This industrial town in Belgian Limburg has a glass manufacturing center, sandy nature areas, and the German War Cemetery with 39,102 graves from WWII.
Lommel, a city of 34,000 in Belgian Limburg, sits next to an unexpected sight: a desert landscape with rolling sand dunes and a reflective lake, known as the Lommel Sahara. You can watch professional motocross riders tackle one of the world's toughest sand tracks, walk through pine forests in National Park Bosland, or visit Western Europe's largest German military cemetery outside Germany. The city center's De Singel shopping area draws visitors from across North Limburg.
Exploring the Lommel Sahara
The Lommel Sahara emerged from former sand mining grounds, creating a desert landscape that stretches across the area. You can follow a 12-kilometer hiking trail through sand dunes and past a central lake. During summer, temperatures here often reach the highest readings in Belgium. While the lake's toxic blue-green algae make swimming impossible, you'll find cool spots in the surrounding pine forest paths.
World-Class Motocross Track
The deep sand track in Lommel ranks among the world's most demanding motocross circuits. Its challenging surface has attracted professional riders like Jeffrey Herlings, who called it the most physically demanding track he's ever raced. Many European motocross athletes live in Lommel to train here. The track hosts the Belgian Motocross Grand Prix during the World Championship season.
German War Cemetery
The German military cemetery on the N764 road contains 39,102 graves across 16 hectares, making it Western Europe's largest German military cemetery outside Germany. Most of the buried soldiers died during World War II. You can walk through the grounds and read the memorial plaques that explain the cemetery's history.
National Park Bosland
Since 2023, Lommel has become part of National Park Bosland, which spans three municipalities. You can walk through pine forests and heathlands on marked trails ranging from 3 to 15 kilometers. The park's information center near the entrance sells maps and guides you to the best routes for your walking ability.
Shopping at De Singel
De Singel is the third-largest shopping destination in Belgian Limburg. The center includes 50+ stores, from small local boutiques to major retail brands. You'll find most shops concentrated along two main pedestrian streets, with cafes scattered between them.
Getting Around
You can reach Lommel from Brussels Airport in about an hour (70 km). Local buses run between the city center, the Sahara, and other main sites. Cycling paths connect to all major attractions, with bike rentals available in the city center. Most natural areas have free parking lots, but arrive early on summer weekends when spaces fill up quickly.
