Discover Unique Cycling Experiences in Limburg, Belgium

One region in Belgium is developing a series of imaginative biking projects to cement its place as the cycling tourism capital of the country. The latest is a sensational 360-degree experience — a daring forest cycle trail that gradually rises 32 feet in the air to propel cyclists through a canopy of trees.

During the past few years, a cycling renaissance has occurred in the Belgian province of Limburg through a handful of unique cycling experiences created by the tourist board. The latest is a forest cycling trail called Cycling through the Trees that runs through Bosland, the largest adventure forest in Flanders.

Cyclists follow a circular track that takes them up into the air (ten meters/32 feet) to enjoy 360-degree views of the forest canopy and the nature reserve below. Recycled tree trunks form rest and information spots along the trail. The trail, designed by Belgian studios BuroLandschap and De Gregorio & Partners, was shortlisted for infrastructure project of the year at Dezeen Awards 2020.

The cycling trail is the second in a series of imaginative cycling projects in Limburg, following the Cycling through Water project in Bokrijk. This unique trail cuts through a pond, with water at eye level on either side, making cyclists feel as if they are riding on water.

A third project, Cycling through the Heathland, is scheduled to open in Hoge Kempen National Park at the beginning of 2021. This 300-meter-long cycling bridge will run through heathlands, bringing cyclists even closer to the vibrant evergreen surroundings of the national park.

With these trails, the tourist board stated that Limburg is stepping up its game as a pioneer in cycling tourism, taking advantage of improved infrastructure and facilities for cycling enthusiasts. The province boasts 2000 kilometers of paved, safe, and largely car-free cycling trails, connected through the cycle node network. Limburg, welcoming over 300 million cycling tourists each year, is widely regarded as Belgium’s premier cycling province. It is also home to unique camping experiences, including suspended teardrop tents.

Igor Philtjens, president of Visit Limburg, indicated that the cycling trails are carefully designed to promote sustainable tourism and encourage outdoor exploration of natural surroundings by bike. “And what a success it is,” he said, noting that “the number of cyclists visiting Cycling through Water and Cycling through the Trees continues to grow, along with increasing international recognition for these projects.”