Tour of Houthalen-Helchteren

You drive through the Ophovenerbos, which is part of the nature reserve of the Dunes Belt, an extensive heathland, forest and dune landscape of about 3000 hectares. In this forest you cycle past the Ruiterskuilen, two fens that have a brown color due to the acidic water. The fens were created by sand drift and are fed exclusively by rainwater. At the end of the eighteenth century, some young men who had been chosen by lot for military service hid in this area. A little further on you drive through the Heiderbos where, in addition to coniferous trees, many juniper berries grow. With about 7000 shrubs, this is the largest still existing juniper population in Flanders.

Near Helchteren the landscape slopes slightly. Here you pass Castle Ter Dolen from the thirteenth century. The castle was once the summer residence of the abbots of Sint-Truiden Abbey. In 1522 the castle was renovated and the building took on the appearance of a fortified mansion. Renovations in the eighteenth century gave the building the appearance of a country house. A castle brewery has been located in the castle farm since 1994, the hop air may tickle your taste buds.