The best cycling routes around Lanaken

A magnificent place to explore by bike or on foot, both exotic and soothing.

The Kikbeek Source Valley is a unique nature reserve of approximately 120 hectares in the municipality of Maasmechelen. It is part of the Hoge Kempen National Park and situated in and around the former sand and gravel quarry from which the meandering Kikbeek stream originates. This landscape is characterized by alternating open heathlands, forests and marshlands, small ponds, and the source itself, which together form a rich ecological fabric where walking routes lead visitors past water, heathland, reed beds, and forests in an atmosphere of tranquility and natural diversity. The valley is situated on both sides of paths normally included in the network of walks, such as the green and blue loops of the Mechelse Heide, which start from the parking lot at Camping Kikmolen, for example, and loop through the area with views of ponds, heathland, and woodlands. This valley is ecologically valuable, and the combination of a former quarry, seepage zones, and wetlands creates habitats for numerous insects, birds, and plants typical of wet and semi-open nature. The area provides a window into the ancient geology and landscape history of this region, where nature has gradually recovered since the time of human use. However, the situation around the valley and its hiking trails has been in flux for years and is not always accessible as it once was. Due to a landslide in the Kikbeekbron valley, the area is officially closed to recreation, and the blue and green hiking trails that run through it have remained inaccessible to visitors for some time. Research by the Agency for Nature and Forests, in collaboration with geotechnical experts, has revealed that there are risks of further landslides and slope instability, making the valley unsafe to access for the time being, and recreational use has been temporarily suspended. Clear signs on site inform visitors that access is prohibited and that alternative routes outside the valley must be followed. This situation serves as a precautionary measure as long as the stability of the former quarry and surrounding areas is maintained. At the same time, larger nature restoration and water management projects are planned or underway in this area. The Agency for Nature and Forests is carrying out the Blue Deal project at the Kikbeek spring, one of the largest of its kind in Flanders. The goal is to restore the ecosystem of the original valley, strengthen wetlands, and retain more water in the area. This extensive intervention is linked to sustainable water management, biodiversity, and the long-term health of the area. Parts of the valley are temporarily closed to enable methodical implementation. Due to these circumstances, the hiking trails through the former quarry and along the Kikbeek spring are currently not open as you know them from previous hiking maps, and the green and blue loops, which were equally enjoyable for a walk around the pond and through the heathland, are not accessible to recreational users. Yet, for many nature lovers, including myself, the allure of this area is hard to resist. Despite the official closures and clearly indicated restrictions, I have walked past the signs and barriers precisely because the paths are still partially visible and because the sensory experience of the landscape remains very inviting. The story of my walk through the valley, even though it was technically prohibited by the managers, reveals the appeal of this landscape. The tranquil water features, the transition from open heathland to woodland, and the atmosphere of a hidden stream valley invite exploration even when restricted zones indicate it's not officially permitted. This personal touch contrasts the formal, protective management of vulnerable natural areas with the human tendency to seek out the peace and beauty of such places, even if that means straying slightly off the beaten track.

The open space at the intersection of the Munsterbeek stream in Bilzen lies in a landscape where natural stream valleys and rural tranquility seamlessly intertwine. It's a place not made of concrete or buildings, but rather a natural link in the fabric of water, forest, and farmland. The Munsterbeek, one of the many streams in the valley, flows through this area and is part of a larger network of rivers and streams that form the valley structure of the humid Haspengouw and Kempen regions. What makes this area special is not a monument or a major landmark in itself, but the spatial openness itself—meadows, meandering streams, the edges of the Munsterbos forest, and the soft relief of the landscape—which together create a sense of freedom and connection with nature. The region's spatial vision explicitly emphasizes the importance of such open spaces for water storage, nature development, and the ecological structure around the Demer and its tributaries, such as the Munsterbeek. Along the Munsterbeek stream, for example, you can see how the province is taking steps to allow the water to meander more naturally, which not only benefits biodiversity but also creates a landscape that breathes and creates space. The stream's old meanders have been restored so that the stream can once again follow its original curves and the banks support a richer ecosystem. Around this open space are other green elements, such as the Munsterbos, a large woodland area that is part of the Hoge Kempen National Park and marks the transition between different landscapes. Here you'll find numerous hiking trails, ponds, and streams that, together with open grasslands, form a continuous network of nature and tranquility. This open space along the Munsterbeek stream is therefore not an isolated spot with a name on a sign, but a landscape to experience: a place where water follows its own course, where nature is given space to breathe, and where walkers or cyclists can escape the urban rhythm for a moment and feel the connection between earth, stream, and horizon.

Pietersheim Castle, located in the green heart of Lanaken, is a beautiful example of Limburg heritage and forms the historical center of the expansive Pietersheim estate. The castle originally dates back to the 14th century, although it has been renovated and expanded several times in subsequent centuries, revealing a mix of medieval and neoclassical elements. The castle is surrounded by a park-like landscape with wooded avenues and ponds, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature lovers. Along the paths surrounding the castle, you'll encounter historic stone lanes and occasional subtle references to the estate's rich past. In the past, the castle played an important role in the region as the residence of noble families and the center of the surrounding estate.

Old coal winding towers near Maasmechelen

St. Barbara's Church is the parish church of Eisden-Tuinwijk in Eisden and a so-called mining cathedral. The church was built after the Eisden coal mine was constructed and put into production in 1923, leading to the construction of several towns under the name Eisden-Tuinwijk. These were located west of the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal. This led to a sharp population increase, creating the need for a new church. Brussels architect Auguste Vanden Nieuwenborg designed a monumental church in the Brick Expressionist style, incorporating Gothic elements such as pointed arch windows. The stained-glass windows in the choir are inspired by those of Chartres Cathedral. The church, with its plump 53-meter-high tower, was built from 1934 to 1936. It is a three-aisled cruciform church. The church furnishings are almost entirely post-1945, but the organ dates from 1939 and was built by the Delmotte studio in Tournai. The Stations of the Cross are made of black marble in bas-relief, and in 1960, sculptor Mailleux created several statues. The Saint Barbara statue on the facade dates from 1982. The church is surrounded by various related buildings, such as schools, a monastery, and a parish center. Source: Wikipedia

Wonderful in August

Very nice cycle path