Tour of Postel via Retie

The Belgian Kempen is an ideal region for a varied cycling route. You will find quiet nature reserves, cozy village centers and stream valleys. This route takes you from Postel through the rural area around the town of Retie.
In the vast forests around Postel, civilization seems far away. The forest consists mainly of conifers, here and there deciduous trees also adorn your route. The landscape has a rich history, not least because of the monks who still run a centuries-old abbey in Postel. Pedlars used to cross the border along the sandy paths with their merchandise in a basket on their back. When it got dark, smugglers also found their way here without fail.

Between Arendonk and Retie you drive through an area called Tussen Wamp en Neten. There are several small-scale swampy nature reserves here. In any case, the area around Retie is quite humid. After all, Retie is the village of the seven Nets: small streams that feed the Kleine Nete river. The name Nete is said to be of Celtic origin, meaning smoke or vapour.

West of Retie you drive through the Witte Netevallei. The river landscape here consists of swamp forests, flowery meadows and swamps. Time seems to pass a little slower in this lovely area. A great opportunity to find a bench and enjoy the peace and quiet.