Route 44

Route 44 is a relaxing bike ride that traces the wartime history of Balen, Olmen, and the municipal borders with Leopoldsburg and Lommel. During the tour, you’ll discover many little-known places and stories that trace directly back to that fateful September of 1944…

The route is 44 kilometers long and highlights the liberation story of Balen and Olmen at 15 stops. The tour follows the cycle junction network entirely and is linked to a route in the ErfgoedApp.

In September and October 1944, the Kempen region was liberated. The occupation—which had lasted more than four years—thus came to an end. However, the war and its consequences had not yet completely faded away. In the run-up to liberation, Balen and Olmen were shaken by several tragic events that took a heavy human toll. In those days, joy and sorrow were never far apart. Let Route 44 serve as a (cycling) path to ensure those events are never forgotten. We will remember them...

A collaboration between www.ErfgoedBalen.be and www.BalenBevrijd.com.

📏 44 km - About 59,500 steps
🕑 4 hours
📍 De Kruierie Recreation Center
🏁 De Kruierie Recreation Center