4.3
(721)
9,632
riders
581
rides
Touring cycling in Natuurreservaat Langdonken offers routes through a diverse landscape at the transition zone between the sandy Kempen region and the fertile Hageland. The reserve features a mix of natural environments, including marshes, heathland grasslands, and oak-birch forests. A notable geological feature is the long, S-shaped sand ridge, known as a "donk," running through the marsh. This varied terrain provides a range of conditions for touring cyclists.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
5.0
(1)
15
riders
46.1km
02:38
80m
80m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
51.7km
03:01
90m
90m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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3.3
(3)
91
riders
38.2km
02:38
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
66
riders
9.33km
00:37
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
30
riders
33.0km
02:00
80m
80m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The chapel was built in the 17th century and is first visible on a figurative map from 1720, so it was probably erected on the orders of Jean-Philippe-Eugène de Merode. The same plan depicts many trees, but none near the chapel. These may therefore have been added later. In the meantime, one of the two lime trees was felled. (Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed)
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The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the parish church of Blauberg, it was built in 1859-1860. Around the church, there is a spacious square with plenty of parking.
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Hill located in Herselt, at the top there is a wine estate where you can also have a drink.
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The Grote Nete, roughly speaking, marks the transition to the Kempen region. This rain-fed river flows through a diverse landscape with vast marshlands, sandy grasslands, and mixed forests. The Grote Nete valley includes the Grote Laak, Kleine Laak, Rode Laak, Wimp, Herselt Loop, and Zaartloop. Source and more (with hiking tips) at https://www.landschapsparkdemerode.be/vallei-van-de-grote-nete
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The Liniebrug bicycle and pedestrian bridge is part of the Liniefietsweg (Line Cycle Path), which is approximately 800 meters long and also includes a small bridge over the Steenkesbrug and new bicycle posts. Day trippers, such as hikers, also benefit: Hulshout is located in the Grote Nete valley, where the Sigma Plan is creating "wet nature." No fewer than 850 hectares of flower-rich grasslands and reed beds will be added, the favorite habitat of numerous unique plants and animals. This wet nature also serves a safety function. It acts like a sponge and retains water, so flooding should soon be a thing of the past. Source and more information on the Sigma Plan website: https://www.sigmaplan.be/nl/nieuws/liniebrug-over-grote-nete-feestelijk-ingefietst You can also find more information about the Sigma Plan in the region at the information board of the Paddle Route on Netestraat (the large bridge that forms the border between Westmeerbeek and Heultje), specifically on the back of that information board. See https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/8241341 Both the bridge and the road take their names from a nearby large body of water, called "De Linie" (The Line), located west of the other pond, "De Poer."
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Tavern in the heart of the Provincial Green Area Hertberg, very popular with many cyclists and hikers.
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The church of Blauberg has two patron saints: the parish church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, but the traditional patron saint celebrated annually with a procession is Saint Cornelius (also known as Cornelius the Priest or Cornelius the Martyr).
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Natuurreservaat Langdonken offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 500 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult.
The routes in Natuurreservaat Langdonken are categorized into easy, moderate, and difficult. You'll find approximately 230 easy routes, 214 moderate routes, and 70 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.
Yes, there are many family-friendly options, particularly among the easy routes. For example, the View of the Moon in Ramsel – ’s Hertogenmolens, Aarschot loop from Ramsel is an easy 19 km path that offers pleasant views suitable for a relaxed family outing.
The drier months are generally the best time for touring cycling. During rainy periods, some marshy areas of the reserve can become submerged, making paths difficult to navigate. Visiting during drier seasons ensures more accessible and enjoyable rides.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Natuurreservaat Langdonken are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Grote Nete – Saint Bavo Chapel loop from Herselt and the Heimolen of Gijmel – Heimolen Windmill loop from Gijmel.
Touring cyclists will encounter a diverse and engaging landscape. The reserve sits at a unique transition zone, featuring marshes, heathland grasslands, damp hayfields, alder carrs, and oak-birch forests. You'll also ride along a notable S-shaped sand ridge, known as a 'donk,' that runs through the marsh.
The reserve is rich in biodiversity. You might spot various bird species like buzzards, ospreys, kestrels, and woodpeckers. During migration, snipe and sandpiper visit. Mammals such as roe deer, polecats, hares, and weasels also inhabit the area. The unique flora also attracts numerous dragonflies, grasshoppers, and butterflies.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are approximately 70 difficult routes. A notable challenging option is the Entrance Abbey Tongerlo – Grote Nete loop from Herselt, which covers over 50 km and features more significant elevation changes.
The routes in Natuurreservaat Langdonken are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the tranquility of the natural setting, and the well-maintained paths that allow for immersive nature experiences.
For longer rides, you can explore routes like the Grote Nete – Saint Bavo Chapel loop from Herselt, which is 46.3 km long, or the Entrance Abbey Tongerlo – Grote Nete loop from Herselt, spanning over 51 km.
Absolutely. If you're looking for a shorter ride, the View of the Moon in Ramsel – ’s Hertogenmolens, Aarschot loop from Ramsel is an excellent choice, being an easy 19 km path that can be completed in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Route durations vary significantly based on length and difficulty. Shorter, easy routes like the View of the Moon in Ramsel – ’s Hertogenmolens, Aarschot loop from Ramsel can take just over an hour, while longer, moderate routes such as the Grote Nete – Saint Bavo Chapel loop from Herselt typically require around 2 hours and 38 minutes.


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