Hiking in Bosland National Park: Sahara walk

Lommel

Tranquil lakeside scene at sunset with sandy shore, tall grass, and calm water reflecting a colorful sky. Trees line the horizon. Peaceful atmosphere.

Distance

11,70 km

In the north of Limburg, near the Dutch border, you will find the expansive sands of the Lommelse Sahara. This is a unique and surprising desert-like landscape in Flanders. Circling the sands are clear lakes, strips of heath and pine trees. Here, walkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas, a mysterious morning mist and golden sunsets! A former zinc factory first turned this area into an arid landscape with a white ground covering. To prevent further spread, a pine forest was planted and nature reclaimed this part of the Bosland National Park.

Hiking in Bosland National Park: Sahara walk

0KM

Start

Lommel

Aerial view of a curved, rustic building in a forested area. The structure features outdoor seating with round tables and umbrellas, surrounded by trees.

Start: House of Nature

Our adventure begins at House of Nature. This monumental sculpture is at the entrance of the Sahara walking area. As well as a work of art, it is also a meeting place and an adventure spot. Go exploring on the experience trail or clamber on the climbing course. It is also a wonderful place for a picnic. Before you go, order a delicious hamper from Olivello or LiefOntbijt.

Katrien Grevendonck

Pedestrian bridge

Our walk continues over the water across the pedestrian bridge at the Bocholt-Herentals canal. This is a striking S-shaped steel and wood construction, suspended on two steel pylons. Remarkably, this special bridge seems to disappear into the greenery. We continue chatting about it in café Den Engel, popular with cyclists and walkers.

Aerial view of a tall observation tower surrounded by lush green trees and a serene lake at sunrise. The golden light creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Bjorn Snelders

Observation tower ‘Reus van Bosland’

It can never harm to see things from a different perspective. The same applies to this walk. We are constantly surrounded by beautiful nature. On top of the Reus van Bosland, we also discover the landscape from up high. This observation tower is a grand total of 30 metres high and gives you a magnificent panorama over the national park. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 kilometres. In fact, the tower itself is also worth a look. This architectural work of art is inspired by the elegant and playful lines in the dunes at the Lommelse Sahara.

Two people in warm coats walk through a sandy landscape with pine trees and a lake. The scene is tranquil and overcast, conveying a peaceful mood.

Bosland National Park

This local desert is part of the Bosland National Park. This enormous chunk of nature in the heart of Limburg has areas of expansive forest, golden sands and heathland. There is always some excitement around the corner. For example, Cycling through the Trees is tree-mendous fun. Little ones will also enjoy playing in the lush Bosland. During this walk alone, we pass two forest play areas.

Two women in hijabs enjoy conversation in a forest. One sits on an orange hammock holding a mug, the other stands wearing a beige coat, creating a warm, friendly scene.

End De Soeverein

Our walk ends on the edge of this ‘desert’ in Limburg. Also, the location of the sport and events site De Soeverein. Have you worked up a thirst or appetite after all that walking? At brasserie De Kantine, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or tasty snack. In the summer, you can sit on the green, spacious outdoor patio looking over the nearby playground and the spraypark (water playground).

Lommel

12KM