Discovering diamonds and waterfront
Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium
Cycling route: 560153
Provided by: De Kempen
62.0 km
1092 kcal
13 m
Description
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.
Height Profile
Just across the border from North Brabant you will find the Antwerpse Kempen. Enjoy forests, heaths, beautiful old sights such as beguinages and abbeys and charming towns and villages such as Turnhout, Lier and Malle. You can also let yourself be pampered culinary with the most delicious regional dishes
You do not want to miss this
Below you will find various suggestions for breaks that you can visit during your route. These are divided into different categories, making it easy for you to choose.
Sights
Directions
| # | Description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkeerplaats (Kerkstraat, 2560, Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium) | 0.00 km | ||
| Kempens Diamantcentrum (2560, Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium) | 0.12 km | ||
| Slijperij Lieckens (2560, Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium) | 0.12 km | ||
23 | 23 (2560, Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium) | 5.67 km | |
| Kruiskensberg (Kruiskensbaan, 2560, Nijlen, Flanders, Belgium) | 8.71 km | ||
41 | 41 (Rameyenstraat, 2590, Berlaar, Flanders, Belgium) | 10.36 km |
Place name directory
Reviews
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