The best road cycling routes in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Tenhaagdoornheide

The history of the Abdijhoeve in Kelchterhoef dates back to 1228, when Count Arnold IV of Loon donated the area to the Abbey of Floreffe. The Norbertines built the farm there for agriculture and fish farming. Since 1978 it has been protected as a monument and nowadays it serves as a catering establishment.

Around the abbey pond of Kelchterhoef you will encounter some nice playful elements. There is a picnic island, a suspension bridge where there is a high chance you will get your feet wet (luckily there is also a regular bridge), a neighborhood sofa and a water play device.

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.

Curious about the origins of our current customs and traditions? In the Bokrijk Open Air Museum, you'll discover how the past inspires our future! Dive into the history of crafts and gain practical experience during fascinating workshops. Immerse yourself in the art of bread baking, textiles, and woodworking. Discover heritage breeds at the beautifully restored museum farm or learn all about historical brewing at the Het Paenhuys museum brewery.

bicycle and pedestrian bridge

The Bokrijk Open Air Museum is a large and characterful museum park in Genk (province of Limburg, Belgium) that offers a unique insight into rural life, crafts, and the culture of the past. The museum is part of the extensive Provincial Domain Bokrijk, a park of approximately 550 hectares where nature heritage and recreation come together. The open-air museum opened its gates to the public in 1958 when the province of Limburg realized the project in response to the rapidly changing living and landscape situation after the Second World War. The goal was to preserve historical buildings, traditional crafts, and agricultural elements before they were lost due to modernization and urban expansion. In Bokrijk, you will find more than 140 authentic historical buildings such as farmhouses, mills, workers' houses, sheds, and even an old church. Many of these buildings have been dismantled from their original location and rebuilt stone by stone in the museum park so that they are preserved for future generations. The museum is divided into several thematic areas, each showcasing a different aspect of rural life. Kempen – with a focus on crafts such as bread and textile production and workshops where artisans demonstrate their techniques. Haspengouw – where costume and living history actors bring life around 1900 to life and you can see historical farmhouses and animals. East and West Flanders – tranquil cultural landscapes with craft demonstrations by, for example, a herbalist, tanner, and miller. The Sixties – a separate exhibition visualizing daily life in the 1960s with realistic sets such as a café, gas station, and living rooms. Bokrijk is not just about buildings, but also about experience and participation. Visitors can view historical crafts up close or actively participate in workshops such as baking bread or making pottery. There are also educational routes with various signposted walks through the museum section itself. In addition to the open-air museum itself, the domain offers much more. De Wijers — a large pond area that you can explore, among other things, via the "Cycling Through Water" attraction, where you literally cycle through the water. Arboretum Bokrijk — a remarkable botanical garden with a collection of trees and shrubs that can be admired throughout the year. Open-air playground — the largest free playground in Flanders, popular with families with children. The park itself is accessible year-round, but the open-air museum has a seasonal opening: it is open from April 5 to November 2 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the exception of Mondays outside of school holidays. The Bokrijk Open Air Museum offers an extensive journey through time of Flemish rural life, from centuries-old farmhouses and traditional crafts to the daily life of the sixties, doing so in a way that is educational, interactive, and appealing to all ages.

The Bokrijk Open Air Museum showcases the rural culture of Flanders from the 17th to the 20th centuries. On a sprawling site stand faithfully reconstructed historical buildings such as farmhouses, chapels, workshops, and inns, which were dismantled from various villages and rebuilt. The museum illustrates everyday life, crafts, architecture, and folk piety, and offers insights into the social and economic history of the region.

beautiful heath landscape in autumn