Bikepacking Events in Belgium

Belgium may be famous for its cobbled classics and frantic cyclocross races, but it’s also a hidden gem for the self-supported bikepacking adventurer. Its compact size, diverse landscapes, and rich cycling culture create a perfect destination for multi-day trips. Whether you’re weaving through the historic fields of Flanders or tackling the unrelenting hills of the Ardennes, Belgium offers a surprisingly wild and rewarding bikepacking experience.

'''

Why Ride Here?

Belgium offers a unique proposition for bikepackers: a country you can genuinely traverse in a single trip, packed with diverse scenery and steeped in cycling lore. The journey is as much about the culture as the riding. You can start a day in dense, Ardennes forest and end it by a tranquil canal, ready to sample the local Trappist beer and frites.

This is a land of contrasts. The post-industrial landscapes of Wallonia give way to lush, green valleys, while the flat farmlands of Flanders are punctuated by short, sharp climbs—the infamous bergs—that have shaped cycling history. The network of quiet lanes, dedicated cycle paths, and extensive gravel tracks means you can connect regions and build epic routes with relative ease. Add to this a calendar of grassroots events, and you have a premier, year-round bikepacking destination right in the heart of Europe.

Terrain

Don't let its size fool you; Belgium packs a punch when it comes to varied terrain.

The Ardennes & Wallonia: This is the heartland of Belgian bikepacking. The southern region of Wallonia is home to the Ardennes, a vast area of rolling hills, dense forests, and deep river valleys. The climbs are typically short but can be brutally steep, demanding careful pacing and sensible gearing. The trails are a mix of smooth gravel logging roads, earthy singletrack, and quiet tarmac lanes that wind through sleepy, slate-roofed villages. Events like the Hardennes Gravel Tour are designed to showcase these hidden tracks, offering a true test of self-sufficiency against a stunning natural backdrop. Further south, the Gaume region, host to Gravel Gaume and more, provides equally beautiful, if slightly gentler, forested landscapes.
Flanders: The northern, Flemish-speaking part of the country is flatter but presents its own challenges. The landscape is a patchwork of agricultural fields, historic towns, and winding canals. While you won't find long mountain climbs here, you will encounter the legendary cobbled sectors and short, sharp hills (bergs) of the Tour of Flanders. Integrating these into a bikepacking route offers a unique connection to cycling history. The riding is often on a mix of farm tracks, canal towpaths, and dedicated cycle paths known as jaagpaden.
Cross-Border Routes: Belgium’s central location makes it a fantastic starting point for international adventures. The tri-border area near Germany and the Netherlands is a popular hub. The A-Cross the 3 event perfectly captures this spirit, starting in Eupen and taking riders on a 500km unsupported journey through Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, showcasing the seamless transition between countries.

Climate & Seasonality

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, which is a polite way of saying it can be unpredictable and often wet. "Four seasons in a day" is a common experience, making versatile, layered clothing and reliable waterproofs essential for any bikepacking trip.

Spring (March-May): Can be a beautiful time to ride, with wildflowers in the forests and the whole country buzzing during the Spring Classics. However, weather is notoriously fickle, with sunshine one minute and cold rain the next.
Summer (June-August): Offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours. It’s the most popular time for cycling, but be prepared for occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the Ardennes.
Autumn (September-October): Often brings stable, crisp weather and spectacular autumnal colours in the forests. It's a fantastic time for bikepacking, though the days are shorter.
Winter (November-February): Is generally cold, wet, and grey. Trails can be very muddy. Winter bikepacking is for the hardy rider, but the quiet trails and moody landscapes have their own appeal.

Best Time to Visit

For the ideal balance of pleasant weather, good trail conditions, and long days, the best time for a bikepacking trip in Belgium is from late April to late September. This window avoids the worst of the winter wet and the most unpredictable spring storms. The majority of bikepacking and gravel events, including the epic Monumental which celebrates the country's cycling monuments, are scheduled during these months.

Event Highlights

Belgium's bikepacking events reflect its terrain and cycling spirit—challenging, rewarding, and unpretentious.

For the Forest Explorer: The Hardennes Gravel Tour is a quintessential Ardennes adventure. It’s a self-supported event that prioritises exploration and resilience, guiding riders through the region’s most remote and beautiful gravel tracks and forested climbs.
For the Border-Hopper: If you dream of crossing countries on a single ride, A-Cross the 3 is your event. This unsupported 500km adventure is a serious undertaking that rewards riders with an incredible sense of journey as they pedal through three distinct countries.
For the History Buff: Inspired by the pro classics, Monumental is a self-supported event that connects Belgium's cycling heritage with its gravel potential. It’s a chance to experience the iconic landscapes of the pro races in a new, adventurous format.

