Boekend, Helden and Korte Heide

A sea of green, drifting dunes that seem to be alive, romantic fens, vast heathlands and small-scale arable land, the Heldense forests, of which the Keuperheide is part, is a nature reserve that is worth a visit. A beautiful piece of history has been preserved in the form of a landweert - a raised earthen wall that was planted with thorny shrubs to prevent robber gangs from easily passing through the area - and an old farm that played a role in the resistance during the Second World War. World War. The Scots pine of the Heldense Bossen was previously used as mining wood. The conifers were planted on drifting dunes and tranquility prevails in the forests. Here and there you see nesting boxes for owls, which like to use them, but other forest animals are also no exception. And find your way between the trees of the Kesselse Bergen and the Heldense Bossen. Thousands of years ago the terrain consisted of heathlands and drifting dunes, but forests were planted at the beginning of the twentieth century. During the Second World War, forest partisans with German prisoners of war were here among the sea of trees, who were handed over to the Allies after ten weeks. What's better than coming back from your bike ride and immediately taking a refreshing shower? Hotel Maashof is located at the start and end point of the cycle tour. Here you have come to the right place for an overnight stay at a location with fun activities and good cuisine. After you have rested in your comfortable hotel room, you can take a seat at one of the tables in the attractive restaurant. The menu is varied and the chef's culinary skills are excellent. During dinner you can chat about the bike tour. Have a drink before crawling between the fresh sheets and resting for the next day, when you explore route 123775 from the hotel.