Belgian architecture studio Burolandschap has built a circular cycle path among trees in Limburg, Belgium. Called Cycling through the trees, the new cycle path through the trees provides a unique experience to the Limburg cycle route network. 

This ambitious cycle path was realized in collaboration with Toerisme Limburg, includes a circular path of approximately 700 meters through and between the trees. At the highest point, cyclists are 10 meters above the ground.

Cyclists ride 700 metres along a cycle bridge – a double circle 100 metres in diameter – that rises gradually (gradient of 3-4 %) to a height of 10 metres before then descending again at the same gradient, giving cyclists and walkers a sensational 360° experience.

For the sake of safety, cycling is one-way and there is a subtle wire net with a handrail. The new cycle bridge sits on a structure of 449 unique columns made of weathered steel to symbolize the trunks of the pine trees, so the entire structure blends beautifully into its environment.

Respect for flora and fauna was key to both the design of the cycle bridge and its construction in the forest. The project was implemented with nature as a companion and constitutes a logical link in the Bosland "Cycle of Life".

"The cycle path was laid on Cortenstaal poles, placed in connection, as a reference to the trees from the forest of Pijnven. The forest had to be preserved as much as possible during the construction," said Burolandschap.  

"We therefore collaborated with various partners to make this possible."

The trees that were felled to clear the space for the cycle path have been given a new life at the start of the route in the form of an information pavilion made from the stacked recycled tree trunks. 

Moreover, the coniferous trees are still represented in a symbolic way: the new cycle bridge sits on a structure of 449 unique columns made of weathered steel to symbolize the trunks of the fir trees, so the entire structure blends beautifully into its environment.

Plan

Section-1

Section-2

Cycle path render

Project facts

Project name: Cycling through the trees - Hechtel-Eksel

Location: Hechtel-Eksel

Client: Tourism Limburg

Team: BuroLandschap & Atelier Ensemble & De Gregorio & Partners

Surface: 700 m

Period: 2017 - 2019

Status: Realized

All images © Visit Limburg

> via Burolandschap