Character
Cyclists will find attractive small towns and idyllic countryside in the Belgian province of Limburg. A perfectly signposted junction system ensures easy orientation. Junctions, i.e. intersections of cycle routes marked by numbers, can be found on blue signs along all tours in Limburg, totalling almost 2000 km of cycle routes.
More than 200 additional overview boards provide orientation. An accompanying cycle map (scale 1:65,000) shows all junctions and the distances between them. Using the junction system and map, you can put together your own routes. Cycle cafés along the route offer advice and assistance, including cycle repair kits, first aid kits and light rainwear.
Tour tips
The 55-kilometre cycle tour "Whispering pearls of the Maasland" takes you through an exciting part of Limburg using GPS, audio and video guides. The PDA device called "Storyteller" (6 euro fee including headphones) provides information about the history, sights, anecdotes, distance travelled and speed at certain junctions. The start and finish is the reception and service point for cyclists (FOS) at the De Wissen nature centre in Dilsen-Stokkem (tel. 0032-89-752171, http://www.dewissen.be)
Journey
By train, for example, to Maastricht (NL), which is connected to the Limburg cycle network. Info under http://www.bahn.de
Travelling by car from the west, for example via Cologne, Düren and Aachen to Maastricht, from there across the Meuse to Limburg. Alternatively, drive from Aachen in the direction of Liège and on to Tongeren or Sint-Truiden. From the south, you can reach Liège via Steinebrück, St. Vith and Verviers.
Information
Toerisme Limburg, Willekensmolenstraat 140, B-3500 Hasselt Tel. 0032-11/237450, Fax 0032-11/237466, mailto:info@toerismelimburg.be , http://www.toerismelimburg.be or http://www.radflandern.com/limburg
In Germany, please contact Tourism Flanders-Brussels, tel. 0221/2709770, mailto:info@flandern.com
Accommodation
Guest room Campola, Koninksemstraat 186, B-3700 Tongeren (Koninksem neighbourhood), Tel./Fax 0032-12-233665, mailto:campola.traiteur@skynet.be , http://www.campola-traiteur.be . The owner of this family-run establishment is a chocolatier and serves delicious desserts.
The B & B Basil (bed & breakfast), St. Pietersstraat 75, B-3630 Leut-Maasmechelen, tel. 0032-474/261458, fax 0032-89/249172, mailto:sara@hotelbasil.be also has a family atmosphere, http://www.hotelbasil.be
Secluded, idyllic, family-run: Abeljano b&b, Smetstraat 36, B-3501 Hasselt (Wimmertingen district), tel. 0032-11/261726, fax 0032-11/656028, mailto:agnes@bedandbreakfasthasselt.com , http://www.bedandbreakfasthasselt.com
Literature/Maps
"Radatlas Limburg", published by Esterbauer, with route descriptions and detailed maps at a scale of 1:75,000, 12.90 euros. In addition to the junction system, we recommend the cycle map "Fietsroutennetwerk Limburg", scale 1:65,000, for 7.50 euros from Toerisme Limburg (see address above). The accompanying "Cycling info booklet" with practical tips is available free of charge.
Internet
http://www.dewissen.be (Nature centre with whisper boat hire)
http://www.tongeren.be (largest antique market in the Benelux)
http://www.bokrijk.be (great park and leisure centre)
http://www.fort-eben-emael.be (gigantic fort)
