Flat country… If Belgium got its nickname, it’s because of Flanders. The north of the country with its vast plains is a delight for cycling enthusiasts. 2,000 kilometers of bicycle paths have been built in the region. Many for useful reasons, others just for the ride and eye candy. The province of Limburg, on the border of Holland, has developed a specialization in these wonderful cycle paths.
Pedals in the trees
that Bosland (literally: forest land) is the largest forest area in Flanders. It is no coincidence that this is where August and Noella, the first pair of wolves to reappear in Belgium, chose to settle. And apparently they’re doing well there, as they’ve already given birth to two litters of wolf pups in spring 2020 and spring 2022. From 2019, the 700-meter cycle track invites you to gain altitude in this vegetal universe. Her name ? “Pedaling in the trees“. A double-sided bridge takes you to the treetops, up to 10 meters above the ground. In this corner of Bosland, the forest is mainly made up of conifers. Scots pines have long been planted to serve as mine timber. As soon as they reached maturity, they were debited to support the galleries of the many Limburg mines. The advantage of pine wood is that it cracks before it breaks, thus preventing the hazard. But when the mines closed, the trees remained. Therefore, the bicycle bridge was built in the middle of the pines with Corten steel columns, the color of which blends elegantly with the color of the neighboring trees.
- to know The “Pedaler dans les Arbres” is also accessible to walkers and runners.
Dive in the middle of the lake
How about crossing the water by bike? The hashtag #FDHW (fietsen door het water – pedaling through the water) invites you to discover the most popular cycling route in the country. Go to regional domain Bokrizhk. Formerly anointed “Europe’s Best Tourist Destination”, the site is famous for its open-air museum. Churches, mills, farms… Everything here evokes the life of the 19th century. The property is part of the De Wijers (“ponds”, in local patois) nature reserve. With its 550 hectares of woodland dotted with some forty lakes and ponds, it has long been a paradise for walkers and cyclists. From now on, one and the other can take a 212-meter section in the lake. It’s not just a bridge, but a moat that really goes down into the water until it reaches the eye level of swans and ducks. It is quite a unique experience that offers a stunning view of nature. Time magazine also ranked it among the 100 most beautiful places in the world. Several cycling routes (6 to 127 km) pass through this section.
- As well as : you will then walk along the Arboretum, an essential stop for any gardening and garden enthusiast.
Cross the coast on two wheels
The ultimate cycling experience in Limburg takes you through the swamp Hoge Kempen National Park (Upper Kempen). It is still the only national park in Belgium. Its 12,000 hectares are crossed by 242 kilometers of bicycle paths, on which 5 routes (34 to 61 km) have been designed. The place is appreciated in this exceptional nature for its shaded areas that alternate with forests and layers. It was in the heart of the morning that this new 4-kilometer bike section, including the transition, was envisioned panoramic walkway 300 meters long. The Moor spreads its charm in all seasons. It is especially appreciated from mid-August to mid-September, when it acquires the sublime purple color of the blooming honeysuckle.
- to know Several routes pass through this exceptional section, particularly the beautifully named Violet Splendor (52 km).
Drive like a pro with Circuit Zolder
In a completely different style… Do you remember the Zolder race? If the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix is now held at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit near Liege, it has long been played at Zolder in Limburg. During the 1970s and 1980s, we saw Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda or Didier Pironi climb to the top step of the podium. It is also where Canadian climber Gilles Villeneuve died in 1982. Since then, the Zolder region has hosted several cycling and cyclocross world championships. Want to fit yourself into a Philipsen, McEwen or Zabel wheel? Organized three evenings a week by Circuit Zolder Bike nights. It opens its 4 kilometers and 11 bends to amateur cyclists. For €4 it’s a great chance to ride a fabulous track.
- to know Children under 10 are welcome on Roller Mondays accompanied by someone with a city bike.
Practice
GO
The province of Limburg is located in the north-east of Belgium. Its capital, Hasselt, is a 1-hour drive or train ride from Brussels.
More information on the website of the tourist office: visitlimburg.be
YOUR BIKE?
It is possible to take a shared bike at Hasselt station via Blue-Bike or the Mobit app. To rent a bike elsewhere in the province, travel to the directory Fiets paradijs Limburg. Translation? Limburg, cycling paradise.
ROUTES
In Flanders (as recently in the north of France) cycling routes are designed with a point-to-point system. No address, map or GPS needed. Each loop is numbered, so you can create your own route or follow a pre-designed route by simply going from one number to the next. Small blue rectangular panels mark junction points (“knooppunt:“, in Dutch). Underwater bike path Bokrizhk is at the crossroads #91:that Bosland to: 272:which is bonfire between nodes 550 and 551. You just need to consult a route planner to prepare your trip. Have a nice trip!
Source: Le Figaro
