Pannisberg from Hilleshagen

If you drove up from Mechelen via Hilleshagen, just before Vijlen you have the option to turn right down the Leunweg towards Melleschet. As you pass the Lombergbeek, the climb already begins. After the junction with Vijlenstraat, turn right and follow (until a white house at the edge of the forest) the steepest part of the climb. After this it flattens out but you have to keep pedalling to get to Rugweg at the top of the climb.

A scenically beautiful route with no real shortcuts in terms of percentages, but the length and altimeters make this climb feel like a real climb. From a pretty stream valley with nice views of Vijlen, it goes up via small roads. After a short while, you have to turn right at a right of way junction and a little later the slope really takes off and continues until you reach the white house at the edge of the forest. Nice views here and don't forget to look back for beautiful views of Vijlen and the surrounding area. In the forest it flattens out although it continues to rise until the end, with some variation in percentages at times.