The rolling Belgian border area of Riemst

The Flemish town of Riemst is the starting point of your route. It is located at an altitude of approximately 113 metres. You cycle a round through undulating, open landscape that consists almost entirely of agricultural land. The starting and ending point of your route is the atmospheric Hotel Malpertuus. It is a great place to start your route with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing drink. After the route you can relax on the garden terrace for a delicious lunch or dinner. Fort Eben-Emael is known as 'the giant among forts'. Spread over an area of 75 ha (150 football fields) are 17 bunkers and all kinds of observation posts and trenches. The Belgian army built this colossus in 1932-1935 to strengthen a weak point in the Belgian defence against Germany: the approach roads near Maastricht. It took an explosive, thorough and daring German attack plan to take the fort. The Germans finally succeeded on Saturday 11 May 1940. You can learn all about it during special guided tours in the fort. Between the banks of the Meuse and the Albert Canal lies the museum Maison de la Montagne Saint-Pierre, dedicated to the unique region of the Sint-Pietersberg. Due to centuries of marl mining, an impressive underground tunnel system exists in this area. Due to the chalky soil, the Pietersberg is home to many rare animal and plant species, such as wall lizards, orchids and numerous insects. At cycle junction 87 you pass the second highest point in Flanders. The highest point is just west of this route, near Voeren, at 151 metres above sea level.