The Bosland near Overpelt

This route takes you around the Lage Kempen in the northern part of Belgian Limburg. The Kempen is a region with sandy soil. Until the mid-nineteenth century, this soil was mainly covered with heathland, oaks, fens and peat bogs. You will still find this varied landscape, albeit on a smaller scale. You will soon cycle through the Pijnven, a former heathland and drifting sand area that was planted with conifers from 1904 onwards for the production of mine timber. In many places you can smell the purifying scent of pine. In recent years, deciduous trees have also been planted in parts of the forest. Birds such as the long-eared owl and the nightjar live in the forest. Some parts of the forest are not accessible because they have been declared a resting area for animals. The Pijnven is located in the heart of a larger forest complex, called the Bosland. This area of 4500 hectares is one of the largest forests in Belgium. You cycle through various pleasant Flemish villages and hamlets, there is always a terrace to be found where a delicious fresh Limburg pie is served. In Leopoldsburg you will find a real Walk of Fame since 2007, a nod to Hollywood. Because relatively many BV\\\'ers - or Famous Flemish people - grew up in Leopoldsburg, they got their own star in the pavement here. Near Hechtel is the nature reserve In den Brand. Here you cycle through a varied landscape of high dunes, deciduous and coniferous forests. The dunes are unique in Flanders, even within Europe they are rare. So it is worth it to get off and look around in peace and quiet in what is also called the largest sandbox in Flanders.