The best cycling routes in Natuurpark Plateaux-Hageven

Nice cycling on a weekday, watch out for Drossaard Clercx and his scapegoat…

Known as The Wrong Lord, because the head of the statue of Christ leans to the left instead of to the right. To the northwest, at the end of the street, at the entrance to the Het Hageven/De Plateaux nature reserve. Erected in 1847 as a fixed measuring point and memorial for the construction, under the direction of engineer Jozef Keelhoff, of the fertile irrigation canals along the Bergeiksendijk north of the Kempen Canal. Religious meeting place for pilgrims, as the Bergeiksendijk was formerly a connecting road along which pilgrims from the area around Bergeyk (Netherlands) traveled to the St. John's Chapel in Overpelt. Profiled plinth of Maasland limestone, with inscription: A[D]M[AIOREM]D[EI]G[LORIAM] 1847; later, reinforcing iron bands. Cast iron cross with a figure of Christ. Source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage

A huge marker with rounded curves on which is engraved Geodetic Station.

Construction of the rectory began in 1728 by Father Emmanuel de Rodier, a Premonstratensian canon from Floreffe. Located southwest of the parish church, the rectory is built in the Maas style, a rare feature of this region. The walled rectory garden lies in front of and behind the rectory. A detailed description and history can be found on the immovable heritage website: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/80376

On the lawn next to CC Palethe, you can admire the "Con-Tak Tower," a tower-shaped structure with branches, crooked wood arranged within rusting metal. The artists' work revolves around the word "contact," reflecting the many inspiring encounters and initiatives that take place in the area surrounding the Cultural Center.

The Pelterke consists of 2 bivouac houses, a holiday home, a cafeteria, a playground, several meeting rooms and 2 party rooms.

The parish of Overpelt was probably founded in the 13th century. In 1277, the right of patronage was granted to Floreffe Abbey. From the 16th century onward, the church grounds served as a fortification. For this purpose, the church grounds were surrounded by a moat and only accessible by a drawbridge. In 1568, for example, the population repeatedly sought refuge in the church tower when the surrounding area was made unsafe by various troops. The church sustained damage, which was repaired in 1600. In 1614, a new sacristy and a new porch were built. In 1865, the moat was filled in. In 1912, the old, walled church was demolished and a new one built. This was built in the Neo-Romanesque style. The architects were Hyacinth Martens and Vincent Lenertz. In 1928 and 1935, murals were painted by Peter Heidbüchel, which were later painted over. It is an oriented brick church building with an integrated, square west tower. This tower has four sections and a slightly constricted spire. The portal is adorned with a group of Saint Martin. Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Martinuskerk_(Overpelt)

In the beautiful Hageven nature reserve, on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, lies a special place for nature lovers: the bird hide. From this hide, you can look out over vast marshlands, fens, and ponds that form a true paradise for birds. Numerous species flock here year-round, from ducks and geese to herons and sometimes even an osprey during migration periods. The walk to the hide takes you through flower-filled meadows, ancient river channels, and quiet forest paths. Once you arrive, the hide offers not only shelter and good views but also a moment of silence. You hear the rustling of the reeds, the calls of waterfowl, and sometimes just the wind blowing across the water. The Hageven is one of the most bird-rich areas in Flanders, and the hide allows you to experience this up close without disturbing the natural environment. It's a place where you could sit for hours, gazing at the horizon and enjoying the constant movement of nature.