In recent years, the Belgian Limburg region has emphatically profiled itself as a cycling region. Not only by attracting various championships (including the European Cycling Championships), but also by developing a number of specific ‘cycling attractions’, with the aim of attracting tourists to the region. Precisely to cycle. We are guests in that region. In one of those places where you immediately feel: everything is right here. Where nature, peace and comfort blend beautifully. Such a place is Landal Park Eksel, in the heart of Belgian Limburg.
We went there for a long weekend in October 2025. Its location is in the middle of Bosland National Park, the largest contiguous nature reserve in Flanders. We would love to take you on our adventure, with a nice experience at the park but also with rides where you can even skim high (tree) tops!
(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, the sky is bright blue and as soon as we park the car at the main building, we feel it: it's holidays. Inside, we receive a friendly welcome at reception. We are given our access code, some explanations about the park and some tips on the best spots in the area. We get a guided tour of the park and with that personal touch, our weekend is off to a good start. Time to drive in the direction of our bungalow.
Our sustainable home
The road at the park winds between modern, white bungalows with green roofs. They look sleek, but blend perfectly into the landscape thanks to the natural colours.We are staying in a semi-detached bungalow for six persons (type Bungalow-6). As the park is car-free, we unload our stuff first and then put the car back in the car park. With the digital code, the door opens - bleep! - and suddenly we are immediately in the living room. No corridor, no hallway - you enter directly into the heart of the house. Takes some getting used to, but it feels cosy and warm. The wooden walls (made of CLT, or cross laminated timber) create a cosy, natural atmosphere.
A spacious dining table on the left, a cosy seating area on the right. Roomy enough for the four of us, although we wonder if it would still be as comfortable with six. The kitchen is modern and fully equipped: large fridge, combi-oven, Nespresso machine, kettle... even egg cups and measuring cups are provided. Even separate bins for waste separation are neatly placed under the stairs. Sustainability really is in the details here. Upstairs, there is an open sleeping area with two beds - technically a bedroom, but without a door. There is also a separate air-conditioned room with a door, offering just that little bit more privacy. Downstairs is the third bedroom, with a view of the greenery and a sliding door to the outside. Lovely for waking up in the morning. The bathroom is compact, with shower, toilet and small sink - practical, but a bit cramped if there are six of you.
The area: Woodland and more
As we get ready to drive, we find out again: the location really is an asset. From the park you can walk or cycle in no time Bosland National Park in - a vast natural area full of forests, dunes and fens. There are 1001 routes to discover and explore. So there is something for everyone. Earlier, we mentioned that the region has worked to develop several cycling attractions. There are four in total
- Cycling through the trees
- Cycling through water
- Cycling through the moors
- Cycling through the Mijnterrils
Highly recommended is “Cycling through the Trees” - a spiralling cycle path that takes you up to the treetops. Barely 7 km from the park, and definitely worth a visit. We take a look on our adventure. It is genuinely beautiful cycling here and a lot has been invested in the infrastructure to make it attractive to basically all types of cyclists. We as gravel riders and cyclists like to see that. For the cyclists, you can ride on tight bike paths. For the gravel lovers, there are lots of tracks and forest trails where you can indulge.
For the real gravel adventurers, we have added a great lap (on gravel bikes) to our route collection. Because with a bit of gusto, you can tick off all four highlights of the ‘cycling through’ attractions in 122 kilometres. We know from a previous adventure that riding around Zutendaal (where the ‘heath’ and the Mijnterrils are nearby) is beautiful. This time we didn't do the big round, but it's definitely recommended. If only for a nice day on the bike.
Nearby is also the Sound Forest, an open-air museum with sound art. You cycle there among works of art that produce music and tones. This is really magical, especially with children who are not used to such things.
Really relaxing, even alongside the bike
What especially stuck with us? The warm atmosphere. The staff is friendly, the park is quiet, and the combination of comfort and nature is perfect. The Brasserie and sports grounds are real assets, especially for families, but couples or groups of friends also find peace of mind here. The park is still young, so the greenery will become even more beautiful in the coming years - but already it exudes charm.Our weekend at Landal Park Eksel was exactly what we needed: to get away from it all, in the middle of nature. The nice thing about this park is that everything is beautifully central. The main building is literally the heart of the estate. At the reception you will find a mini-shop, the Brasserie Bosrand with indoor play area and bike rental. We also got some e-bikes at our disposal, but of course we are here for cycling and graveling. Next to the spray park are two padel courts (reservable by half-hour) and a volleyball court. There is even a bocce court - enough for some healthy competition during the holidays.
Closing after a beautiful day outside
After a day outdoors, we slide into Brasserie Bosrand in the main building. Inside it is modern and cosy, outside the large terrace overlooking the playground beckons.The atmosphere is casual, the staff genuinely friendly. The menu offers something for everyone: pizzas, Flemish stews, steaks on lava rock... We tasted a delicious steak with bearnaise sauce, and the Limburg stew was top notch. The portions are generous, dessert was unfortunately out of the question 😉
’In the morning, we collected our ordered fresh rolls on: croissants, pistolets, chocolate rolls... blissful! Later we discovered that you can also BBQ or gourmet packages can order, including disposable barbecue - we'll definitely keep that in mind for next time
Will you also leave here for a cool adventure?
This park is perfect for a nice weekend of cycling in Belgian Limburg at Landal Park Eksel. A stone's throw from the Dutch border, you also have the opportunity to take in the Brabant Heath or just tick off some of the beautiful border posts. Book your stay at Landal here:
Want to know more about Landal destinations where you can also cycle beautifully? See some suggestions below.
