LF5 Flanders (Damme-Thorn)

The LF 5 forms the northern branch of the Flanders Cycle Route and takes you over a distance of 300 km from Damme, the historic book town, to Thorn, the "White Town" on the Maas side. A large part of the route runs over traffic-free paths along rivers and canals, but the route also meanders over car-free roads through the forests and heathlands of the green Kempen. You can experience tourist highlights while cycling over the ramparts of the cultural city of Bruges and right through the historic centre of Ghent. Via connections to the LF 2 City Route at the Rupelveer in Schelle and the LF 51 Kempen Route in Vierseldijk, you can even cycle to the Grote Markt in Antwerp. Explore some major Flemish art cities by bike: Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp! From west to east: In Damme lies the connection point with the LF 1 North Sea Route, the western branch of the Flanders Cycle Route. After a short trip through the Bruges hinterland, you will soon reach the well-known "Venice of the North". Cycling over the ramparts, you can admire the famous wooden windmills and historic city gates of Bruges. From the West Flemish capital, the route follows the Ghent-Ostend canal and you will get to know the agricultural landscape that is characteristic of this region. The sparkling cultural city of Ghent will undoubtedly charm you and when you leave it, you may secretly desire it. From Ghent, the route follows the Scheldt downstream to the Hingene Lock. The wide Scheldt is not only a natural blessing here, but also a tourist blessing. The salt marshes and polders still show the wild and pure nature here.