The best running trails in Solterheide

Near Orshof (the Neerglabbeek section of Oudsbergen), a network of old paths and tracks runs through the dunes, heathland, and forests of the Dune Belt, including sections sometimes locally referred to as cart tracks. These cart tracks are not modern roads but historical unpaved tracks once used by horse-drawn carts and other vehicles to travel through the landscape, often before the construction of official paved roads. A cart track is a unique landscape element that develops in sandy and agricultural areas when frequent cart use creates incisions in the loose soil. As a result, two parallel tracks, often about a meter apart, remain visible in the ground from the cart wheels. These tracks reveal ancient traffic and trade routes and how people used to move through the landscape before modern infrastructure existed. In the Dune Belt and surrounding Kempen countryside, you can walk on various unpaved paths that have developed this character from historical customs and the natural development of paths over sandy soil. Orshof itself lies on the edge of the Solterheide area within the Dune Belt, an important part of the Hoge Kempen National Park, and a unique landscape of heathland, forests, sand dunes, and valleys. A large number of signposted hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails, which run along unpaved paths, start from Orshof. Many of these trails use old rural cart tracks and field roads from earlier times, paths created by farm traffic between villages and used by horse riders, traders, and residents of the Kempen region. These tracks are now part of the recreational route and trail network that you can follow as a hiker, cyclist, or horseback rider.

🏘️ Opitter Center – The beating heart of a Kempen village. Opitter is a historic Kempen church village that has been part of the municipality of Bree in the Belgian province of Limburg since its merger in 1977. The center of Opitter, especially around Itterplein, forms the social, historical, and geographical core of the village, where nature, village life, cultural heritage, and community converge. The village was first mentioned in writing in 1143 as Itera, a name derived from the Itterbeek stream that flows through the village and defines Opitter's natural location. The village originated as a river valley settlement on the Itter riverbank and experienced its greatest growth around agriculture, watermills, and religious life. Throughout the centuries, Opitter often fell under the domain of the Counts of Loon and, in the Middle Ages, changed various administrative and property rights, including the influence of Averbode Abbey. Until well into the 20th century, Opitter remained primarily a farming village, although in the second half of the century it transformed into a commuter town with new residential areas and housing developments. The center was always formed around Itterplein, where the Itterbeek stream flows immediately to the west, a place where social, religious, and economic functions converged. Itterplein is the central square of Opitter and forms the social and historical hub of the village. Here are several important buildings and functions, such as the church and rectory, small squares, green spaces, and sightlines with a historical connection to the now-lost castle of the Lords of Opitter. (The castle once stood on a moated plot on the northern bank of the Itter; it was replaced by multifunctional centers in the 1980s.) Today, the square remains a central landmark for events, markets, and walking and cycling routes in and around Opitter. The Gothic St. Trudo Church is one of the most important heritage sites in the center and a recognizable landmark. Its foundations date back to the Middle Ages and it houses works of art and liturgical objects of historical significance. In the center and surrounding area, there are also other chapels and religious structures, such as the Chapel of Our Lady, and pastoral buildings rooted in local traditions from the 17th and 18th centuries. Opitter boasts several watermills, some of which are directly linked to the village's social and economic history. The most famous of these is Pollismolen, mentioned as early as 1078 and restored to this day. In addition, there are historical traces of other mills along the Itterbeek stream, such as Slagmolen (Slag Mill) and Kasteelmolen (Castle Mill), which, along with their milling history, illustrate traditional agriculture and crafts. These mills bear witness to how water power was part of the local economy and infrastructure for centuries, memories still visible in the landscape around the village center. In the town center, on Itterplein, lies the Cornelissen Brewery (formerly Sint-Jozef Brewery), a traditional family brewery since 1859 that produces beers such as Herkenrode and Pax Pils. This brewery is a cultural and social hub in Opitter, where visitors come to sample local beer and socialize in the area surrounding the square. Roads and paths run around the town center, leading directly to nature reserves such as the Itterbeek Valley and the castle park. This connection makes the town center not only a residential and shopping area but also a base for walks and recreation in the surrounding valleys, forests, and stream landscapes.

The Pollismolen is one of the most striking historic watermills in Opitter, a submunicipality of Bree (Limburg, Belgium). This beautifully situated undershot watermill, mentioned in documents dating back more than eighty generations, is a fascinating piece of industrial heritage and an attractive starting point for nature experiences in the Wijshager/Eetsevelderbeek valley and surrounding nature reserves such as the Itterbeek Valley. The Pollismolen was mentioned as early as 1078, making it one of the oldest watermills in the region. Over the centuries, the mill was called by various names, including the Wayenberghmolen and later the Scheelenmolen, until its current name, derived from the old name Pölles, became common. The current mill building, with its authentic wooden interior, largely dates from the 19th century (circa 1870). The mill served as a grain mill on the Wijshagerbeek (also called Eetsevelderbeek) for a long time until it was decommissioned in 1961. In 1981, the mill was purchased by the municipality of Bree, after which a thorough restoration took place to make it operational again. Since 1994, the Pollismolen has been officially recognized as a protected monument, including the mill house, water wheel, and lock mechanism, due to its industrial-archaeological value. Today, the mill is once again in operation, for example, for demonstrations, and remains a living example of the typical watermill tradition.

A wonderful mill with a restaurant. It also made a great impression for larger family celebrations.

Horses made of iron, beautiful art

Beautiful repurposing of this historic watermill

Nice little place with its own brewery.

What great art. We were very impressed!