Lommel Glass Art Trail
Discover Belgium's surprising 'Sahara' – a unique landscape of sand dunes, forests, and lakes, crowned by a spectacular lookout tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoming heath and fewer crowds
Lommel Glass Art Trail
Best Time
Blossoming heath and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Belgium's surprising 'Sahara' – a unique landscape of sand dunes, forests, and lakes, crowned by a spectacular lookout tower.
"Climb the tower for breathtaking views of the Belgian desert, lakes, and forests!"
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Trails vary from sand to forest paths; good footwear is essential for exploring .
Pack snacks & water :water_wave:
No food or toilets on site, so bring your own supplies for a comfortable visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Uitkijktoren Lommelse Sahara
Lommelse Sahara
Climb this impressive 30-meter tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the desert, lakes, and forests.
Lommelse Sahara Landscape
Lommelse Sahara
Wander through a surreal Belgian 'desert' with golden dunes, crystal-blue lakes, and surrounding forests.
The Red Walking Trail
Lommelse Sahara
Experience one of Belgium's most beautiful walks, a varied 11km route through heath, forest, and sand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Dunes and Views
Best Footwear and Weather Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Trails vary from sand to forest paths; good footwear is essential for exploring.
Pack snacks & water :water_wave:
No food or toilets on site, so bring your own supplies for a comfortable visit.
Tower views are stunning :camera_with_flash:
The lookout tower offers incredible panoramic views, but it can be scary if you dislike heights.
Dog-friendly, but no swimming :dog:
Dogs are welcome on the trails, but they cannot swim in the lakes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Trails vary from sand to forest paths; good footwear is essential for exploring.
Pack snacks & water :water_wave:
No food or toilets on site, so bring your own supplies for a comfortable visit.
Tower views are stunning :camera_with_flash:
The lookout tower offers incredible panoramic views, but it can be scary if you dislike heights.
Dog-friendly, but no swimming :dog:
Dogs are welcome on the trails, but they cannot swim in the lakes.
Winter magic awaits :snowflake:
The area is described as magical in winter with snow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and beautiful landscape of the Lommelse Sahara, especially the stunning views from the lookout tower. The peaceful atmosphere and varied walking trails are highly appreciated. However, the lack of amenities like toilets and food vendors is a common drawback, and those with a fear of heights may find the tower challenging.
"Wonderful to visit the tower and enjoy the beautiful view of forest from above"
Santhosh Kumar
"Sunny day so beautiful views...of you don't like heights it is quite scary...stair and floor both with holes to see all the way to the ground 🤨"
Joe Endersby
"Clean, nice paths for cyclist and walkers. The lake and platform are the places when you can relax. A lot of sands. Free car park. No toilets. No any places to buy food."
crafty travellers world
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lommelse Sahara is easily accessible by car, with free parking available. It's also a great spot for cycling and walking, with many trails leading to the area.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in social media, it's generally recommended to drive or cycle to reach this natural area. Check local Belgian transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the Lommelse Sahara and its surroundings. Many trails are suitable for bikes.
Yes, free car parking is available, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The 'Red Walking Trail' is highly recommended, offering a varied 11km route through diverse landscapes. Other marked trails cater to different lengths and preferences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Lommelse Sahara is a natural area and entry is free for all visitors.
As a natural park, the Lommelse Sahara is open year-round, from dawn till dusk. The lookout tower's access might have specific hours, but generally, it's accessible during daylight.
No, tickets are not required for the lookout tower. Access is free, allowing everyone to enjoy the panoramic views.
While dogs are welcome, they cannot swim in the lakes. Otherwise, it's a public natural space with no major restrictions beyond respecting nature.
Some paths are well-maintained for walking and cycling, but the sandy terrain and the tower's stairs may present challenges for wheelchair users. It's best to check specific accessibility details if needed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can hike, cycle, climb the lookout tower for stunning views, and enjoy the unique sandy landscape.+1
It's a 30-meter high tower offering incredible 360-degree views. Be aware that the stairs and floors have holes, which can be unnerving if you're afraid of heights.
Unfortunately, there are no toilets or places to buy food directly within the Lommelse Sahara area. It's recommended to bring your own provisions.
While the lakes are beautiful, swimming is generally not permitted, and dogs are specifically restricted from swimming.
Expect a unique 'Belgian Sahara' with vast sand dunes, interspersed with forests, heathland, and clear lakes.+1
📸 📸 Photography
The lookout tower provides epic panoramic shots. The diverse landscapes of dunes, lakes, and forests offer endless photographic opportunities throughout the year.
+1
One TikTok creator used a drone to capture the winter landscape, suggesting it's a great location for aerial photography, provided you follow local drone regulations.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, will likely offer the most dramatic lighting for the dunes and forests. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views from the tower.
The contrast between the golden sand, blue water, and green forests is striking. The lookout tower itself is also a photogenic structure.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the forest or distant views from the tower. Don't forget a polarizing filter for those blue lakes!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as there are no facilities on-site.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Bring your camera, as the landscape offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour. The lookout tower provides a unique perspective on the vastness of the area, making it a rewarding climb for any hiker. Be prepared for varied ground conditions and pack accordingly for a comfortable trek.
📸 Photographers
Golden hour is particularly spectacular here, with the low sun casting long shadows and bathing the dunes in a warm glow. Drone photography can also yield stunning aerial views of this unusual Belgian terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Lookout Tower
This tower is a focal point for many visitors, providing a perfect spot for photography and a moment to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the Belgian 'desert'. It's a relatively short walk to reach the tower from the parking areas, making it an accessible highlight for most visitors.
Exploring the Lommelse Sahara Landscape
The terrain is diverse, offering a mix of soft sand, firm forest paths, and open heathland. This variety makes for an engaging experience, whether you're on a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. The presence of water bodies adds another layer of beauty, reflecting the sky and surrounding greenery. It's a place that encourages exploration and offers a sense of peaceful escape, far from the usual urban hustle.
Best Times and Experiences
Many visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere of the area, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit