The many faces of Belgian Limburg
Maaseik, Flanders, Belgium
Cycling route: 143673
Provided by: route.nl
56.3 km
03:18 h
992 kcal
88 m
Description
On this tour you will explore the Kempen Plateau, a higher area in Belgian Limburg. In nature reserves such as the Dorperheide and the Ophovenderheide you will experience the diversity that makes the Kempen Plateau so special: pine forests, inland dunes, fens, dry and wet heathland and poor grasslands. You start the route in the lower Maas valley. You cycle a part on the towpath along the Zuid-Willemsvaart, the almost 123 kilometer long canal that connects Maastricht with 's-Hertogenbosch.
Once your muscles are properly loosened and warmed up, you will make a small climb from Opitter to the Kempen Plateau. You will drive for kilometres through the beautiful nature of the Ophovenderheide. In addition to heather and common bell heather, you will also find the rare red bell heather here. With a bit of luck, you will see a honey buzzard or black woodpecker flying by. At dusk, a deer or fox may just pop up. If you stop at one of the pools, you can enjoy the many species of dragonflies and damselflies.
After the Ophovenderheid you drive through Opglabeek, a village that came to life in the first half of the twentieth century due to mining. This history can still be seen in the landscape around Opglabeek. If you look closely you will see two peaks, one of which is 165 metres high. These are not hills, but slag heaps, the Flemish name for a mountain of stone. These accumulations consist of the stones that are extracted from the mine during the extraction of coal.
After your bike ride you can still visit Maaseik. In the cozy center of this beautiful old town you can end your day in style on one of the many terraces. Also cycle the 2nd beautiful route in Belgium; 147946
Height Profile
Directions
| # | Description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
27 | 27 (3680, Maaseik, Flanders, Belgium) | 0.00 km | |
28 | 28 (3640, Maaseik, Flanders, Belgium) | 1.77 km | |
13 | 13 (Solterweg, 3960, Bree, Flanders, Belgium) | 10.65 km | |
12 | 12 (Keyartstraat, 3960, Bree, Flanders, Belgium) | 11.94 km | |
11 | 11 (3960, Bree, Flanders, Belgium) | 12.49 km | |
36 | 36 (Opstraat, 3960, Bree, Flanders, Belgium) | 13.42 km |
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