Around the abbey of Postel

Our adventure in the Kempen region, in the province of Antwerp, on the Dutch border, starts at the De Goren eco-centre. There we get on the bike, a few pedal strokes later we cruise along the Zilvermeer. This huge recreation area is located around the lake of the same name, one of the many lakes in this area. Via a nicely closed off cycle path we make our way towards the canal. That wide expanse of water quickly brings us to a first highlight: the Sas 4 Tower. This 37-metre-high tower marks the spot where three canals converge, unique in Europe. We put our bicycle aside and climb the 216 steps of the tower. An effort that pays off. Once upstairs we see a beautiful panorama over the quiet Kempen. When the weather is clear, we look for miles over a landscape full of greenery, sandy beaches and the many Kempen Lakes. 

In this place, 900 years ago the Norbertines chose for a life of silence and simplicity, in the midst of the Kempen Lakes. We will pay a short visit to these special residents. Once we pass the white entrance gate, we enter an oasis of tranquility. On a short walk we discover the advantages of this abbey. In the abbey shop we find power food for on the go, or for home: artisanal cheese, bread, beer and biscoff.

With a well-filled backpack, we continue on our way. A path smooths as a snooker table leads us along forests and open fields to a low-traffic bicycle road along the canal. The contrast between open nature and the liveliness of the waterfront companies is extraordinary.

And so we cycle further, towards the end of our route. We cruise through the green landscape, back along the Kempen Lakes. We are looking for a nice place to rest. In our backpack we find some goodies, picked up at the priests of Postel. A delightfully peaceful end to an invigorating bike ride.