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Belgium
Flanders
South Limburg
Tongeren

Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide

The best road cycling routes in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide

4.4

(428)

15,686

riders

417

rides

Road cycling in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide offers routes through a landscape characterized by heathlands, pine forests, and gently rolling terrain. The region features moderate elevation changes, providing varied road cycling experiences without significant mountain climbs. These routes often traverse quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths, connecting natural areas with local towns.

Best road cycling routes in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide

  • The most popular road cycling route is Neerharen Lock – Vroenhoven Bridge loop from Vlaams Natuurreservaat Ven onder de…

Last updated: July 8, 2026

4.6

(8)

54

riders

#1.

Mechelse Heide – View of the Kikbeekbron Valley loop from Vlaams Natuurreservaat Ven onder de Berg

19.9km

00:49

90m

90m

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
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Running Collection by

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Tips from the Community

VISITFLANDERS
May 26, 2026, Voormalige Chocoladefabriek Rosmeulen

This monumental piece of industrial heritage was once a chocolate factory. The architect of the factory was Florent Rosmeulen. He designed the Art Nouveau building with a large, striking rose window. Above the window is a relief with a squirrel. It was one of the first buildings in Belgium to be made of reinforced concrete. Chocolate was produced here until 1934. During the Second World War, the building was reused for military purposes, and in 1948 a loom manufacturer moved in. In the seventies, a metal foundry was established. Today, it is a residential area.

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Cycling between the terraces, also known as cycling over water, is a cycling project that opened to the public in September 2024. It is a pontoon cycle/footpath across the Große Plas (Great Pond) between the waste heaps at resort Terhills. It is a new addition to the series of special cycling projects previously realised in the cycling paradise of Limburg (such as cycling through the water (Domain Bokrijk), cycling through the heathlands (north of Zutendaal), and cycling through the forests (Bosland National Park)).

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Station As is a former railway station on lines 21A (Hasselt-As) and 21B (As-Eisden). The station building now houses a restaurant and the Kolenspoorvereniging (Coal Railway Association) uses it for the operation of the tourist railway line Waterschei-As-Eisden. Station As is also one of the gateways to Hoge Kempen National Park and has an observation tower.

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Super view and perfect cycle path

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A look at the lake and the nature around it.

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The former Rosmeulen chocolate factory in Nerem, a sub-municipality of Tongeren (Belgium), is a remarkable industrial heritage building with a rich history and striking architecture. The building was erected around 1908–1909 by Florent Rosmeulen, a chocolatier who produced chocolate, cocoa, and gingerbread there. It is one of the few industrial buildings in Limburg executed in the Art Nouveau style with characteristic details such as an impressive stained-glass window above the entrance and decorative references to cocoa and chocolate. The structure is among the first buildings in Belgium to be constructed with a reinforced concrete skeleton, which was progressive at the time and contributed to its robust industrial appearance. The factory experienced its heyday in the first decades of the 20th century but was severely impacted by the economic crisis of the 1930s. After reorganizations, the company went bankrupt in 1934, and production ceased. In the following decades, the building served various functions, being used by the military during World War II, then by other industrial enterprises such as a textile factory and a tin foundry, and later for cultural activities. After years of vacancy and decay, the former chocolate factory was repurposed from the mid-2010s into a residential and living complex. Under the name De Chocoladefabriek (The Chocolate Factory), the industrial monument is preserved and transformed into a residential project with lofts and apartments combined with communal spaces and gardens. The impressive Art Nouveau block, featuring a glass artwork approximately 6 meters wide, is one of the highlights of the renovation and one of the largest glass artworks in an industrial context in Flanders. The repurposing of the former chocolate factory has become an example of how historical industrial heritage can be integrated into a modern residential function. The project even received recognition with a prestigious real estate award for the way the old building was preserved and given new life. Today, the building not only commemorates the industrial history of the region but also serves as an architectural and social hub where living, heritage, and modern architecture converge, near the green nature reserve De Kevie and the former railway line.

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An unusual, beautiful building with many great photo opportunities.

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Michael
September 19, 2025, Muur van Opglabbeek

in the flat Midden Limburg finally a mountain

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide?

Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide offers a wide selection of road cycling routes. There are over 360 routes available, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes in Mechelse Heide?

The region features routes with moderate elevation changes, providing varied experiences. While most of the 360+ routes are classified as moderate, there are also options for beginners (over 60 easy routes) and more experienced cyclists (around 17 difficult routes).

Are there circular road cycling routes in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide?

Yes, many road cycling routes in Mechelse Heide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Neerharen Lock – Vroenhoven Bridge loop from Vlaams Natuurreservaat Ven onder de Berg, which is a popular circular option.

What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while road cycling here?

Road cycling in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide takes you through diverse landscapes characterized by heathlands, dense pine forests, and gently rolling terrain. Routes often traverse quiet country roads and dedicated cycle paths, connecting natural areas with local towns.

Are there any scenic viewpoints along the road cycling routes?

Yes, the area offers several scenic viewpoints. You can find highlights such as the View of the Quarry and Lake at Mechelse Heide or the View of the lake in Mechelse Heide Nature Reserve, providing picturesque stops during your ride.

What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Mechelse Heide?

The road cycling routes in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, quiet roads, and the beauty of the heathland and forests.

Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes?

Yes, with over 60 easy routes available, there are options suitable for families. These routes typically feature flatter terrain and dedicated cycle paths, making them enjoyable for all ages. The View of the Kikbeekbron Valley – Mechelse Heide loop from Vlaams Natuurreservaat Ven onder de Berg is a shorter, moderate option that could be suitable for families looking for a slightly longer ride.

When is the best time of year to go road cycling in Mechelse Heide?

The region is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the heathland is in bloom. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions may vary, so checking local weather is advisable.

Where can I park my car when visiting for road cycling?

Parking facilities are available at various entry points to the nature reserve and near local towns that serve as starting points for routes. For example, the Mechelse Heide Entrance Pavilion and Bike Path often provides convenient access and parking.

Are there any natural attractions to explore along the routes?

Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter highlights like Mechelse Heide — Lakes and Sand Dunes, the Sand Dune Pond at Hoge Kempen National Park, and the Pond Under the Hill, offering unique natural sights during your ride.

How long do typical road cycling routes take to complete?

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and your cycling pace. For instance, the As Bicycle Bridge over the N75 – Car-free Cycle Path Zutendaal loop from Maasmechelen, which is 30.5 miles (49.0 km), typically takes about 2 hours and 6 minutes. Longer routes, like the As Bicycle Bridge – Station As loop from Opgrimbie (39.0 miles / 62.8 km), can take around 2 hours and 38 minutes.

Are there any places to stop for refreshments or food along the routes?

Yes, many routes pass through or near local towns and villages where you can find cafes, restaurants, and shops to refuel. The network of routes is designed to connect natural areas with local amenities, making it convenient to find refreshment stops.

Most popular routes in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide

Family-friendly hikes in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide

Most popular attractions in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide

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