Tour Houthalen-Helchteren from Zolder

In the Belgian Kempen, nature and cultural history go hand in hand. This route takes you through the area around Heusden-Zolder. You drive through forests and heathlands, but you also pass places that bear witness to Belgium's mining past.

Just past Zonhoven you drive successively through the nature reserves De Teut and Ten Haagdoorn. With around 2000 hectares, they together form one of the largest heathlands in Belgium. Here you will find a variety of heathlands, stream valleys, fens, dunes, forests and fields. A large flock of sheep crosses the heath almost every day, a scene that gives your trip a nostalgic touch. 

The route also takes you through Resterheide. At the end of the nineteenth century, Scots pine and Corsican pine were planted on this former heathland for mining. A test forest was also created to compare the qualities of different coniferous wood species. This experimental forest grew into an arboretum.

Just above Helchteren you pass the thirteenth-century Ter Dolen Castle. 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 took on the appearance of a fortified mansion. Renovations in the eighteenth century gave the building a classicist style and the appearance of a country house. A castle brewery has been located in the castle farm since 1994, and the hop smell may tickle your nose for a moment.

Still time and energy left? Then take a look at the top of the former mine slag heap, a mountain of waste stone that towers 85 meters into the air. The former black gold has been forged into a green diamond in recent years. In summer you can spot cheerfully fluttering queen eagles here. Moreover, at the top you have a beautiful view over the Kempen.