The north of our province is characterised by its expansive areas of natural beauty, perfect for exploring on a slightly longer bike ride. On the ‘Cheeses and glass-blowing’ cycle route, you pedal past forests, farms, fields and meadows, and along the canal. Make sure you stop to taste the delicious local artisan cheeses and Achel trappist beer.
Cycling through North Limburg
Limburg’s most northerly point
The starting point is the Achelse Kluis trappist abbey in Hamont-Achel, right on the Dutch border. Here, you will immediately notice a reconstruction of the infamous ‘Wire of Death’, known locally as ‘den droad’. This lethal electric fence served to prevent Belgians from crossing the border into the Netherlands during the First World War. After cycling for just a couple of miles, you find yourself in the magnificent heath landscape of De Groote Heide, a 6000-hectare cross-border nature reserve. There are dozens of marshes dotted about the place, providing one enchanting view after another.
From Lommel sand to glass
Lommel is known as the city of glass thanks to its subsoil of silver sand. When the canal was dug out in the 19th century, they discovered fine quartz sand here – ideal for glass production. The GlazenHuis is a great place to visit to learn about the complete history and contemporary glass art. You can’t miss the building – with its shimmering glass towers – on your bike ride. A bit further along, between junction 224 and 230, you’ll come across the characteristic sandy soil itself. And this sandy plain nature preserve has a very appropriate name: the Lommel Sahara. You might decide to get off your bike here for a brief wander around or to climb the lookout towers.
The green oasis of Hageven
Just like the meandering river Dommel, you wind your way through Hageven nature reserve, another part of De Groote Heide. Together with the Plateaux area in the Netherlands, Hageven is renowned for it unique heathland and marsh vegetation. This is an exceptional habitat covering 600 hectares that is home to some rare animals and plants. It’s also worth leaving your bike at the visitor centre here, to go for a quick stroll. Then it’s a straight ride back to the starting point, where you’re sure to be tempted by some of the lovely goods in the Achelse Kluis abbey shop – you can buy cheese, tea, jam and of course trappist beer here to enjoy at home.
Cycle this route through North Limburg
Fancy cycling this route yourself? The ‘Cheeses and glass-blowing’ cycle route takes you to the most beautiful places in North Limburg.