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Belgium
Flanders
South Limburg
Maaseik
Lommel

Lommel Sahara

Highlight • Natural Monument

Lommel Sahara

Recommended by 232 cyclists

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Nationaal Park Bosland

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    Routes here

    Top cycling routes to Lommel Sahara

    4.7

    (92)

    699

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    1. Beverlo Canal – Fietsen door de Bomen loop from Lommel

    39.3km

    02:18

    60m

    60m

    Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Tips

    June 1, 2023

    This nature reserve with many opportunities for walking and cycling was created by human activities. For example, the lake was created by sand extraction between 1920 and 1925 and the exhalation of the former Lommel-Werkplaatsen zinc factory caused all green plants to disappear between 1902 and 1940. The result was 350 hectares of arid landscape covered in white sand.
    To prevent further expansion, coniferous forestation was established after the Second World War. The process of complete silting up was prevented with the help of hedges of deadwood (so-called 'mutsaards'). As a result, the sand area was reduced in size to the current 193 hectares. Today the area is known for its countless water birds and the exotic feral black swans.
    The Poudreries Réunies de Belgique explosives factory previously had its testing site on the Sahara. Remnants of this can be found, such as a shelter, the place where employees hid while testing grenades. There is also the ruins of an extermination pit, a structure with a diameter of about 10 meters in which unnecessary ammunition was demolished. As well as the original concrete safety pyramids, which had to stop shrapnel and cannonballs.
    (Wikipedia)

    Translated by Google •

      The Sahara of Lommel is a natural phenomenon! It is a breathtaking desert landscape nestled in the middle of a large forest of fragrant conifers. The blue sky of the lake and the incomparable flora and fauna of the place will make your excursion to the Sahara of Lommel unforgettable.

      Translated by Google •

        The large sandy plain of the Lommel Sahara resembles a miniature desert. But there are also clear blue lakes, heather strips and fragrant coniferous and deciduous forests. Here you walk past cool play elements, the land art artworks by Will Beckers, the pedestrian bridge and the famous watchtower

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 50 m

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          Wednesday 5 November

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          Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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          Location: Lommel, Maaseik, South Limburg, Flanders, Belgium

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