Menen: Belfry, Fortifications and Cycling Routes

Menen brings together distinctive architectural forms, preserved fortifications and routes with different distance details. When planning a stay, it helps to distinguish between the highlights: the belfry is notable for its tower shape and carillon, while the routes are defined by their length, signage and—where specified—approximate cycling time.

Belfry and the history of the fortifications

The belfry in Menen is 33 metres high. Its lower section is square, while the upper section is octagonal—the tower’s shape therefore changes as it rises. The belfry also houses a carillon with 49 bells. Its architecture and carillon give this landmark two distinct features: the structure’s design and the exact number of bells.

The fortifications also shape the history of the town. Menen’s surviving fortifications are Dutch fortifications; construction began with the laying of the foundation stone on 1 May 1817. The historic fortifications provide the setting for Ter Walle Park. In the south of the city, the Blekerijvesting walking route runs over the old fortification walls of the main rampart. The rampart is therefore not only part of the historic fortified landscape, but also a specific landmark along this route.

Menen Wood lies on the border between Menen and Wevelgem and is the largest German First World War military cemetery in Western Europe. In 2017, a permanent exhibition about the creation of the cemetery was set up in the reception building, highlighting the lives of some of the fallen soldiers. If you would like to visit the exhibition, check its current accessibility in advance.

Choose routes by distance and course

The Wieltjespad is a signposted circular route covering 14 kilometres. Shorter loops of 5 and 9.5 kilometres are also possible; these two are not signposted. The options therefore differ not only in length, but also in whether they are signposted. If you prefer a signposted route, this distinction is relevant when planning. Signage and trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

For the Grensleiefietsroute, both the distance and an approximate cycling time are provided: it is 57.8 kilometres long and takes around 3.5 hours by bike. The time is an estimate and provides a different basis for planning than the distance figures alone given for the Wieltjespad. In Menen, the Grensleiefietsroute passes the Oude Sluizen. Dating from 1921, they now provide a pedestrian and cycling link to Leie-eiland and France.

The Martinusroute offers another perspective: following in the footsteps of Saint Martin, it runs from Utrecht to Tours and crosses the border in Menen at Delorsplein. This connects a precisely named border crossing in Menen with a route spanning two places far apart. Cycling also offers a way to explore the wider Grensleieregio. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between Menen’s architectural and fortified sites, shorter loops, a longer cycling route and a cross-border route.

Discover more destinations: Heuvelland, Poperinge, Vleteren, Ypres, Houthulst, Oudenburg, Veurne, Damme

Go to the main travel overview: West Flanders.