Do I need to reserve in advance?

Fully free, open 24/7, no reservation needed. For handbike hire (if wanted for the longer loops), the Blue-bike station at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is an option — but check whether their range includes adapted models.

When is it busy and when is it quiet?

Sunny summer weekends bring many joggers/cyclists/walkers to the path — especially mornings around 10-12h and evenings after 17h. Weekday mornings and early evenings are notably quiet. Sunny winter days are also very popular.

What should wheelchair users be aware of?

Parts of the path have narrower passages under old bridges where wheelchairs cross each other with difficulty — plan for this at peak times. At high water (autumn-winter), some lower sections may temporarily flood; check Waterinfo Vlaanderen.

What visit tip do you recommend?

Combine the Dijlepad with a visit to accessible central Mechelen (around Saint Rumbold's Tower and the Grote Markt (Main Square)). For a longer break, take the southern loop toward Vrijbroekpark — with accessible picnic zones.

Dijlepad Mechelen

♿ Wheelchair accessible Walk

Dijlepad Mechelen

Last updated: 2026-07-22 Report an issue

♿ Wheelchair accessible

The Dijlepad in Mechelen is an attractive walking and cycling path following the Dijle river through the city. The path connects several historic sites, from the quays in the centre to the green zones on the edge of Mechelen, offering views of old cityscapes, bridges and the occasional small marina along the way. The Dijlepad is hugely popular with residents and visitors who want to explore the city in a peaceful way.

The path is fully paved and barrier-free, making it particularly suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, handbikes and prams. Gradients are minimal and the surface is well maintained. Along the route there are several benches, adapted picnic tables and an accessible public toilet in the centre. Information panels along the route tell the story of the Mechelen Dijle.

Accessible parking spaces are available in several public car parks along the Dijlepad, including Parking Zandpoort and Parking Tinelplein. Access to the path is free, and it is open 24/7. The Dijlepad can be combined with a visit to the Mechelen city centre, where most attractions are well accessible.

Good to know

Reservation: Fully free, open 24/7, no reservation needed. For handbike hire (if wanted for the longer loops), the Blue-bike station at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is an option — but check whether their range includes adapted models.
Busy and quiet times: Sunny summer weekends bring many joggers/cyclists/walkers to the path — especially mornings around 10-12h and evenings after 17h. Weekday mornings and early evenings are notably quiet. Sunny winter days are also very popular.
Things to note: Parts of the path have narrower passages under old bridges where wheelchairs cross each other with difficulty — plan for this at peak times. At high water (autumn-winter), some lower sections may temporarily flood; check Waterinfo Vlaanderen.
Visit tip: Combine the Dijlepad with a visit to accessible central Mechelen (around Saint Rumbold's Tower and the Grote Markt (Main Square)). For a longer break, take the southern loop toward Vrijbroekpark — with accessible picnic zones.

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Good to know

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