This overview shows the available routing options per activity or route type for which they were primarily developed. The two special options 'manual' and 'shortest OSM' are also explained here.
In the route planner itself, some routings appear as selectable options under different route types because they prove to offer added value.
For example, you will also find the option 'Recreational cycling – Nicest (paved only)' under the road cycling route type. This option is a clear added value for recreational road cyclists who prefer quiet, scenic roads with more curves.
Available from RouteYou Plus or higher.
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Nicest: along the most scenic paths accessible to hikers
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avoid ferry
- paved only
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- Shortest: for the shortest route via paths accessible to hikers
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Node network: exclusively via the hiking node network
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Recreational cycling routes may also include unpaved roads in good condition. You can avoid these by choosing the 'paved only' option when available.
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Nicest: along the most scenic cycling roads
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- paved only
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Shortest: for the shortest route via cycling roads
- paved only
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Node-to-node: exclusively via the cycling node network
- paved only
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Here we focus on cycling roads that are particularly suitable for road cyclists.
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Nicest: along the most scenic cycling roads
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Shortest: for the shortest route via cycling roads
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Here we focus on cycling roads that are particularly suitable for mountain bikers.
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Nicest: along the most scenic cycling roads
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- Shortest: for the shortest route via cycling roads
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Sport Vlaanderen: exclusively via the Sport Vlaanderen mountain bike network.
- all directions: via the Sport Vlaanderen mountain bike network, both in the indicated direction and in the opposite direction.
Here we focus on cycling roads that are particularly suitable for gravel riders.
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Nicest: along the most scenic cycling roads
- summer‑ready
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Shortest: for the shortest route via cycling roads
- summer‑ready
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Here we focus on roads that are particularly suitable for motorized vehicles such as motorcycles and cars.
- Nicest: along the most scenic car roads
- Shortest: for the shortest route via car roads
- Fastest: navigate via roads that offer the smoothest traffic flow for motorized vehicles. This provides the fastest route.
- Horse Node network: exclusively via the equestrian node network
Here we focus on roads that are particularly suitable for inline skaters
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Nicest: along the most scenic paved roads without cobblestones
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- Shortest: for the shortest route via paved roads without cobblestones
In addition to the routing options linked to a specific route type, we also offer two unique routing options with very specific application possibilities.
Shortest - OSM stands for "the shortest path along trails known in OpenStreetMap".
With this option, we plot the shortest distance between two points using all available roads and paths listed in the OpenStreetMap database. PLEASE NOTE! This means we do not account for legal restrictions or path types (e.g., one-way streets, unpaved surfaces, highways, etc.). In other words, the restrictions or properties of the paths or roads are not taken into account. Only use this if you are very familiar with the area.
TIP
For users who wish to trace a known route from a map, the Shortest - OSM option is an excellent solution.
For example, if you use the 'Recreational cycling - nicest' option, we purposefully guide you via roads we consider better for cycling. Certain roads—even accessible ones—are intentionally avoided (e.g., busy or unsafe roads) or excluded. This can be confusing if you know exactly where you want your route to go. With Shortest - OSM, we allow everything.
= turning off the routing
You simply draw straight lines between consecutive points on top of the underlying background map. No match is made with the underlying road network.
Why would you do this?
By default, automatic routing is activated in the route planner. This means you will be guided along known roads and paths when planning a route. Sometimes this is not desired: perhaps because you want to follow a path unknown to us, or because there is no path at all, such as a route across rivers or water.
"Manual" is therefore the option you use to trace a route along paths that are not on the map but that you know exist.
TIP
It is best to turn on the (Google) satellite images with the 'label' map detail as the underlying layer while planning. This way, you can see when it's best to switch routing back on because a known road exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many route statistics are retrieved from the underlying network used during planning (for example: "how many miles are unpaved" or "single track"). If you draw your route manually, we cannot provide those statistics because no link is made to the underlying network.
Therefore, whenever possible, use a 'shortest' option instead of 'manual' routing, as this ensures statistics and data from the underlying network are retrieved. You will also receive navigation instructions.
Both the 'road bike - nicest' and 'recreational cycling (paved only) - nicest' options guide you over paved road sections. But what is the actual difference?
- With 'road bike - nicest', we will not send you over very narrow (paved) paths. With 'recreational cycling (paved only) - nicest', we will.
- With 'road bike - nicest', we avoid too many left/right turns to help you maintain cadence, which means you might miss some nice short alleys. With 'recreational cycling (paved only) - nicest', we do not prioritize cadence, resulting in more routing through charming short paths.
- With 'road bike - nicest', we will guide you more along cycle paths that overlap with existing routes of the 'road bike' type. With 'recreational cycling (paved only) - nicest', we prioritize cycle paths that overlap with existing 'recreational cycling' routes.