LF 1 North Sea Route - Flanders Cycling Route

The LF 1 North Sea Route connects Boulogne-sur-Mer (France) with Den Helder (Netherlands), covering a distance of approximately 470 km. The route is part of the international North Sea Cycle Route and is the first of the LF routes to be signposted in both directions since 1989. In Flanders, the LF 1 North Sea Route between Diksmuide and Damme forms the western branch of the Flanders Cycle Route. The Flemish section of the LF 1 North Sea Route is 150 km long and runs from the French-Belgian border in Oost-Cappel to the Belgian-Dutch border at Sluis. The route flirts with the coast and leads you through a network of vast polders and typical West Flemish villages. Let the North Sea wind carry you and discover this flat, tranquil landscape as you cycle. From south to north: After the white chalk cliffs of Boulonnais, the hills of Artois, and the French woodlands, you cycle parallel to the Yser River into rural Flanders. The river proves to be a reliable guide through the Westhoek region. The route passes Diksmuide with its IJzer Tower. This 84-meter-high peace monument offers a museum about War, Peace, and Flemish emancipation, as well as a magnificent view of the Westhoek region. Just past the butter city, the route veers towards the coast, crossing the area west of the IJzer River, known as "Bachten de Kupe." Through the open agricultural landscape, the route continues via the provincial town of Veurne and the dune area of Koksijde, towards the seaside resort of Nieuwpoort. The equestrian statue of King Albert I serves as a memorial to the victims of the First World War. The North Sea Route also passes close to Ostend, the "city by the sea." After a trip through the vast nature of the polders and the Zwin region, you reach the medieval town of Damme. This small book town will undoubtedly charm you and perhaps even inspire you. With the Damse Vaart canal as your guide, you will eventually reach the border with the Netherlands. From here, the LF1 continues north along kilometers of dams, past long dune strips and charming fishing villages. In Den Helder, the route connects with the LF 10 Wadden Sea Route, the next section of the international North Sea Cycle Route.