The best gravel rides in Venakkerbosch

'Fietsen door de bomen' in National Park Bosland is located at junction 272 of the cycle network in nature reserve Pijnven, which is itself part of the dense forest landscape of National Park Bosland. The poles supporting the cycle path symbolize the straight trunks of the pine trees in the forest where it is located. This ensures that the construction blends beautifully into the surroundings. The forests of Pijnven consist mainly of conifers that were planted decades ago for timber production for mining. However, with the closure of the Limburg coal mines, these trees were never felled.

The cycle path at Kristalpark in Lommel is known for the striking Kristalpark cycle bridge, which offers a unique view over a hyper-modern landscape of wind turbines and solar panels. The path is part of a route that combines industry and nature in a special way. Highlights & Route Information The Cycle Bridge: A modern structure that leads cyclists through the wind farm and provides panoramic views. Location: The path is located in the Kristalpark industrial park (1,337 hectares), southwest of the center of Lommel. Route: A popular way to explore the area is via a loop of approximately 30 km that starts at Lommel Station, follows the IJzeren Rijn, and leads past the wind turbines to the "Waaltjes" in Lommel-Werkplaatsen. Combination with the Sahara: You can easily combine this tour with a visit to the nearby Lommelse Sahara.

De Grenswachter is one of the four bakery museums in the Netherlands. In addition to the aforementioned workshops, the museum is also open to the public. Enjoy baking demonstrations in a wood-fired oven from 1850, or a beer tasting combined with a sausage roll workshop. The museum has developed special baking programs for the blind and visually impaired, such as ‘Baking with Feeling’ and ‘Feeling Sculptures’. Consequently, the museum welcomes a wide variety of guests, such as expats from major companies in the Brainport region, who learn all about typical Brabant crafts from the multilingual volunteers. Want to know more? Click through to https://www.visitbrabant.com/nl/locaties/878499397/bakkerijmuseum-de-grenswachter

De Grenswachter Mill (Luyksgestel) De Grenswachter Mill is a striking octagonal belt mill dating from 1891, built on a hill so that the sails could catch the wind above the flat landscape surrounding Luyksgestel. For many years, the mill ground grain for the farmers in the region and is known for its powerful wind catch due to its open location near the Belgian border. After periods of inactivity, the mill has been lovingly restored and now regularly operates again powered by volunteer millers. Inside, you can still see how the old milling mechanism works: wooden gears, flour chutes, and the original millstone. It is a recognizable landmark on the edge of the village and a beautiful piece of living heritage. Traditional Bakery Luyksgestel The bakery in Luyksgestel is part of the mill and together forms a small, historic, artisanal complex. In the past, the grain ground in De Grenswachter was processed directly into bread and pastries for the village. The tradition of true craftsmanship has always remained: fresh bread, local specialties, and products still made the old-fashioned way. The building itself has a charming, almost nostalgic feel and fits in beautifully with the mill complex. For many visitors, it's a pleasant stop during a tour of the village or the surrounding border region.

You cycle under the S-shaped bridge...

Nice view from the bunker...

Always a beautiful view of the canal...

Beautiful surroundings with a terrace 100 m away for a refreshing drink 😉!