Visitors could already walk or cycle on water in Bokrijk, or among the treetops in Hechtel-Eksel, and since summer they have also been able to 'Travel through the Heathland' by bike or on foot thanks to a new 4 km cycle and walking path.
This path near Maasmechelen offers a panoramic view of the Hoge Kempen National Park. It leads to landscapes of pine forests and moorland and is a real paradise for nature lovers whether travelling on foot or by bike.
The main attraction of the route is the almost 300-m-long wooden cycleway secured by walls made of local pine. Technically, the structure that supports the cycleway is similar to that of a roller-coaster and is made up of beams and columns.
It was designed to respect nature, as the length and height of the cycleway will also facilitate the migration of the dozens of species living in this natural park. And to make life comfortable for cyclists, pedestrians and animals alike, the incline of the slope never exceeds 1.5 metres.
The site has just won gold at the International Design Awards in the United States. This prestigious prize rewards designers from around the world in different categories. The 'Cycling through the Heathland' site won in the Architecture of bridges, arches, viaducts and gateways category.