Bree, pearl of the Kempen

Explore the picturesque towns of Meeuwen, Opitter and Bree, where the cycling tour through the Belgian landscape begins. Since 1366, Bree has been one of the most important cities of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège and the area exudes a rare peace and wealth. Here, just across the border with the Netherlands, Belgium has beautiful nature to offer. The cycle tour takes you through the beautiful Gruitroderbos. The forest on the Kempen Plateau is 660 hectares in size and is part of the Duinenbanden nature reserve. The dunes in the area emerged in the Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years BC. The pine forests were planted for timber production in the first half of the twentieth century; they had to supply mine wood to the coal mines in the area.