アルベール運河の天然記念物・トップ5

ツバメの群れの間を運河沿いに自転車で走りました...素晴らしい。

アルベール運河とマース川の間、ティエール・デ・カスターとモンターニュ・サン・ピエール遺跡の麓に位置するこの場所は、ユニークな自然空間を形成しています。この地域には、石灰岩の草原、ラン、コウモリで満たされた洞窟、湿地帯など、注目すべき自然遺産が隠されています。

There are old flint quarries in this area: the “Carrières de silex du Thier des Vignes”.

This breeding wall features 1,650 nesting holes to house a colony of swallows. Come at the right time and enjoy the playful antics of these birds. This breeding wall was created at the initiative of the Flemish Waterways Authority (Vlaamse Waterweg) and the Albert Canal.

A mysterious flint cave on the edge of the Albert Canal, near the locks at Klein Ternaaien. You reach the entrance via a steep path through the woods. The caves are dark, cool, and full of atmosphere—perfect for those who love hidden natural spaces. Bring a flashlight and good walking shoes!

You can cycle well here

In 1995, brick manufacturer Vandersanden NV opened a clay quarry on the left bank of the former Hezerwater valley. Due to the many archaeological sites from the Middle Paleolithic (500,000 to 35,000 years ago) in the immediate vicinity of the clay quarry, archaeological expectations were high. The industrial excavation of the site was therefore scientifically monitored by KU Leuven from the start. When the first flint tools were found at the end of 1997, it was decided to start a large-scale excavation. This was carried out between 1998 and 2003, in six different campaigns. In addition to KU Leuven, the Institute for Archaeological Heritage (now the Agency for Immovable Heritage) and the Provincial Gallo-Roman Museum in Tongeren were also involved. More than 200 students of archaeology and physical geography from various countries in Europe, but also from Ghana, Canada and the United States, took part. Various parties from home and abroad supported the project financially. Archaeological finds were discovered and excavated at twenty-four different locations. Seven sites were interpreted as Neanderthal hunting camps. Due to the spectacular results, the unexcavated part of the site, with profiles several metres high, was protected as an archaeological monument in 2007; at that time only the third in Flanders. Ideas quickly emerged to make the results of the excavation accessible to the general public. To do this, the high, vulnerable profiles of the newly protected heritage had to be protected from damage. This challenge resulted in intensive and constructive cooperation between designers, architects, archaeologists, contractors, coordinators, initiators and investors. And this from the design to the implementation. Discover this article and many photos of the site on the website of the people of Onroerend Erfgoed at https://portfolio.onroerenderfgoed.be/project/lanaken-neanderthalersite-veldwezelt

The Neanderthal site in Veldwezelt is a unique, protected archaeological site where you travel through time, as it were. This unique archaeological site has been restored, preserved and opened to the public. The structure of the walls is the only one of its kind in North-West Europe. During various excavation campaigns between 1998 and 2003, remains of at least four Neanderthal hunting camps and a flint extraction site were found. You will not only get to know the former inhabitants, the Neanderthals, but also the ice ages and the evolution of the climate. Discover life 80,000 years ago, and end only 40,000 years ago. Did you know: In 2016, the Neanderthal site of Veldwezelt was a laureate of the Immovable Heritage Award. Opening hours: by appointment. Source and more info on https://www.visitlimburg.be/nl/wat-te-doen/neanderthalersite PS: the former church of the village of Hees is decorated with a work of art consisting of 24 crystal hand axes, referring to the Neanderthals and this site. See https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/7403521 PS2: it is worth pausing at the entrance if you do not have an appointment to visit because of the many information that can be found there.