ディルセン＝ストッケム周辺のおすすめ交通量の少ないサイクリングルート

ヒースランドをサイクリングすると、ホーゲ・ケンペン国立公園をまっすぐ進みます。この公園では、広大な松林と果てしないヒースランドが交互に現れます。サイクリングノード550と551の間の新しい接続のおかげで、自然がそのまま目の前に現れます。あなたはメヘルス・ハイデをサイクリングします。700ヘクタールで、フランダースで最大のヒースランド地域の一つです。このルートのハイライトは、間違いなく約300メートルの木製の橋で、景観の中で認識できる要素です。橋からは、自然の景色を広々と眺めることができます。

アス駅は、路線21A（ハッセルト-アス）と21B（アス-アイスデン）にあったかつての鉄道駅です。駅舎には現在レストランが入居しており、Kolenspoorverenigingはウォータースハイ-アス-アイスデン間の観光鉄道の運営にそれを使用しています。 アス駅は、ホーヘ・ケンペン国立公園への入り口の一つでもあり、展望台を備えています。

マースメヘレンにあるテルヒルズホテルは、4つ星と59室の豪華な客室を備え、クラスと快適さの総和です。

鮮やかな色で、遠くからでも見えます

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.

At the edge of the large lake lies a tranquil jetty, a spot that immediately invites you to pause for a moment. The wooden platform extends slightly out into the water, offering a beautiful, unobstructed view of the wide lake. Here, the scents of pine forest and fresh water merge, and all you hear is the gentle lapping against the jetty. It's a place where dragonflies skim low over the surface and waterfowl regularly glide by. In calm weather, the lake transforms into a mirror, sharply reflecting clouds and treetops.

It's lovely to cycle here on the dike. There's always something to see on either side, and the people you meet are very friendly and seem happy. It must be the beautiful surroundings.

Old coal winding towers near Maasmechelen