From nature reserve to nature reserve around Helchteren

Nature reserve De Teut
The starting point of this cycle route is just outside Helchteren in the Helchterenbos. From here you cycle over a former railway bed to Zonhoven. On this path you can cycle wonderfully while you see numerous ponds and marsh areas around you. Just outside Zonhoven you cross the nature reserve De Teut, a beautiful and quiet area with extensive heathlands, fens and pine forests. Together with the nature reserve Tenhaagdoornheide, De Teut forms a heathland of approximately 2000 hectares. Typical vegetation that you encounter here is sundew and bog asphodel.

The Sweet Queen
At the end of the route you will end up in the Helchterenbos at La Reine Sucrée. Sit down on the terrace and let yourself be pampered with delicious snacks and drinks. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with homemade pastries, fresh soup, quiche or something else tasty. You will definitely find something on the menu that will make your mouth water.

Ancient heathlands
The heathlands in this area were created by the cutting down of primeval forests in the past and the lack of fertilizers. The heathlands that were created were used by farmers to graze their cattle, especially flocks of sheep. Later, many heathlands were converted into fields and meadows, but here and there some heathlands have been preserved.