Limburg will soon have a new cycling attraction called ‘Cycling Underground’. As the final plan was drafted, things suddenly seemed to be moving forward for the new tourist cycling project in Kanne/Riemst.

Limburg is particularly popular among cyclists. In recent years, the province spared no trouble or expenses to offer tourists special bicycle routes. After the launch of cycling projects, such as ‘Cycling through the Water’ in Bokrijk, ‘Cycling through the Trees’ in Bosland, and ‘Cycling through the Heide’ in the Hoge Kempen National Park, cyclists will soon be able to cycle through the marl quarries along the Albert Canal in Riemst.

Adventurous trail

The new cycling experience will immerse cyclists in the Limburg marl, the typical type of rock in southeast Limburg. It will be an adventurous trail, up to 30 meters underground, with architectural eye-catchers at the entrance and exit. Cyclists will experience the atmosphere of the monumental cave complex, which is dark, quiet, and chilly.

The underground cycle path will run parallel to the towpath along the Albert Canal for about 350 meters in the quarries of the Mathusberg. It will be provided with functional lighting and signage.

Practical, technical, and safety reasons

The project is currently still in the research phase. The original location (Avergat) was abandoned for practical, technical, and safety reasons, and an alternative was sought. The alternative site is parallel to the towpath between the Vroenhoven Bridge and the Witte design bridge of Kanne, along the Trekweg Cavel.

The underground cycle path will be an elongated loop of approximately 420 meters through the quarry. That path is made of marl-bound concrete, the same color as the surroundings.

Bat population

The route can be followed in two directions, with two different natural entrances. In addition to the cycle path for cyclists, mountain bikers, and wheelchair users, several corridors will also be opened to pedestrians.

Those corridors will be left intact, with all the rocks, irregularities, and boulders… as it is now. The designers will also respect the existing bat population and keep interventions in the current corridor system to a minimum.