Lommel, Eksel, Heppen

Just across the border from Belgium in the province of Limburg lies the Kempen town of Lommel, which celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1990. Several beautiful nature reserves are part of Lommel, which hide the town between magnificent forests with deciduous and coniferous trees or vast heathlands, where various protected animal species live and special plants bloom in full regalia. As you get closer to the town, the activity increases; Lommel is the third shopping town in Belgian Limburg with a commercial centre and the large shopping centre De Singel. More than thirty chapels are spread throughout the town and give it an authentic appearance. Around the market square you can enjoy a drink on a terrace; with a wide range of restaurants and cafés there is always something to your liking. Traditionally, a lot of silver sand has been extracted in the area around Lommel for the glass industry. Some of these sand extraction quarries have been transformed over the years into beautiful nature reserves and beautiful recreational areas. A few examples are the Watering and De Lommelse Sahara. In the area you will also find a number of beautiful forests and vast heathlands. On the edge of the Kempen Plateau lies the picturesque Eksel. In the area there are a number of beautiful nature reserves such as the Provincial Nature Centre Pijnven, which extends over the territory of Eksel, Lommel and Overpelt. This area is approximately 1012 hectares in size and was previously used as an extraction area for wood. There is a beautiful museum where you can learn everything about the flora and fauna of the Kempen. In the area you will also find the Gerheserbossen. The vast grounds were planted with pine trees around 1910 for the benefit of the mine timber production. Nowadays, this timber production still plays a role, but efforts are also made to preserve the natural character of the forests. Numerous birds breed in the area, including the nightjar, wood cricket, hawk and black woodpecker. The route starts at Profile Pauwels. Here you can have your bike checked, so that you can cycle your route safely without delay. With your bicycle advantage pass you get a 10 euro discount on maintenance and repairs. This way you can get on your bike with peace of mind and optimally enjoy the beautiful nature that this route has to offer.