stop at junction 84 . Visits must be planned beforehand by registering. Click here.
Address: Breendonkdorp 66, 2870 Puurs
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Starting location and car park
1) Hof van Coolhem, Coolhemstraat 64, 2870 Puurs
2) Bistro The Boathouse, Beenhouwerstraat 24, 2830 Heindonk
How to cycle the route?
The route uses the cycling junction signs of Scheldeland (cycling map number 4). Follow the green-white signs with the junction numbers, as indicated on the map.
Length:
Basic route: 45 km
Short route: 22 km
Junctions:
1) Starting location Hof van Coolhem: direction 82 84 86 39 38 28 26 50 51 52 79 78 39 83 35 36 37 direction 82
2) Bistro The Boathouse starting location: follow Hazewinkel until junction 39 83 35 36 37 82 84 86 39 38 28 26 50 51 52 79 78 direction 39
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