Van Schoonbeke and surrounding areas

Gilbert Van Schoonbeke was the biggest Antwerp developer of (not only) his time. But Antwerp was a lot smaller then. What is now the city outskirts was then the countryside. A landscape with farms, fields, woods and pleasure gardens or country houses of the urban nobility and wealthy bourgeoisie. But also with small village centers where merchants and breweries nestled around the main trade routes.

This cycle route takes you along the Eilandje, Van Schoonbeke's 'Nieuwstad' through the various Antwerp districts past places that 500 years ago played a role in the life of the wealthy Antwerper, the circles in which Van Schoonbeke dwelled. Why was beer so important to the city? What was the great secret of Van Schoonbeke's "commerce"? Why did he need Charles V so badly and the emperor him? You will find out all this during this bicycle tour.

The entire ride runs from Ekeren through lots of greenery to Hoboken and back along the Scheldt and is 48 km long. But you can also cycle a northern or a southern loop, each time covering about 30 km. Along the way you will find plenty of places to eat or drink something.

Because the route runs in a loop, you can actually start wherever you want. From Ekeren follow junctions 96 - 78 - 79 - 31 - 30 - 03 - 04 - 40 - 52 - 43 - 42 - 41 - 59 - 57 - 56 - 54 - 96. You can also follow the nodes on your smartphone via the Fietsknoop app. Just be aware that running two apps on your smartphone at the same time will use up extra battery!

📏 48 km
🕑 4 hours
⭐ medium
📍 Veltwijck Castle, Ekeren