At the time of this writing, it is only a week until the election of cycle route of the year. Every year at the Cycling and Walking Fair, the most beautiful cycling route of the year is voted. To be honest: these routes are not always the coolest routes by road bike or gravel bike. Indeed, usually the routes are not 'off-road' oriented.
Nevertheless, we want to highlight the routes, because this year we have really selected three wonderful ones. Both in Sweden, Belgium and Denmark you can have a great time. We briefly highlight the routes. Once the election is over, we will show you some more of the winning routes. In no particular order, here are the cycling routes of the year 2023.
Vänerleden - Sweden
On the website of this route, around Lake Våner, you see right away what it's all about. This 640-kilometre-long cycling route takes you around Sweden's largest lake. What Sweden is known for are its extensive, green forests, its lakes and also its crackling paths. Gravel routes, in other words. As it happens, you'll find quite a few nice gravel lanes in this route. Lake Våner is located just northeast of Gothenburg, so you can get there quite easily by various types of transport.
To make it easy, the local tourism and route organisation has cut the total route into 12 stages. For the more practised cyclist, you can connect these stages, some as short as 40 kilometres, together. Start of the official route is in Karlstad, on the north side of Lake Våner. Of course, you can start wherever you like. Keep in mind that you have landed in the more expansive part of Sweden. Here there is not a coffee shop or restaurant on every corner. So plan your adventure along the Vänerleden well and always take plenty of food and drink with you.
More content about Sweden? Also check out our articles on the Sydkust members - South Sweden Trails.
Eurovelo 5 - Belgium - Via Francigena
The Eurovelo network is a succession of highlights, all on well-mapped routes in Europe. Although the approach is to serve all cyclists, you will see beautiful stretches on these routes specifically suited to racing and gravel cyclists. This year, the nomination for the Eurovelo 5 falls to the Belgian section. In fact, the Eurovelo 5 runs all the way from the coast near Calais, through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and ends in Italy. In the heel of the boot, in Puglia, find the finish at Brindisi.
Belgium
The Belgian part of this route is beautiful. We were on part of this route in early 2022, from the Flandrien Hotel. Geraardsbergen, where the route passes and where you can of course climb 'the wall', is a stone's throw away. However, the route starts all the way at the border with Luxembourg. In Wallonia, you will find parts of the classic Liège - Bastogne - Liège route. Of course, it also has a lot of military history, both 14-18 and 40-45. You pass by the Citadel of Namur. So a well-known spot for cyclocross enthusiasts too.
You ride along old railway tracks, gravel roads, through Brussels and eventually into France. This is a route enjoyed by many. With 'only' 407 kilometres in length (note: some altimeters), this route will sound pleasant for a long weekend on the bike. At start or finish, a Belgian pint will taste great.
Castles Route - Funen / Fyn
This route on the beautiful island of Funen (Fyn in Danish) has our special attention. We were already in the region in September, where then explorer Dennis got a taste of this 'mansion route' as it is officially called. Don't be surprised by the ondulation on this island. It may look like the Wadden Islands, but you will have to climb a lot more. A cycling route for road cyclists, with the occasional tight stretch of gravel.
You come across beautiful castles or an old fortress every so often. Many times you ride near the water, which gives that little bit extra. Cycling city Odense is the start and finish for this route, but of course you can also start from Nyborg, or Faalborg, Svendborg or you name it. The 14 stages (again, you can combine) can be found on the site of Visit Fyn.
