The cycle route Bels Lijntje, which runs from Tilburg to Turnhout, is a beautiful route that also passes through Riel. However, the Bels lijnje has not always been a cycle path. Indeed, on 1 October 1867, a railway connection between Tilburg and Turnhout was opened. In popular speech, this connection was also called Bels Lijntje. Riel had its own station and four guard posts. The world changed quickly, however, and the rise of bus transport meant the train was discontinued in 1934. In 1973, the last official train ran over the Bels Lijntje. The station was demolished in 1966. Should you go cycling along the Bels Lijntje see if you can still find something of its history.

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