Tongelreep

Tongelreep
Tongelreep in Eindhoven
Map
Location
CountryBelgium, Netherlands
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationCampine
Mouth 
 • location
Dommel
 • coordinates
51°25′39″N 5°28′33″E / 51.4274°N 5.4757°E / 51.4274; 5.4757
Basin features
ProgressionDommelDiezeMeuseNorth Sea

The Tongelreep is a small tributary of the river Dommel that flows through Belgium and the Netherlands. It begins in Belgium near Neerpelt (where the stream is called the Warmbeek) and runs into the Dommel in Eindhoven by way of Valkenswaard and Aalst. The stream runs near the Achel Abbey, the Leenderbos, the Valkenhorst estates and the Genneper Parken park area.

The Tongelreep has always remained a relatively naturally flowing, clear river with natural interaction between water and landscape, although man has tried to alter the river bed since the Middle Ages. The stretch to the west of the current Leenderbos was canaled in 1890 in order to create a series of fishing ponds, and the stretch to the south of that had previously been canaled by the Achel Abbey monks. The natural character of the southern Tongelreep has been returning since 1989, when agricultural activities at the Achel Abbey ceased, and the lands were sold to environmental groups who are restoring the natural flow of the river. The grassy lands of the Warmbeek valleys are also being restored.