The best MTB trails around Zonhoven

The Westerring in Genk has a modern cycle bridge. This new cycle bridge is part of the effort to eliminate dangerous points in Flanders. Sweco Belgium was responsible for the reference design and the control of the technical calculations. The architectural design was by Arteum Architects. The cycle bridge is part of a larger project, including the construction of an access and exit complex at Nieuwe Kuilenweg / Westerring as well as the intersection with Europalaan. Thanks to this bridge, cyclists and pedestrians can safely cross the Westerring (N76). The new Genk cycle bridge was designed according to the integrated process of Architectural Engineering. Sweco's engineers were involved from the very first design phase. Together with the designers from Arteum Architects, they bridged the gap between design and technology, and strengthened the architectural concept. The result is a contemporary design, an eye-catcher for years to come. The design was even appreciated at an international engineering competition by the Nemetschek Structural Group. Despite the striking design, the original budget was respected. Every kilo of steel was optimally utilized and, through smart sustainable interventions, the total life cycle cost remained limited.

The 'De Teut' nature reserve lies at the foot of the Kempen plateau. The Roosterbeek has carved out a wide valley here. Thanks to this varied terrain, a great diversity of plant communities has developed: coniferous forests, heathlands, ponds, and riparian forests. The prominent plateau edge at the entrance to the reserve offers a magnificent view over a large part of Midden-Limburg.

Here we mainly find meadows and grasslands, interspersed with valuable groves. Intensive management through deforestation and mowing has restored the rich flora of yesteryear. Currently, the following plants can be found among others: wood anemone, dandelion, lily of the valley, cranesbill, muskroot, lady's mantle, and Jacob's ladder. Birds are also abundant here: tawny owl, little owl, lapwing, chiffchaff, hoopoe, willow warbler, bluethroat, reed bunting, and many others. The area is freely accessible, but there are no marked hiking trails.

Beautiful view of the castle

Brings back memories, of my grandparents when we came here for a walk on Sunday afternoons, of a - perhaps harder - but much simpler life that they used to lead. It really makes you think...

Overall, this place and the surrounding area is a great practice ground for sand riding and has beautiful nature.

The summit of the Bolderberg has been awarded the "2-star landscape spot." Imagine yourself standing by the sea. Millions of years ago, it was! The Bolderberg, a "heritage hill," was once a sandbank left behind after the sea retreated. At 60 meters, the summit of the Bolderberg is among the highest peaks in Limburg. The Bolderberg is located in the Wijers region, where you'll find more than 1,000 ponds! These are fed by the Echelbeek and Laambeek streams. They make the region a valuable nature reserve for numerous bird species and other animals. From the star-studded spot, you can look out over the ponds and Terlaemen Castle. These ponds were created around the 13th century by the mining of iron sandstone. Later, they were used as fish breeding ponds by the abbeys of Herkenrode and Averbode.

In 2022, around 30 slow roads in Heusden-Zolder received nameplates. A brilliant move to raise awareness of the many unknown church paths, country lanes, and shortcuts to the general public. More walkers and cyclists passing along slow roads means more safe travel, less congestion, and a greater experience for users. And the slow roads themselves are less likely to become congested.