Breda to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen via port of Antwerp and nuclear powerplant in Doel

Route Description

I regularly make the trip from Breda to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen to visit family. The shortest route is via Antwerp, but I used to dodge this because I usually try to prevent passing through big cities like Antwerp. Lately I’ve put my mind to creating the nicest and most fun routes to get past Antwerp. Creating a gravel route including the port of Antwerp and passing the nuclear plant at Doel was always on my list to try.

The fun starts as soon as you leave Breda behind. I managed to find a lot of unpaved roads to get south to Antwerp. Some of it is gravel. Some of them are farmroads. Getting closer to Antwerp, there are also a couple of forests that have beautiful gravel sections. A real treat.

There’s no getting around it: at some point you see the raw harbor city of Antwerp come into view. But I think I managed to keep this route off the busy roads for a long time. In Antwerp city centre you pass under the river Schelde via the pedestrian tunnel. The tunnel can be busy with pedestrians, but it’s widely accepted to cycle in the tunnel if you keep it easy. Going down and up in the tunnel happens via old escalators. I think these are always a nice sight to pass.

After the tunnel you head north and pass through the busy port of Antwerp. It’s raw and industrial and since I don’t ride through big ports every day, I liked the change of scenery. You really get a good view of what is one of Europe’s largest ports. When you leave the port behind, soon the flatlands towards Zeeuws-Vlaanderen come into view, but not before you pass Doel. You don’t see much of the powerplant, but if you take the time to pass through the village you get a bit of the impression of a ghost town.

• Tip: When I rode this it was windy but dry. I think the route is beautiful when dry and sunny and this gives you a nice view of the port.
• Tip: In the port pay attention to traffic and lots of speed pedelacs.
• Tip: In Zeeland, just before the end of the route you pass the city of Hulst. This is a charming little city with old historic defensive walls.