The Dommel Valley near Overpelt

Overpelt is located in the Dommel Valley as a western municipality, which consists of four church villages. The Dommel flows into the town from the municipality of Peer. To the west of the Dommel Valley there are extensive coniferous forests. The trees are on former heathland. They were mainly damp and peat was cut. Further north, on the Dorperheide, you will find several large sand and gravel extraction wells. You can already see most of the plots from the cycle path. In addition to being a care municipality - Overpelt has three hospitals, a specialized MS clinic and a center for the disabled - Overpelt is also known as a water mill municipality: no fewer than four water mills grind on the Dommel. The oldest is the Wedelse Molen, an under-mounted water mill that dates from before 1259. The water facade covered with wood at the top also makes it one of the oldest water mills in the Low Countries. It will therefore not surprise you that the mill is protected as a monument and as a protected village sight. The Wedelse Molen was a grain mill, but nowadays it is used to generate electricity. You start and end the bike tour at De Ballasthoeve. You can park your car here for free and enjoy a nice drink here upon departure or return. A cup of fresh coffee, a fragrant tea or an alcoholic drink tastes great after the tour. Sitting comfortably on the garden terrace you can watch the children romping around in the playground, but you can also relax in the brown bicycle cafe. You can also stay at De Ballasthoeve with a large group. Great if you all want to go out!