Cycling through nature near Zonhoven

Just north of Hasselt in Belgium, you can take a bike ride around Zonhoven. You'll find plenty of natural beauty here, such as the unique De Wijers pond area and the De Teut nature reserve.

Bokrijk Open Air Museum
The route starts just outside Hasselt. You'll soon pass the Bokrijk Open Air Museum, where you can experience how people lived in the past in over 100 historic houses. Next, you'll cycle through the expansive De Teut nature reserve, where you can enjoy miles of forests and views over the heathland. The Houthalen-Helchteren Tourist Office (VVV-Toerisme Houthalen-Helchteren) has plenty of information about the region. Just before the VVV stands the striking St. Martin's Church.

The Wijers
In picturesque Zonhoven, you can relax on a terrace at the charming Martenshuys. Then cycle to De Wijers, a mosaic of forests, farmland, reed beds, and more than 1,000 ponds. These ponds ('wijers' in the local dialect) were created from quarries where iron ore was mined in the 12th century. Later, the quarries were flooded to breed fish. From the observation tower, you have a magnificent view of this unique, beautiful area!