Discovering diamonds and waterfront
Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium
Cycling route: 4660523
Provided by: Eddy
60.4 km
03:33 h
1064 kcal
12 m
Description
Between the Kleine and the Grote Nete lies a piece of Kempen where the diamond industry flourished for a short time. This route takes you through this region where you learn more about diamonds. Diamond processing was on the rise from the end of the nineteenth century and this knowledge was passed down from father to son for decades.
Traces of the diamond industry
The diamond industry brought prosperity to the region and many farmers turned to diamond processing as a sideline. All this came to an end during the '70s and '80s. Then industry was moved to low-wage countries and technological innovations and increased government control put an end to rural industry. You can still find traces of this past at the Kempens Diamantcentrum and Slijperij Lieckens. The polishing shop is the last fully equipped pre-war diamond polishing facility in this region. Take a look here to get an idea of what the many grinding shops that used to be here looked like.
Beautiful sights
You will also cycle through bustling Lier, authentic Gestel, along the meandering Nete and across the Provincial Groendomein Kesselse Heide. Along the way you will find several beautiful places where you can settle down to take a breather and enjoy a tasty snack and a drink.
Natural beauty on the Kesselse Heide
At the Provincial Green Domain Kesselse Heide you can discover what the Kempen looked like for a long time. Here you will find a mix of heather, coniferous and deciduous forests, sandy plains and fens. Take a look here and enjoy the quiet nature. The free-roaming sheep maintain the landscape in a natural way by grazing.
Traces of the diamond industry
The diamond industry brought prosperity to the region and many farmers turned to diamond processing as a sideline. All this came to an end during the '70s and '80s. Then industry was moved to low-wage countries and technological innovations and increased government control put an end to rural industry. You can still find traces of this past at the Kempens Diamantcentrum and Slijperij Lieckens. The polishing shop is the last fully equipped pre-war diamond polishing facility in this region. Take a look here to get an idea of what the many grinding shops that used to be here looked like.
Beautiful sights
You will also cycle through bustling Lier, authentic Gestel, along the meandering Nete and across the Provincial Groendomein Kesselse Heide. Along the way you will find several beautiful places where you can settle down to take a breather and enjoy a tasty snack and a drink.
Natural beauty on the Kesselse Heide
At the Provincial Green Domain Kesselse Heide you can discover what the Kempen looked like for a long time. Here you will find a mix of heather, coniferous and deciduous forests, sandy plains and fens. Take a look here and enjoy the quiet nature. The free-roaming sheep maintain the landscape in a natural way by grazing.
Tip!
There are also audio poles along the route where you can listen to testimonials from the past. Don't forget to enjoy the view as well.
Copyright photos: Mie De Backer
Height Profile
Directions
| # | Description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium | 0.00 km | ||
| Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium | 60.37 km |
Reviews
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