Exploring Belgium on the Trans Euro Trail: A Rider’s Journey

After pausing our adventure due to some rainy days, we eagerly returned to the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. Our aim was to continue our Trans Euro Trail (TET) journey, this time exploring Belgium. Having recently completed the Netherlands TET, we were excited for more off-road riding and discovering what Belgium had to offer.

The Trans Euro Trail continues its southwest trajectory, beginning at the Dutch-Belgian border and meandering through Belgium’s picturesque countryside, rich with history and culture.

Day 1 – April 5, 2019

Our Belgian adventure began on April 5th, 2019. One of the first things we noticed was a familiar treat with a local twist.

Belgium 🇧🇪 Kit Kat! Exploring local cuisine is always a highlight when traveling in a new country, especially sampling the local candies. I was amused to find that the “Olé” bar was essentially the same as an American Kit Kat bar. It’s these small, familiar comforts that can be surprising and enjoyable during international travel.

Discovering Klankenbos – The Sound Forest

Our day took an interesting turn as we started our morning with a visit to Klankenbos, which translates from Dutch to “Sound Forest.” This unique park is designed to engage your senses, particularly your sense of hearing, through interactive exhibits.

The visitor center provided us with a map and a brief explanation of Klankenbos’s concept. The building itself is architecturally interesting, featuring a central section of transparent glass that gives the upper part of the structure a seemingly floating appearance. It’s a great introduction to the creativity within the park.

One exhibit was a walk-in birdcage that played recordings of canaries and natural sounds, creating an immersive auditory experience.

My personal favorite exhibit was a collection of 24 birch trees, perfectly spaced apart. A central podium provided instructions on how to activate the trees. By calling a number and using the keypad, you could select different motion patterns for the trees to perform. Each tree was equipped with a motor that would spin and shake it according to the chosen pattern. It was a fun and engaging experience to see, hear, and feel the various patterns.

There’s also a unique slide, designed for children but equally enjoyable for adults. The taller slide is quite long and provides a fun ride. Klankenbos is definitely a fantastic place to visit, especially if you are traveling with children.

A large “OK” symbol sculpture was also present, sparking thoughts about its multiple interpretations. While many might recognize it as a simple affirmation, it’s also known as part of the “circle game” and, unfortunately, has been associated with white supremacy in some contexts. It’s a reminder of how symbols can carry different meanings and evolve over time.

Nearby, we found a petting park featuring artwork painted on the walls, adding another layer of creativity to the experience.

The petting zoo included chickens…

…and this ram with a rather comical expression, who looked like he might have had one too many head-butting contests with his companions!

Klankenbos was a delightful and unexpected morning stop, definitely worth visiting, particularly for families with children.

Continuing on the Trans Euro Trail

Leaving Klankenbos, we continued our exploration of the Belgian backcountry along the Trans Euro Trail (TET).

The lion symbol is prevalent throughout Belgium; after all, it is the country’s national emblem. You’ll see it frequently as you travel across the country.

Within an hour, we encountered a muddy obstacle! Having experience with off-road riding, I know it’s usually best to avoid deep mud if possible. There was a narrow path to the right, but two closely spaced trees made it tricky to navigate with motorcycle handlebars and side-bags. With some maneuvering, we managed to get both bikes through!

I appreciated the clarity of this road sign! The picture perfectly illustrates the potential trail conditions.

We stopped in the town of Geel for a quick meal and were surprised to see a large inflatable yellow submarine “surfaced” in the middle of the town center! It was a quirky and unexpected sight.

When in Belgium 🇧🇪, indulging in Belgian waffles is a must!

St.-Amandskerk church dominates the town center skyline. A large central church is a common architectural feature in many towns and cities across Western Europe.

And just like that, we crossed into French-speaking Belgium 🇧🇪 – Bonjour!! The linguistic landscape of Belgium is diverse, and it’s fascinating to experience these cultural shifts as you travel.

As evening approached and darkness loomed, we still hadn’t found a designated campsite. We opted to pull over in a quiet, forested area and set up camp for the night. Adventure continues tomorrow…

Continue the adventure on Page 2