Tessenderlo-Postel-Bladel-Teutenland

Diverse day trip for experienced cyclists. Flat bike path through the Limburg and Antwerp Kempen as well as a beautiful stretch of North Brabant Kempens in the Netherlands, forests and heathlands. First, we follow the banks of the old Dessel-Schoten canal, which was opened in 1851. It is a quiet waterway, ideal for cycling along the banks. Leisure captains with yachts also explore the beauty of the canal daily. Thus, we reach the farthest northeastern corner of the province of Antwerp, where hidden in the greenery appears the Abbey of Postel, an oasis of tranquility, except on summer weekend days when day-trippers visit the area and occupy the many terraces around the abbey. The Norbertines, who are called "Witheren" because of their white robes, brew beer and produce cheese to be self-sufficient. This has now developed into a true artisanal industry that attracts tourists. Through forests and heath landscapes, we reach the Brabantic Kempen, but in Dutch territory. Here we are in the Teutenland, where the Teuten were active from the 16th to the early 20th century. They were traveling merchants and craftsmen who shaped and influenced the economic life of all of North Limburg and part of North Brabant (NL). From this region, they traveled with their goods (pots and pans, bed linens, ceramics, and even wigs) in backpacks to Holland, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and sometimes as far as Denmark. Here, between the pretty villages of Bladel, Hapert, and Bergeijk, we cycle through a wooded area along quiet car-free paths, mostly on a paved route. After Bergeyk, we go through the Maaijerheide with surprising views. The peaceful Bocholt-Herentals canal leads us to the border between Limburg and Antwerp. Along quiet paths and a gravel strip, we ride back via Rauw, Wezel, and Oostham to Tessenderlo, where we find a safe parking spot at the mill on Molenstraat. This tour does not have its own signage.