Herenthout-Castelré-Baarle Nassau-Kasterlee

Beautiful day trip with varied natural landscapes on mostly free-lying cycle paths. Along quiet paths through the Kempen from south to north to the Netherlands and from north to south on an almost flat course. The purpose of this tour is a borderline case: not only is there a border between Belgium and the Netherlands, the region is also characterized by an incessant border of wet stream valleys or fens and dry high ground. This variety makes the landscape so special. Moreover, there is something else that is becoming particularly scarce in Belgium, namely a horizon that has not yet been violated by human intervention. Here we experience peace and space, a different rhythm of life.
In the middle of the Breda-Tilburg-Turnhout triangle we find a unique enclave situation in Baarle-Nassau-Hertog. We sometimes think that the border just runs through one street, but that is a misconception. We are talking about 30 territories that are completely surrounded by another state. The border in this large municipality crisscrosses roads, houses and gardens. In built-up areas, the national borders are made clear everywhere with special pavement tiles and aluminum plates in the road surface, so we can see exactly where the border runs. Also noteworthy are the number plates of the houses on which the national tricolour is displayed and we can see whether the front door of a house is located in the Netherlands or Belgium. In the center of Baarle-Nassau-Hertog it is wonderful to stay: there are many cozy terraces and a lively village center with shops that are open every Sunday. We leave Baarle and follow the asphalt cycle path "Bels Lijntje" southwards on the old railway embankment towards Turnhout. After about eight km we arrive at a new modern watchtower, located next to the "Kleine Klotteraard" fen. Through nature reserve along quiet roads we arrive in Kasterlee, one of the pearls of the Kempen. Afterwards we follow the towpath of the Bocholt-Herentals canal where it is wonderful to cycle. This tour does not have its own signage.