Tessenderlo, Oostham and Kwaadmechelen

In the Gerheserheide nature reserve you will find sandy soils with pine forests that are intersected by dirt roads. The'Schans van Gerhees\\\' is also located here. This fortification was built in the 17th century by the local population as a kind of earthen fortress where they could 'entrench themselves' to avoid marauding armies and bands of robbers. After so many centuries, the fortress now looks like an ordinary, wooded land dune, but if you look closely, you will discover the remains of the earthen walls and moats. Another nature reserve near Oostham is 'De Rammelaars' and is named after the many hares and rabbits that live there. In the past, there was plenty of small-scale agriculture such as: making hay, irrigating, cutting peat, extracting iron ore, and cutting wood. Now we enjoy many biotopes and vegetation types. The oldest tower in Belgium is part of Our Lady's Nativity Church in Oostham. The lower part dates from the 10th century. A guided tour is possible. From the free parking of cafe-brasserie De Bosrand you can go directly to the stairs. When you return, the sun terrace looks very inviting for a nice drink and a snack. Cycle route 138559 also starts from this cozy establishment. So you have plenty of choice to explore the area.