The Kolenspoor (coal railway line) was the lifeline of the Limburg mining region. The railway line carried labour, coal and materials to and from the seven coal mines. Today, the mining sites are innovative hubs and the Kolenspoor is a lovely, car-free cycle path. By 2030, the entire 70-kilometre route will also serve as a cycling highway connecting past and future. You cross the vast nature areas of De Teut and Ten Haagdoorn, where stream valleys, fens, dunes, woods, small fields and heathland provide plenty of variety in the scenery. Together they account for 1,700 hectares of prime nature. And the maintenance? Large flocks of sheep in particular take care of that. You might spot them.
