Overpelt, Helchteren and Peer

With this route you will make a nice round through the Lage Kempen in the northern part of Belgian Limburg. The Kempen is a region with sandy soil that was mainly covered with heathland, oaks, fens and peat bogs until the middle of the nineteenth century. During your bike ride, the original landscape alternates with fields and meadows. A third of the Lage Kempen consists of nature reserve. You will soon notice that you can completely relax in such a tranquil environment. You will also see many watercourses and you will cycle through the Dommel valley, a picturesque landscape consisting of fields with hedgerows, alder swamp forests and poplar plantations. You will pass the Wedelse Molen here. According to some sources, this water mill already existed in the 8th century, which would mean that it is the oldest water mill in the Benelux. The banmolen was in operation as a corn mill until 1957. Since 1980, electricity has been generated using hydropower. In 1995, the mill, the lock and the bank reinforcement were given the status of protected monument. Near Helchteren, the landscape begins to undulate slightly. You cycle through the coniferous forests near Molenheide, where with a bit of luck you will come across a deer. Wild boars also live in this forest. You pass Kasteel Ter Dolen from the thirteenth century. The castle was once the summer residence of the abbots of the Abbey of Sint-Truiden. In 1522, the old castle was renovated and the building was given the appearance of a fortified manor house. Renovations in the eighteenth century gave the building a classicist style and the appearance of a country house. Since 1994, a castle brewery has been located in the castle farm; perhaps the smell of hops will tickle your nose for a moment.