De Wijers - Image 1
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De Wijers Belgium

4.6
·82 reviews·Zonhoven, Belgium

Experience the surreal 'Cycling Through Water' path and explore vast, peaceful nature trails in Belgium's De Wijers reserve.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nature awakens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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De Wijers - Image 1

De Wijers Belgium

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nature awakens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the surreal 'Cycling Through Water' path and explore vast, peaceful nature trails in Belgium's De Wijers reserve.

4.6
(82 reviews)

"Riding through water is an experience that's almost as divine."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be a bit wet, especially after rain. Good hiking shoes are recommended for comfort.

🚴‍♂️ Bring Your Bike

The 'Cycling Through Water' path is ideal for cyclists, offering a unique riding experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cycling Through Water

Cycling Through Water

De Wijers Nature Reserve

Ride your bike or walk on a path that dips below the water's surface, creating an illusion of cycling on water.

Instagram+1
Nature Reserve Trails

Nature Reserve Trails

De Wijers Nature Reserve

Explore miles of peaceful walking and hiking trails winding through diverse natural landscapes.

Reddit
Observatory Huts

Observatory Huts

Various points within De Wijers

Discover hidden observatory huts perfect for bird watching and quiet contemplation amidst nature.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Watery Path

The iconic 'Cycling Through Water' path is a must-see. It dips below water level, offering a unique perspective. Be prepared for potential wetness on trails, especially after rain. Instagram

Explore Beyond the Path

De Wijers is more than just the famous bike trail; it's a vast nature reserve with extensive walking trails and bird-watching opportunities. Plan for a few hours to truly explore. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage, pleasant walks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

De Wijers, um caminho único para ciclistas ou skatistas na Bélgica Esculpido por @lensassarchitecten Vídeo de @michielpieters De Wijers, a unique path for cyclists or skateboarders in Belgium Carved by @lensassarchitecten Video by @michielpieters . . . . . #streetart#artwork#drawing#sketch#painting#tattoo#ink#digitalart#design#instagood#picoftheday#artist#portrait#graffiti#art#photography#i...
bembelga
336 likes • 7.7K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be a bit wet, especially after rain. Good hiking shoes are recommended for comfort. Reddit

🚴‍♂️ Bring Your Bike

The 'Cycling Through Water' path is ideal for cyclists, offering a unique riding experience. Instagram

This is the De Wijers Nature Reserve in Belgium 🇧🇪 😱 Would you love ❤️ to visit there❓.. 💾 Save This Post For Later ➡️ @creative.viral for more ➖ ©️ Via: @michielpieters #️⃣ #creativeviral ➖ ©️ If you have any issues with copyright infringement on this post, or if you feel that this post is not sourced properly, please message us. We will take the post down immediately or we can work something out...
creative.viral
4.1K likes • 194.9K views
Walking on water may elude most of us, but this bike trail in northern Belgium offers an experience that’s almost as divine. The 212-m track, dubbed “Cycling Through Water,” slices through a large pond in the De Wijers nature reserve; in the middle, it dips low enough to put riders at eye level with the water. The project was completed in 2016 “We do not want to create more miles, we want to ...
tignews_
3 likes • 66 views

🔭 Pack Binoculars

Excellent spot for bird watching with several observatory huts available. Reddit

⏰ Allow Ample Time

The reserve is vast with many trails; plan for several hours to explore fully. Reddit

De Wijers Nature Reserve in Belgium 🇧🇪 Follow 👉🏼 @braineytech
braineytech
188 likes • 4.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be a bit wet, especially after rain. Good hiking shoes are recommended for comfort. Reddit

🚴‍♂️ Bring Your Bike

The 'Cycling Through Water' path is ideal for cyclists, offering a unique riding experience. Instagram

🔭 Pack Binoculars

Excellent spot for bird watching with several observatory huts available. Reddit

⏰ Allow Ample Time

The reserve is vast with many trails; plan for several hours to explore fully. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(82 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique 'Cycling Through Water' path, calling it a magical and surreal experience. The extensive walking trails and peaceful atmosphere are also highly praised, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Some visitors noted the trails can be wet, and wished for swimming opportunities.

"Very beautiful and preserved also the hiking trails are quite good and long perfect for a walk also there’s the observatory which is quite nice"

Maxim Babjak

"Very nice peaceful place! Perfect to go walk few hours."

Quentin Jimenez

"Vast amount of walks, nice observer huts and different discoveries around every corner."

mattias de smet

What People Like

Unique water cycling path
Peaceful nature reserve
Extensive walking trails

What People Dislike

Wet walking trails
No swimming allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

De Wijers Nature Reserve is located near Bokrijk. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve buses to Bokrijk, followed by a walk or short bike ride to the reserve entrance. Instagram

While direct public transport to the heart of the reserve might be limited, you can typically take a bus to Bokrijk and then access the reserve on foot or by bike. Check local Belgian public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Cycling is highly recommended, especially to experience the 'Cycling Through Water' path. The reserve also offers extensive walking and hiking trails for exploration on foot. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is generally available near the main access points of the De Wijers Nature Reserve, particularly around Bokrijk. Instagram

De Wijers is a popular day trip destination. It's accessible from major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, though travel times will vary. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the De Wijers Nature Reserve itself is generally free, allowing access to the walking trails and the 'Cycling Through Water' path. Instagram

The 'Cycling Through Water' path is part of the nature reserve and is typically free to access. Instagram

