Attractions and Places To See around Hechtel-Eksel - Top 20

Hechtel-Eksel is home to the iconic Cycling through the Trees, a circular cycling bridge that allows you to pedal up to 10 meters high, offering a unique perspective of the forest canopy. It's a truly immersive experience within Bosland.

Yes, a notable historical site is the German War Cemetery Lommel. This is the largest Western European cemetery from WWII, serving as the final resting place for over 39,000 German soldiers. It offers a place for reflection and remembrance.

For breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower. From its 30-meter height, you can see the Lommel Sahara, various ponds, and the surrounding forests, extending up to 25 km on a clear day.

The region is characterized by its verdant landscapes and diverse natural features. It's part of Bosland National Park, Flanders' largest adventure forest, featuring dense forests and impressive sand dunes. The Nature Reserve In den Brand, for example, hosts the largest sandpit in Flanders.

Absolutely. Many attractions are family-friendly, including Cycling through the Trees and the Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower. Additionally, areas like Pijnven offer a 'forest pool' environment with playing meadows and climbing facilities, perfect for children. Resterheide also features child-friendly walking routes, some accessible for strollers.

Hechtel-Eksel offers numerous hiking opportunities for all levels. You can explore trails within Bosland National Park, including the Nature Reserve In den Brand with its land dunes. For specific routes, you can find various options in the Running Trails around Hechtel-Eksel guide, which also includes walking paths.

Yes, the region is excellent for cycling. Besides the unique Cycling through the Trees, you can find dedicated routes for both mountain biking and road cycling. Explore various trails in the MTB Trails around Hechtel-Eksel and Road Cycling Routes around Hechtel-Eksel guides.

The 'Iron Man' refers to the Geodetic Station Lommel. Established in 1852, this site marks a precisely determined line that served as the starting point for creating a new map of Belgium. It's a significant historical landmark in surveying.

Yes, you can discover unique art installations like De Boom In by Will Beckers. This braided sculpture is an example of land art that adds a special appeal to the local cycle paths and blends with the natural environment.

Hechtel-Eksel is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, with mild temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for enjoying the forest and nature reserves.

The Vallei van de Zwarte Beek (Source Area) is a significant nature reserve managed by Natuurpunt Hechtel-Eksel. It's actively involved in nature conservation, including efforts to restore ponds, heathland, and grasslands, and has even seen the return of breeding cranes.

Visitors frequently praise the unique experiences, such as the sensory journey of Cycling through the Trees, and the stunning panoramic views from the Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower. The historical significance of sites like the German War Cemetery Lommel also leaves a lasting impression.