Discover the Belgian province of Limburg by bike
Even if cycling is not your passion, the province of Limburg — located in Dutch speaking part of Belgium — is worth the diversion. The local tourist board offers a 2000 km cycle network, specially laid out for recreational bike trips. Lost in the middle of the Belgian countryside you can admire the flora and fauna of this stunning region.
Between the nature reserves, the open air museum, the Japanese garden and the adorable animals who live in this region you will not be disappointed.
Limburg, a place of peace
Since 2014, Limburg is the fastest growing tourist area in Belgium. Hasselt is the capital of this province although it is only a small city. The region is certainly not densely populated, but that is what makes it so charming. This is the second smallest province in area and in population (2422 m² for 860.200 inhabitants. It feels like a quiet place, far away from any kind of stress. The silence of the countryside soothes our modern human spirit tormented by the daily stress of a life that is too fast.
The Limburg region is a perfect place for sports enthusiasts. You can discover many hidden places where you can go trekking and hiking and discover the little critters of these lands.
What makes this region unique is the amount of green colour it displays.
If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings, this place will surely remind you of some scenes from the trilogy.
Economic highway
This place also inhabits a river area on the left bank of the river Maas (Meuse in French). Through the Limburg region runs a canal known as the Albert Canal. This canal connects the port of Liege with the port of Antwerp. This canal is an excellent economic contribution to the region because a lot of goods are transported there.
The canal bears its name in memory of Albert I, King of the Belgians. As part of the policy of great achievements to be implemented after the First World War, work began shortly before 1930. The strategy was to link the Flemish and Walloon steelworks with the coal mines of Limburg.
In present times, all the bridges on the Limburg Canal have to be raised because they were too low to allow modern freight ships to pass. It is a long and expensive job, but it will improve the transport of goods. The canal also has six floodgates, as there is a difference in height of 56 meters between Liege and Antwerp.
Cycling is more than a hobby, it is a religion in Limburg
Enchanting nature
The bicycle is the ideal means of transport for exploring the natural area of the ‘Wijers’, a land of 1001 shallow ponds. Thanks to the Limburg cycling route network that is signposted, you cycle along, on and even through, the water.
This region’s fields and parks are all filled with flowers. For example, you may come across an enchanting heather landscape during your bike trips here.
All roads are recognizable and it is almost impossible to get lost, but if you are scared of losing direction, you can buy a map. Furthermore, if you are more comfortable with technology, you can also download an app called Fietsrijk Limburg, made especially for this.
Like Moses did
Finally, if you like surprises you will love this place. Who would not dream of cycling trough the water? Everything is possible in Limburg! You do not need to wear slippers or a swimsuit because as luck would have it, you stay on dry land. The cycle path takes you through the pond from one bank to the other. You cycle with the surface of the water at eye level on both sides. That is fun!
Nothing feels greater than wandering your way through a split pond of water, just as Moses did.
If you want a change of scenery in these complicated times, then there is no need to go to the other side of the world. You can discover many flamboyant places. So do not hesitate to visit this wonderful and surprising place.
