Cycling Through the Water at Bokrijk

Cycling Through the Water is a sunken cycle path that crosses a pond in the Bokrijk domain at Bokrijklaan 1 in Genk, in the province of Limburg in the Flemish Region of Belgium. The path is built so that the surface lies just below the water level, with the pond on both sides, giving riders the impression of cycling through the water itself while remaining dry. It runs for roughly 200 m and takes only 15 to 30 minutes including stops for photographs, so it works best as one stop on a longer ride through the Bokrijk estate or along the Limburg cycling network, of which it forms part. The domain is a large area of woodland, heath and ponds that also contains an open-air museum, an arboretum and walking trails. The path is public and free to use, with no operator, ticket or booking, though parking at the domain may be charged. The surface is flat and smooth, so the route suits families, beginners and anyone who can ride a bike; no special fitness is required, and children able to cycle independently can manage it. A bike and helmet are required, and bikes can be hired in the surrounding area. Riders should go at a walking pace, keep to the right, avoid stopping in the middle of the path and take care in wet weather, when the surface can be slippery. Heavy rain can raise the pond level and close the path, and visitors should obey any signs. Because there are no railings in the middle of the pond, small children should be supervised. The best months are April to October, when the weather is mild and the surrounding woods are green. Weekday mornings are quietest, while summer weekends bring crowds who queue to take pictures. The nearby paths can be linked into longer rides in the Hoge Kempen region, and the cycle node system makes planning straightforward. Emergency services can be reached on 112.