크리스네‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 천연기념물

Deciduous forest traversed by the Hornebeek stream. In recent decades, it has dried out considerably, especially during the summer, with the stream also drying up because the Water Group operates a drinking water extraction facility here. This permit is expiring so the stream and wet forest can slowly recover.

Through the Hornebos forest of deciduous trees and shrubs. Nature management here means "leave everything that falls or blows over." The Hornebeek stream accompanies you along the avenue. The first source immediately runs to the left of the road, while the second source emerges 200m from the right, passing under the road, where they continue together.

With luck, spot a deer?!

Thanks to various valuable vegetation, hikers will definitely find something to their liking in this nature reserve. But this stream valley is also the perfect place for bird watching. Moreover, from the lookout tower you have a view over a beautiful part of the Herkwinning area. The cross-pollination between natural development and good nature management ensures that this is a diverse and valuable piece of greenery.

This deciduous forest, one of the few in Droog-Haspengouw, originally belonged to the domain of Bovelingen Castle. The forest is rich in plants, including Slender Primrose and Giant Beetle Orchid. The highest point is about 130 meters above sea level. From there you have a beautiful view over the clay plateau of Haspengouw. There are sunken roads in the forest. The Peterkerebrukensloop originates in the forest, which flows into the Herk. An underground tunnel connected this stream with the castle ponds. In 1980, this forest was purchased by the Agency for Nature and Forests. Then the damp parts were overgrown with poplar and Norway spruce. In 1985 these trees were replaced by more natural vegetation, and in 2002 a further 15 hectares, bordering the forest, were planted with trees.

You can also explore the Overbroek-Egoven nature reserve under the guidance of a guide. More information: https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/overbroek-eoven

The Hornebos was once part of the Bovelingen castle grounds and is now highly recommended. Especially the diversity of the views, which are available for historical and forest management reasons, make it really worthwhile. Some parts also have a fairytale-like feel. Perhaps that is why the municipality of Rukkelingen-Loon launched a fairytale walk for smaller walkers in April this year - with an educational side. They can now go out with the Grondelingers, while Komoters can, for example, do one of the "Hidden Beautiful Hornebos" walks: https://www.wandeleninlimburg.be/nl/routes/3378294/

The badger path that runs along the former railway line provides you with access to this lookout tower. But what is he looking forward to? You will mainly see part of the De Herkwinning nature reserve and stream area, which you can read more about here: https://www.natuurenbos.be/herkwinning The beautifully restored, historically important Hoeve Herkwinning is also nearby. And at the entrance to the viewing platform, benches await you and - in addition to the information board about what you see on the platform - you will find two additional information boards, specifically about Railway 23 and the Mombeek Valley.