Limburg is taking its cyclists into water, through treetops and underground
– Igor Philtjens
Cyclists in Belgium's Limburg province are being brought closer to nature in a variety of innovative and unusual ways.
"25 years ago Belgian Limburg was the first region worldwide to develop a cycle node network, where you cycle from junction to junction," explained Igor Philtjens, Minister for Regional Tourism, chairman of Visit Limburg and the driving force behind the projects.
"We were a pioneer in recreational cycling tourism, but over the years, other regions and countries started copying the Limburg cycle node network. So to maintain our pole position, we needed to keep innovating. Not necessarily by creating more miles, but by creating even better ones."
Inspired by Norway's Scenic Routes, a number of interventions were conceived aimed at allowing cyclists to experience the natural beauty of Limbury in ways that would otherwise not be possible.
The first project, Cycling through Water, was launched in 2016 and takes the form of a sunken cycle path run through a lake. Designed by Lens°ass architects and integrated into the landscape by BuroLandschap, the path allows cyclists to see, smell and even reach out to touch the water.
The Cycling through the Trees pathway, which was designed by BuroLandschap and opened in June 2019, gradually lifts cyclists up to a height of 10m (33ft) until they are within the canopy with 360-degree views.
A third intervention called Cycling through the Heathland is under construction in the Hoge Kempen National Park, having been designed by Maat Ontwerpers in collaboration with Witteveen+Bos. Due to open this year, it will feature a 300m (984ft) long bridge in spectacular surroundings.
And a fourth, the design of which is currently being finalised by ipv Delft and will be called Cycling Underground, will take cyclists into the marl caves in the south of Limburg.
"Natural wonders are amplified by art, design and architecture, meant to bring you closer to nature in new and surprising ways," said Philtjens. "For this project they carried out interventions in certain landscapes, to ensure that visitors can enjoy the landscape even more, without damaging or devaluating it."
Limburg Belgium cycling cycle paths natureAman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy
The Peninsula London unveils Peter Marino-designed spa inspired by London’s famous parks
First glimpses revealed of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair's subterranean spa retreat
"Architecture is alive" says Ma Yansong, as Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
SHA Mexico to debut in January 2024 with genome-inspired design by Sordo Madaleno
The Isola delle Rose has a rich history and an enviable location. Matteo Thun knew he had to capitalise on both with the design of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
From climate change to resource scarcity, Exploration Architecture uses biomimicry to address some of the world’s major challenges. Its founder tells us how