Sahara of Lommel

The Sahara of Lommel is a remarkable sand and heath area in the northern Limburg Kempen, created by sand extraction for the glass industry and since grown into one of the most distinctive nature areas in Flanders. The vast sandy plain with turquoise pools has a unique microclimate and harbours rare plants and insects. At the edge of the area is a welcome pavilion with a cafeteria and a spacious terrace looking out over the dunes.

For wheelchair users, the first few hundred metres from the welcome point are easily passable via paved paths leading to a viewing platform with a ramp. From there you have a magnificent overview of the sandy plain and the pools. Going further into the Sahara means soft, loose sand which is not feasible for manual wheelchairs; electric all-terrain wheelchairs can continue along the firmer edge paths. Adapted sanitary facilities are present in the welcome building.

Disabled parking spaces lie directly next to the entrance at the Pijnven. A visit combines nicely with the Glass Museum Lommel, which tells the story of how sand becomes glass, or with the Bosland visitor centre nearby. Allow half a day for a relaxed visit including a terrace break.