In terms of political geography, just over half of the route is on Dutch territory. Border marker No. 174 is clearly visible between km 3 and 4.
From a historical perspective, the route passes two reconstructions of the 'Doodendraad', the electric fence (2000 volts) that the Germans erected along the Belgian-Dutch border during the Great War of 1914-1918, claiming a good thousand victims.
The other two reminders of our past and present are the Benedictine abbey of Achel and the old watermill 't Mulke on the Wambeek stream, whose wheel was removed in 1973.
Cross-border Trappist route in Hamont-Achel
Pine, oak (local and American species) and birch forests, moors, crops, pastures, ponds... this is the natural scenery that awaits you on this hike.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 18.65 km -
Average duration: 5h 20 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 12 m -
Descent: - 12 m -
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Highest point: 42 m -
Lowest point: 22 m
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Country:
Belgium
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City:
Hamont-Achel -
Start/End: N 51.272243° / E 5.499859° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 34 m - Car park next to 't Mulke
- S/E : km 18.65 - alt. 34 m - Car park next to 't Mulke
Worth a visit
Free parking is available at the abbey, the De Bever tavern and playground, and the 't Mulke farm.
Food is available at the abbey and the De Bever tavern.
Homemade ice cream in the courtyard of 't Mulke.
The abbey's large 'shop' is worth a visit, if only to have a look around. In my opinion, it is the only Trappist abbey in Belgium that also sells other beers and cheeses (especially Trappist ones).
The route presented here starts from the car park next to 't Mulke.
Other walks in the area
Getaway to Postel Abbey
Visorando Member 
22.18 km
+18 m
-18 m
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Mol (Province d'Anvers)
This circular walk takes you through the Antwerp Campine region, across countryside and pine and deciduous forests. It follows two historic canals, makes a slight detour into the Netherlands and, as its name suggests, takes you on a tour of Postel Abbey.
Keiheuvel-de-Most, dunes and marshes
Visorando Member 18.07 km
+20 m
-20 m
5h 15
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Departure from Balen (Province d'Anvers)
The Keiheuvel walk is a spectacular stretch of sand reminiscent of the Sahara, with peaceful spots, fresh forest air and a sea of purple heather. After a few steps, a vast panorama of sandy plains, ponds and dune meadows lined with fragrant pine trees opens up. Despite their desert-like appearance, the dunes are full of life, home to larks, nightjars and a multitude of insects. After a detour along the canal to Beverlo, the walk reaches De Most. The low, wet valley contrasts with the high, dry Keiheuvel. The wetlands are home to rare plants and animals. De Most, a former hunting ground and resistance refuge, is now a haven of peace. The combination of these two environments makes Keiheuvel-De Most unique.
The sand dunes of the Oudsberg
Visorando Member 
18.40 km
+49 m
-43 m
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Opglabbeek (Province de Limbourg)
The Limburg Campine region is home to many gems, including several nature reserves with magnificent sand dunes. This walk crosses the Oudsberg nature reserve on the last authorised paths, offering alternating landscapes of heathland and pine or deciduous forests (beech, birch, etc.). Although the entire route is relatively flat, the nature reserve, at the geographical centre of the route, is quite hilly for the region.Of course, the sand under the snow is only visible in certain places. However, without the snow, the sand is clearly visible in the heart of the Oudsberg nature reserve. Most of the route is wooded, but the landscape is a little more rural at the eastern and northern ends.
Hike without description to be followed with the Visorando app.
The Wijers ponds
Visorando Member 
14.64 km
+11 m
-11 m
4h 15
Easy
Departure from Zonhoven (Province de Limbourg)
This region, with its 1,001 ponds and numerous nature reserves, is full of beautiful trails for hikers. Here is one that takes you between the main Wijers ponds and the Albert Canal, which connects the Meuse and Scheldt rivers between Liège and the port of Antwerp.The ponds and the surrounding aquatic and rural landscapes are absolutely magnificent in good weather.
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