The best traffic-free bike rides in South Limburg

A totally impressive tour through the heathland

Super great idea and a real highlight of the region. Whoever looks closely will see at which points the bridge is movable and can slightly change its shape.

Cycling between the terraces, also known as cycling over water, is a cycling project that opened to the public in September 2024. It is a pontoon cycle/footpath across the Große Plas (Great Pond) between the waste heaps at resort Terhills. It is a new addition to the series of special cycling projects previously realised in the cycling paradise of Limburg (such as cycling through the water (Domain Bokrijk), cycling through the heathlands (north of Zutendaal), and cycling through the forests (Bosland National Park)).

A place of great serenity

The gravel section is much more pleasant than the cobblestones

Beautiful town center with remains of the wall

In the Hoge Kempen National Park, Belgium's only national park, covering over 12,000 hectares of forests, heathlands, lakes, and valleys, cycling facilities have been significantly enhanced in recent years with new routes and experience points that make the area's natural diversity uniquely accessible to cyclists. One of the most striking of these is the cycle route near Kikmolen, located on the southwestern edge of the park near Maasmechelen, not far from the Dutch border. A special section cuts through the vast nature reserve. This cycling experience, part of the National Park's extensive cycling junction network, was introduced in 2021 as a new and attractive addition to the cycling offer. Instead of simply following regular cycle paths through forests and heathland, the route literally takes you through the heathland and open landscape of the Mechelse Heide, one of the largest heathlands in Flanders, with approximately 700 hectares of nature. What makes this route so special is the nearly 300-meter-long wooden panoramic bridge that forms part of the route between junctions 550 and 551. Constructed from sustainable wood, this bridge resembles a pier by the sea, yet nestled amidst the heathland and forests of Limburg. As you cycle across it, the path literally rises above the ground, offering unobstructed views of the Mechelse Heide and the surrounding nature park from its wooden structure. Horses graze in the distance, and in various spots, you'll see the rich flora and fauna that characterize the national park, making every bike ride a true nature experience. The route is approximately four kilometers long and forms part of the regional cycling network that runs through the National Park. You can combine this path with longer rides through the park using the numerous junctions, making it easy to create your own route or follow one of the suggested routes. Bicycles are available for rent at various park entrances, such as Station As Terhills or Kattevennen, so you don't necessarily need to bring your own. The cycling experience at Kikmolen is not only beautiful because of its natural and panoramic character, but also because of its accessibility. It's close to amenities such as campsites and restaurants, including a brasserie and parking facilities at the campsite itself. This makes the route part of a day trip or a longer visit to the park, with opportunities to explore other cycling or hiking routes, such as those along mine spoil tips or through forests and water features within the national park.

The Terhills entrance is one of the most impressive access points to the Hoge Kempen National Park. Here, past and future meet: where coal mines once stood, a spectacular nature and recreation area now stretches out, full of water features, hills, and hiking trails. The visitor center is located at the foot of Terhillsmeer lake and offers extensive information about hiking trails, geology, flora, and fauna. Interactive exhibitions tell the story of the mining past and its transformation into a sustainable nature reserve. Various hikes and cycling routes start from here, including the climb to the iconic Hemels Uitzicht, which offers panoramic views of the park. Beside the center, you'll also find restaurants, a small lake with a promenade, and ample parking. Everything here exudes tranquility and energy… the perfect place to begin your adventure in the Hoge Kempen.