'''

Frequently asked questions

What is the terrain like for bikepacking in Belgium?

The terrain is surprisingly varied. The southern region of Wallonia and the Ardennes features steep, punchy hills, dense forests, and extensive gravel tracks. The northern Flanders region is much flatter, characterised by farmland, canal paths, and short cobbled climbs known as "bergs".

Is Belgium good for beginner bikepackers?

Yes, Belgium can be great for beginners. Its small size, excellent signage, and abundant towns for resupply make logistics straightforward. Beginners might prefer to start in the flatter Flanders region, as the relentless short climbs of the Ardennes can be very challenging.

What should I pack for a bikepacking trip in Belgium?

The key is to prepare for rain, regardless of the season. Pack high-quality waterproof jackets and trousers. Use a layered clothing system you can adapt to changing temperatures. For your bike, robust tyres with a width of 40-45mm are a good all-round choice for the mix of tarmac, gravel, and forest tracks. And don't forget lights, even in summer.

Is wild camping allowed in Belgium?

No, wild camping is illegal in Belgium and this is strictly enforced. Riders should plan their overnight stops at official campsites, which are plentiful. Alternatively, you can make use of the many affordable B&Bs, guesthouses, or the cycling hospitality network Warmshowers.

All bikepacking events in Belgium

Antitank Gravel — Antwerp, Belgium — 2026-11-11
A-Cross the 3 — Eupen, Liège, Belgium — 2027-04-26
Gravel Gaume and more — Wallonia, Luxembourg, Belgium — 2027-05-07
Hardennes Gravel Tour 2027 — Ardennes, Liège, Belgium — 2027-05-14
Monumental — Oud-Heverlee, Flemish Brabant, Belgium — 2027-05-15
Grelly '27 — Herbeumont, Belgium — 2027-05-20
Grelly '27 — Herbeumont, Neufchâteau, Luxembourg, Wallonia, 6887, Belgium — 2027-05-20
Smugglers Path — Hamont-Achel, Limburg, Belgium — 2027-05-28
Borderride400 — Neerharen, Limburg, Belgium — 2027-06-13
THE EURO — Brussels, Belgium — 2027-07-26

Explore more

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "ItemList",
  "name": "Bikepacking Events in Belgium | Gravelevents.com",
  "url": "https://gravelevents.com/bikepacking-events-belgium",
  "numberOfItems": 10,
  "itemListElement": [
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 1,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Antitank Gravel",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/antitank-gravel-2594a7",
        "startDate": "2026-11-11",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Antwerp, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 2,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "A-Cross the 3",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/a-cross-the-3-2",
        "startDate": "2027-04-26",
        "endDate": "2027-04-26",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Eupen, Liège, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressLocality": "Liège",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 3,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Gravel Gaume and more",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/gravel-gaume-and-more",
        "startDate": "2027-05-07",
        "endDate": "2027-05-08",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Wallonia, Luxembourg, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressLocality": "Luxembourg",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 4,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Hardennes Gravel Tour 2027",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/hardennes-gravel-tour-2026",
        "startDate": "2027-05-14",
        "endDate": "2027-05-17",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Ardennes, Liège, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressLocality": "Liège",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 5,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Monumental",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/monumental",
        "startDate": "2027-05-15",
        "endDate": "2027-05-18",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Oud-Heverlee, Flemish Brabant, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressLocality": "Flemish Brabant",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 6,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Grelly '27",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/grelly-27-9752040a",
        "startDate": "2027-05-20",
        "endDate": "2027-05-23",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Herbeumont, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 7,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Grelly '27",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/grelly-27",
        "startDate": "2027-05-20",
        "endDate": "2027-05-23",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Herbeumont, Neufchâteau, Luxembourg, Wallonia, 6887, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 8,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Smugglers Path",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/smugglers-path",
        "startDate": "2027-05-28",
        "endDate": "2027-05-30",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Hamont-Achel, Limburg, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressLocality": "Limburg",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 9,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "Borderride400",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/borderride400",
        "startDate": "2027-06-13",
        "endDate": "2027-06-13",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Neerharen, Limburg, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressLocality": "Limburg",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 10,
      "item": {
        "@type": "Event",
        "name": "THE EURO",
        "url": "https://gravelevents.com/events/the-euro",
        "startDate": "2027-07-26",
        "endDate": "2027-07-26",
        "location": {
          "@type": "Place",
          "name": "Brussels, Belgium",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressCountry": "Belgium"
          }
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}