The Belgian Limburg region has in recent years made a strong profile as a cycling region. Not only by attracting various championships (e.g. the UCI World Championships in cycling), but also by developing a number of specific ‘cycling attractions’, with the aim of attracting tourists to the region. Just to cycle. We are in the region. In one of those places where you can immediately feel: Everything here is correct. Where nature, peace and comfort blend beautifully together. Such a place is Landal Park Eksel, in the heart of Belgian Limburg.
We went there for a long weekend in October 2025. The location is right in the middle of National Park Bosland, the largest contiguous nature reserve in Flanders. We would be happy to take you on our adventure, with a great experience in the park but also with rides where you can even shave off high (tree) branches!
(header photo: AdobeStock) Text: Ralph Ornelis – Photos: Ralph Ornelis/Adobe/Sander Kolsloot
Welcome to Bosland
When we arrive on Friday afternoon, the sun is low in the sky, the air is clear blue, and as soon as we park the car at the main building, we feel it: It's vacation time. We are welcomed warmly at the reception. We receive our access code, some information about the park and some tips on the best places nearby. We are given a tour of the park and with that personal approach our weekend is off to a good start. Time to head towards our bungalow.
Our sustainable accommodation
The road in the park winds its way between modern, white bungalows with green roofs. They look sleek, but thanks to the natural colors they fit perfectly into the landscape. We stay in a semi-detached bungalow for six people (type Bungalow-6). Since the park is car-free, we first unload our gear and then put the car back on the parking lot. With the digital code, the door opens – beep! – and suddenly we are right in the living room. No hallway, no hall – you immediately arrive in the heart of the house. It takes a while to get used to it, but it feels cozy and warm. The wooden walls (made from CLT, or cross laminated timber) create a cozy, natural atmosphere.
A spacious dining table on the left, a cozy seating area on the right. For our family of four, it’s spacious enough, although we wonder if it would still be comfortable with six people. The kitchen is modern and fully equipped: large fridge, combination oven, Nespresso machine, kettle… even egg cups and measuring cups are provided. Even separate bins for waste separation are neatly stored under the stairs. Sustainability is truly in the details here. Upstairs is an open sleeping area with two beds – technically a bedroom, but without a door. Additionally, there is a separate room with air conditioning and a door, which adds that little bit more privacy. Downstairs is the third bedroom, overlooking the greenery and with a sliding door to the outside. It’s lovely to wake up in the morning. The bathroom is compact, with a shower, toilet, and a small sink – practical, but cramped if you’re six people.
The surroundings: Forestland and more
When we get ready to go driving, we discover again that the location is a real asset. From the park, you can walk or cycle there in just a few minutes. National Park Bosland In – an extensive natural area full of forests, dunes and marshes. There are 1001 routes to discover and explore. So there is something for everyone. Earlier we already mentioned that the region has made efforts to develop various cycling attractions. There are a total of four of them
- Cycling through the trees
- Cycling through the water
- Cycling through the heather
- Cycling through the Mijnterrils
An absolute must-see is “Cycling through the Trees” – a spiral-shaped bike path that takes you all the way to the treetops. Just 7 km from the park, and definitely worth a visit. We take a look at our adventure. It’s truly beautiful to cycle here, and a lot of investment has been made in the infrastructure to make it appealing to practically all types of cyclists. We as gravel riders and cyclists really appreciate that. For the cyclists, you can ride on tight bike paths. For the gravel enthusiasts, there are plenty of tracks and forest trails where you can let your imagination run wild.
For the real gravel adventurers, we have included a long tour (on a gravel bike) in our route collection. With a little bit of enthusiasm, you can tick off all four highlights of the ‘cycling through’ attractions in 122 kilometers. From a previous adventure, we know that riding around Zutendaal (where the ‘heath’ and the Myterrils are located) is beautiful. This time we didn’t do the big tour, but it is definitely a must-do. Even if it’s just for a nice day on a bike.
Nearby there is also the Klankenbos, an open-air museum with sound art. You cycle among works of art that produce music and sounds. That is truly magical, especially with children who are not used to such things.
Really relaxed, even off the bike
What we especially remember? The warm atmosphere. The staff are friendly, the park is quiet, and the combination of comfort and nature is perfect. The Brasserie and the sports fields are real assets, especially for families, but couples or groups of friends will also find their peace here. The park is still young, so the greenery will become even more beautiful in the coming years – but already now it exudes charm.Our weekend at Landal Park Eksel It was exactly what we needed: a little away from everything, right in the middle of nature. The nice thing about this park is that everything is conveniently located in the center. The main building is literally the heart of the domain. At the reception you’ll find a mini-shop, the Brasserie Bosrand with an indoor play area, and a bike rental. We also got a few e-bikes, but we’re here for cycling and gravel biking, of course. Next to the spray park are two padel courts (reservable for half an hour each) and a volleyball court. There’s even a bowling alley – enough for some healthy competition during the holidays.
Ending a beautiful day outside
After a day outdoors we head over to Brasserie Bosrand in the main building. Inside it’s modern and cozy; outside, the large terrace with a view of the playground beckons. The atmosphere is relaxed; the staff is genuinely friendly. The menu offers something for everyone: pizzas, Flemish stews, steaks on lava stone… We tried a delicious steak with bearnaisesauce, and the Limburg stew was superb. The portions are generous; unfortunately, there wasn’t any dessert left. 😉
’In the morning we picked up our ordered items fresh rolls at: croissants, biscuits, chocolate sandwiches… delicious! Later we discovered that you can also BBQ or gourmet packages You can order, including disposable barbecue – we definitely keep that in mind for next time
Are you going to leave here for a great adventure too?
This park is perfect for a nice weekend bike ride in Belgian Limburg Landal Park Eksel. Just a stone's throw from the Dutch border, you also have the opportunity to explore the Brabantse Heide or simply tick off some of the beautiful border markers. Book your stay at Landal here:
Would you like to know more about Landal destinations where you can also enjoy cycling? Below are some suggestions.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.