Sail on a River in a Camping Raft

These camping rafts are being called Treibgut rafts and are equipped with a motor and steering wheel. They are available for rent in Ophoven in Belgium, close to the Dutch border. You are free to sail the Maas with these boats and camp wherever you like. A navigation license is not requirred, only bring a sleeping bag, pillow and mat or air mattress.

Bookings can be made at the following website: www.sailcenterlimburg.com/project/treibgut-vlot

Location: Sailcenter Limburg, Maasdijk 1 bus 2, 3640 Ophoven, Belgium.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Westerplatte Monument: Commemorates the Polish Defenders of the Coast

The Westerplatte Monument was built in memory of the Polish defenders of the coast in 1939. It stands on a 22m tall hill on a peninsula at the entrance to the harbour in Gdansk. Westerplatte Monument is assembled from 236 granite blocks weighing between 6 and 12 tons each and it has been decorated with reliefs and inscriptions.

Close to the monument are abandoned bunkers and ruins of buildings. Information boards with pictures explain more what happend here. You can reach Westerplatte by public transport or with a pirate ship.

Location: Westerplatte peninsula, Gdansk, Poland.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Sleeping on the Water in a Camping Raft

For those who are interested in alternative travel accommodations, sleeping on water offers you a great opportunity. These camping rafts are located in nature reserve De Wissen in Dilsen-Stokkem, Belgium. Campers bring their onw sleeping bags, other equipment will be provided for you. The camping rafts can only be reached by canoe which guests are free to use.

Bookings can be made at Maascentrum De Wissen, Negenoordlaan 2, 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem. Or at the website camping-raft.com.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Cycling Through Water: Top Attraction in Cycle Paradise

The Province of Limburg in Belgium is well known for its cycling routes in a green area. Cycling Through Water (Fietsen door het Water) in Bokrijk is a much-loved stopover for all cycling enthusiasts. This path going through the water is a great experience and brings you closer to nature and the animals living on the water. On my previous post about Cycling Through Water you can see how close the swans are to the cycle path. Close to the path are also wooden benches to enjoy the nature around the lake.

Location: Fietsknooppunt 91, 3600 Genk, Belgium.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Averbode Abbey: a Place of Silence and Reflection

Averbode Abbey was founded in 1134 by Arnold II, Count of Loon. The abbey is part of the Order of Prémontré, the monks are being called Norbertines or White Canons. The Gothic gate house, built in the second half of the 14th century, is the oldest part of the buildings.

Various activities take place on the grounds of the abbey. One of them is a publishing house for children's books and magazines. At the Abbey Cafe you can taste the products that are made here: beer, cheese, bread or gingerbread. These products are also for sale in the abbey shop, here you can also buy other products like: books, religious artefacts, glasses and dishes.

The abbey church and courtyard are open every day and free to visit. The mirror pond 'Agora Reflexis' in front of the church offers great views of the surrounding buildings. The pond is not open during the winter months.

Location: Abdijstraat 1, 3271 Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Belgium.

Website: averbodemoment.be/en

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen

Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen is a great idea for a family day trip. This park in the Netherlands combines a visit to the zoo with adventurous attractions. Wildlands is divided into three areas: Jungola, Serenga, and Nortica. In each of these areas you can see the animals in a beautiful setting. These three zones also have a main attraction.

The Jungola has an adventure trail for children and a boat ride on the Rimbula River. In the Serenga you can take a safari ride and see the animals up close. Daredevils will also enjoy a ride on the rollercoaster here. In Nortica a 4D-testride is waiting for you or you can have a look at the sea lion show.

In the zoo you can see animals like lions, polar bears, penguins, zebras, baboons, elephants and hippos. One of the highlights is a butterfly garden where you're free to walk around between the colorful butterflies.

Location: Raadhuisplein 99, 7811 AP Emmen, the Netherlands.

Website: wildlands.nl

Search location on Beautiful Places Map