The castles route starting in Turnhout is a long (316 km), but breathtaking route that takes you over the entire North-South axis of Belgium. After all, the route starts in the north (Turnhout) and then descends completely to the south, after which you will be taken back north to Diepenbeek. And every inch of the route is worth it….

The start of the route in Turnhout is located at a place where you can easily meet. There is a cafe for early morning coffee as well as extensive parking space. If desired, you can stock up on your picnic stock in the nearby shop. And the first nice bends appear within the first hundreds of meters of the route and this will remain the full 316 kilometers.

Driving through the Kempen landscape you will slowly notice changes. As you drive into the province of Brabant, the terrain becomes more and more hilly and the first long bends appear. From then on it only goes in crescendo and the party keeps getting bigger, better and more beautiful.

A first stop is foreseen in Hoegaarden (rp21) in Brabant, the village where the famous Hoegaardse Witte is brewed. An attempt was once made for economic reasons to transfer its production to Jupille, but it was never possible to obtain the typical taste of the Hoegaardse Witte. Finally, the then new owner decided to move everything back to Hoegaarden and returned to the famous beer village on his slippers. In the meantime, the original founder of Hoegaarden, Pierre Celis, went to America to make a copy there based on the original yeast culture, but the characteristic quality and taste were not achieved there either. Nevertheless, the 'Celis White' did become a successful beer in America. Since then, the village has returned to the home of the Hoegaardse Witte and this will probably never change.

You enter the Walloon region on rp 22. It is interesting to know that the speed limit on secondary roads outside the city and village centers is 90 km / h instead of 70. Also keep this in mind when you return to Flanders. The police - your friend - is lurking ...

After Hoegaarden, the playground is getting bigger and better. The quality of the road surface remains excellent throughout the entire route, so you don't have to worry about that. Enjoy the many turns, long and short, while knowing that the cake of the party is still waiting for you….
You will get a first taste of that promised cake just after you cross the Maas for the first time at route point 29. The route of the Rue De Bief is a top motorbike. You will probably forget to look at the Chateau de Faulx-les-Tombes, where you will catch a glimpse of it at route point 30. No problem, you will encounter plenty of castles ...

From route point 32, the route takes you to a western projection that you should not pinch off… The highly winding, excellent route takes you past all kinds of castles and views that you will enjoy for a long time to come.
There is also the possibility to visit the Abbey of Maredsous (rp 41). Very pleasant, but two things you should pay attention to. It can be very busy there. Keep this in mind during your visit. You should also forget a 'quick' lunch 'with abbey bread and cheese here. Quite nice, if you ignore the waiting times ...
The second thing to keep in mind is that motorcycle thieves also know the attraction of the abbey and the long waiting times that go with it. This usually gives them plenty of time to choose a number of machines with their not so Catholic intentions. So watch out….

Finally you will arrive in Dinant (rp 44), home town of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. Home town also of the famous Leffe abbey beer. Very touristy, so watch out for the many tourists, the full terraces and the limited free parking options. Much to visit and see if you want to make the time for it. More information can be found in the attached links.

Shortly after leaving the town of Dinant, at route point 45, you will find Leffe Abbey with the distinctive bell tower that appears on every Leffe beer label.

The route that starts at route point 45 on the Rue Remy Himmer at the Abbey of Leffe to route point 53 (next café stop) is the queen of the route. Great to drive and to enjoy a short picnic at rp 47, far from all the hustle and bustle. A quiet place along the road, some benches, some green…. some well-deserved rest ...
If you continue the route on this queen's piece, you will arrive at route point 53 in 'Le Cheval Blanc' where you can relax with a cup of coffee on the terrace.

However, just because the cake has already been served (with the icing!) Does not mean the party has already ended. On the contrary… the dancing has yet to begin and you can do that very well on the roads that follow a short long stretch that takes you to Andenne (just before rp 56). After you cross the Maas river for the fourth time, the orchestra starts playing again and you happily dance between the castles towards Flanders. Remember to adjust the dance tempo again after route point 67. After all, you are then back in Flanders and the party photographer will record you on the sensitive plate without mercy if you continue to dance at 90 km / h.

But don't let this spoil the fun. The last piece in Flanders is the super tasty coffee with which you end the party. Excellent roads, mighty views and together with the coffee you can taste the pleasant atmosphere emanating from the beautiful Limburg landscape.

We marked here on the route some of the many castles that you can find in the area. You may not be able to see them from the route itself, but we would like to draw your attention to them. After all, the area where you are now is very beautiful and if you want to stay a little longer, this is definitely recommended, even if you put the motorcycle aside.
We will close at the market in Diepenbeek, where you will find sufficient resting places for a snack and a drink and to say goodbye to your party members (see marked POIs on the map)….

This Castle Route is a long one, but every inch is worth it. The route offers all possible varieties of short and long turns, sufficient and all kinds of rest areas and also brings you close to some important tourist highlights. The road surface is excellent along the entire length and despite the length you may arrive completely relaxed at the end point. After all, isn't there a party for that? To relax properly? This is absolutely no problem with this route. That is why the score of 5 stars is carefully given to this route.