Across the border to Borkel and Schaft

This route takes you through the green border region between North Brabant and Belgian Limburg. You cycle from Overpelt to Borkel through the Dommel valley. This stream was once an important river, in Roman times it was probably used for sailing. Due to human intervention, the Dommel started to meander and became a stream. The source of the Dommel is at an altitude of 77 metres on the Kempens plateau in Belgian Limburg. The Dommel flows through a number of nature reserves that you cycle through on this route. One of these areas is De Plateaux-Hageven. This Dutch-Belgian nature reserve is over 500 hectares in size, of which 350 hectares are on Dutch territory. The area consists partly of flood meadows that are planted with poplars. Conifers and heather grow on the higher parts. In the Belgian part, an alpine seed mixture was once sown to develop the hay meadows. For this reason, you can still see extremely rare plants here, such as autumn crocus. In the villages of Borkel and Schaft you will see some monumental Kempen long-façade farms from the eighteenth century. In Borkel you will also find the Sint Antonius Abt, a windmill from 1865. Through the agricultural and wooded landscape you will then cycle back to Overpelt. Just like in Brabant you will experience that typical southern cosiness here. And the Burgundian touch: there is always a terrace to be found where a delicious fresh Limburg pie is served.