Golden Carolus Route
The 58 km long Golden Carolus Route guides you from Brewery Het Anker in Mechelen to the whisky distillery De Molenberg in Blaasveld (Willebroek), where the brewery distills the Gouden Carolus Single Malt, and back through beautiful nature and stunning landscapes. In the city centre of Mechelen you'll discover, among other things, the Beguinage and the Palace of Margaret of Austria. And on the car-free towpaths along the rivers and canals, cycling is a true blessing.
Details
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Belgium Description
Top things to see on the way:
Het Anker, one of Belgium's oldest breweries (1471), is located in the heart of Mechelen beguinage. The internationally praised family brewery combines modern techniques and authentic recipes. You'll discover the rich history and long tradition of an authentic Family Brewer during a visit. In addition to the brewery buildings, Het Anker also includes a hotel and brasserie where you can enjoy the beers of the brewery with several traditional dishes.
In the sixteenth century Mechelen was the political and cultural capital of the Netherlands. Mechelen also became an archiepiscopal city in 1559. Its rich past translates into an impressive heritage, with over 300 listed monuments and city sights. The Gouden Carolus Route will take you along the Palace of Margareta of Austria, the Court of Busleyden and the beguinage, among other things.
The Zennegat is a veritable crossroads of rivers, where the Dijle, Zenne and Leuven-Dijle Canal come together. The ecologically valuable landscape, pleasure craft and houseboats and charming houses make it a wonderful place. Downstream, at the three-river point, the Dijle and Nete flow into the Rupel.
The Vaart. Rupel water recreation centre is a pleasure cruising hub of the Benelux, with a beautiful Quay promenade in Boom, a ferry across the Rupel, colourful marinas and historic Sashuis in klein-Willebroek, among other things.
Halfway the route you might have a stop at Stokerij De Molenberg. Since 2010, Brewery Het Anker has been using the 17th-century family farmhouse in Blaasveld to distil the Gouden Carolus Single Malt, restoring an old family tradition. The wisky is based on the Gouden Carolus Tripel and follows the purest whisky standards, a perfect match between brewery and distillery.
Starting location and car park
- Brouwerij Het Anker, Guido Gezellelaan 49, 2800 Mechelen
(inexpensive parking at the Rode Kruisplein opposite the brewery) - Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre, Schommelei 1, 2850 Boom (free car park)
Links of interest
| Visit Flanders Official Website |