As a nature reserve, De Wijers is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific facilities like visitor centers might have set opening times. Reddit

Swimming is generally not permitted in the lakes of De Wijers Nature Reserve to protect the ecosystem and for safety reasons. Reddit

While the nature reserve is free, the adjacent Bokrijk open-air museum may have separate admission fees. Check the official Bokrijk website for details. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

This unique 212-meter path allows cyclists and pedestrians to ride or walk through a pond, with the water level at eye level in the middle, creating a surreal sensation. Instagram+1

De Wijers is a haven for birdlife, making it excellent for bird watching. You might also encounter other local fauna and flora. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! De Wijers boasts a vast network of walking and hiking trails, perfect for long, quiet strolls through nature. Reddit

These huts are strategically placed for bird watching and offer a peaceful vantage point to observe the natural surroundings without disturbing wildlife. Reddit

Yes, the unique 'Cycling Through Water' path and the natural beauty of the reserve offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the nature reserve itself might have limited dining options, the nearby Bokrijk area typically offers cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite. Instagram

Picnicking is usually allowed in designated areas within nature reserves. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery. Remember to take all your trash with you. Reddit

Expect typical Belgian cuisine, including hearty meals, local beers, and pastries, especially in the restaurants around Bokrijk. Instagram

Food stalls are not commonly found directly on the nature trails to preserve the natural environment. It's best to bring your own snacks or eat before/after your visit. Reddit

Many restaurants in Belgium are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to check menus or inquire with the establishment beforehand. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The 'Cycling Through Water' path is the prime spot for unique, reflective shots. Also, explore the trails for scenic nature photography and wildlife. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Instagram

Drone usage in nature reserves is often restricted to protect wildlife and maintain tranquility. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the 'Cycling Through Water' path. A telephoto lens can be useful for bird watching. Instagram

While dedicated photography tours might not be common, the reserve's beauty makes it a popular spot for amateur photographers. Consider joining local photography groups for shared experiences. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

De Wijers offers a fantastic adventure for families. The 'Cycling Through Water' path is a guaranteed hit with children, providing a unique and exciting experience that feels like magic. Instagram+1 Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature, and let the kids explore the various walking trails. Reddit The observatory huts can also be a fun way to introduce children to birdwatching and the natural world. Reddit

Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as the trails can be a bit wet. Reddit Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and allow children more space to roam and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The adjacent Bokrijk open-air museum also offers family-friendly activities if you're looking for a full day out. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers

For those who love to walk, De Wijers is a paradise. The reserve boasts an extensive network of well-maintained walking and hiking trails, perfect for long, peaceful excursions. Reddit You can spend hours exploring the diverse landscapes, from serene wetlands to lush woodlands. Instagram

Don't forget to bring your binoculars for birdwatching, as the observatory huts offer excellent opportunities to spot local avian life. Reddit The 'Cycling Through Water' path, while popular with cyclists, is also accessible to walkers and provides a unique perspective on the aquatic environment. Instagram Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, as some sections of the trails can be damp. Reddit

🚴‍♂️ Cyclists

De Wijers is a dream destination for cyclists, primarily due to the world-renowned 'Cycling Through Water' path. Instagram+1 This unique 212-meter route allows you to cycle through a pond, creating an unforgettable sensation of riding on water. Instagram The reserve is well-connected by cycling routes, making it easy to incorporate into a longer bike tour. Instagram

Beyond the main attraction, the surrounding area offers numerous other cycling paths through beautiful Belgian landscapes. Instagram Ensure your bike is in good condition and consider bringing a repair kit for longer rides. While the water path is paved, some other trails might be unpaved, so a hybrid or mountain bike could be beneficial depending on your planned route. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Cycling Through Water

The star attraction of De Wijers is undoubtedly the 'Cycling Through Water' path, an innovative piece of infrastructure designed by LENS°AS Architects. Opened in 2016, this 212-meter concrete path slices through a pond in the De Wijers nature reserve, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to experience the sensation of riding at eye level with the water. Instagram+1 The project was developed with a focus on minimizing ecological impact, utilizing an existing bicycle path location to integrate seamlessly into the landscape. Instagram

This unique design has garnered international attention, transforming a simple bike ride into an almost surreal experience. It's not just about the novelty; the path is engineered to be stable and safe, providing a memorable encounter with nature. Instagram Visitors often describe the feeling as magical, with the water reflecting the sky and surrounding greenery, creating stunning visual opportunities. Instagram+1

While the path itself is the main draw, it's important to remember it's part of a larger, sensitive ecosystem. Respecting the environment and following any posted guidelines ensures the preservation of this remarkable feature for future visitors. Instagram

Exploring the De Wijers Nature Reserve

Beyond the iconic water path, De Wijers is a sprawling nature reserve offering a rich tapestry of landscapes and biodiversity. It's a haven for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with nature. The reserve features a vast network of walking and hiking trails, catering to various fitness levels and offering diverse scenic views. Reddit

Birdwatchers will find De Wijers particularly rewarding, with numerous observatory huts strategically placed throughout the reserve. These hides provide excellent vantage points for observing a variety of bird species in their natural habitat without disturbance. Reddit The trails meander through wetlands, forests, and open fields, showcasing the ecological richness of the region. Instagram

Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear, as some trails can be damp, especially after rainfall. Reddit Planning for a few hours or even a full day allows for a comprehensive exploration, discovering hidden corners and enjoying the peaceful ambiance that De Wijers is known for. Reddit

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