Hasselt walks

Between Hasselt and the Demer valley lies a world of water and mist, shaped by floods and time. Herkenrode Abbey, founded in the 12th century, marks the starting point: a Cistercian centre, it recalls the ancient link between spirituality and nature.In Stokrooie, the landscape becomes wetter before reaching the Albert Canal, dug in the 20th century, a marriage between industry and ecology.The Wijvenheide nature reserve reveals its peaceful ponds, where herons, kingfishers and ospreys thrive. The Kleine Vijver, Witven and Grote Platwijer are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, between reed beds and floodplains.The Zonderikbeek and Vrankenschans meander through peat bogs and fields, witnesses to a time when the Demer shaped local life.The walk ends at the Bosvijver and the Vossen Kuil, where the silence of the water mingles with the breath of the wind.

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.

The Sint-Truiden region is renowned for its cherry (to a lesser extent), apple and pear orchards. The walk offers the chance to see them up close (very close). We particularly recommend it during the flowering season, usually in April. 

Welcome to the Demer valley, where water, reeds and meadows form a living landscape, shaped by time and floods. Around the village of Schulen, the Gulkerveld is reminiscent of the former floodplain, once feared, now a refuge for birds and botanists.With its 700 hectares, the Schulensbroek nature reserve is one of the largest wetlands in Flanders. Herons, greylag geese, lapwings and bitterns share the ponds and meadows.The Halbekerdijk, an old dyke, bears witness to the struggle against the waters, while the drier Vijversheide contrasts with its pine and birch trees. The Schulensmeer, created to regulate the floods of the Demer, has become a paradise for aquatic wildlife.Area: +700 ha, origin: floodplain, special features: artificial lake turned reserve, migratory birds, wetland flora.Here, the water tells the story of the landscape and the passage of time.

Schulen Lake and the adjacent marshes are part of the Wijers region , which is home to 1,001 ponds. It is a paradise not only for birds, but also for birdwatchers and walkers. Of course, bird populations vary depending on the season, but you will almost always see egrets, ducks, cormorants, coots, herons, geese and sometimes even the odd kingfisher. Goats and sheep are helping to rehabilitate some of the banks.

Pear, apple and cherry trees, as well as vines, strawberry plants and currant bushes, ensure the wealth and reputation of this part of Limburg's Hesbaye region for its fruit production. There are orchards galore to admire in spring when they are in bloom and later in the season when they are producing fruit.

Country walk starting from the provincial estate "Het Vinne".Ponds, rivers, orchards, pastures and crops for the hiker's enjoyment!There are a few observation points at the edge of the pond. 

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 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.

A pleasant and varied walk on the plateau and around the Geer valley. Starting from the small village of Houtain-Saint-Siméon, the route joins that of Heure-le-Romain, following tree-lined paths to reach Les Hauts de Froidmont and returning through the undergrowth on the southern slope of the Geer valley. The route passes several former quarries, now converted into nature reserves.

A walk that takes you along the Geer and into the Haut Geer nature reserve. Walkers will enjoy the scents of the earth, the sound of flowing water, the colourful palette of freshly blooming flowers, the ballet of pollinating insects, the melodious song of birds and the rustling of leaves swaying in the gentle breeze as they pass through the nature reserve.

The centuries-old cultivation of countless cherry, pear and apple trees has earned Oupeye the title of Walloon Commune of Fruit Growing.Although the few hectares of vineyards are more recent, the wine produced in Heure-le-Romain is gradually improving in quality and regularly wins awards.

In the mysterious area of the numerous springs of the Geer, encounter the ghosts of the Lord of Herzée in the Chevées, the nuns in the former Carmelite convent, the prior of the convent in his farmhouse, and let yourself be seduced by the quiet charm of the two Lens.

A pleasant and easy walk through fields where traditional crops such as beetroot, wheat and winter barley alternate, sometimes interspersed with fields of potatoes, corn and even flax. The walk passes in front of the famous Lantin prison and Fort Lantin (one of the twelve forts built to defend Liège at the end of the 19th century) and returns to its starting point via the RAVeL (Réseau Autonome des Voies Lentes), built on the former Liers-Ans railway line.

Departure from the Pêcherie du Fer à Cheval in Heure-le-Romain. There is a large car park available.Set off on this lovely walk of about 1 hour through fields and streams. It is fairly easy and mostly flat. Why not take your dog for a walk before coming to quench your thirst on our terrace by the water?

Set off on this lovely walk, between fields and streams, which is fairly easy and mostly flat, with a few small ascents and descents.Why not take your dog for a walk before coming to quench your thirst or enjoy a meal on our terrace by the water?

The Hesbaye region of Liège is not only characterised by its rich agricultural plain, but also by its charming sites, consisting of wetlands, copses and sunken paths. This route, which starts in the village of Petit-Hallet, offers views of the vast plain, but above all allows you to discover pleasant places in the heart or on the outskirts of the villages that stretch along the Henri-Fontaine stream. A few farmhouses and castles can also be seen along the way.

Almost exclusively rural, this circular takes you through the hilly part of Hesbaye, straddling the provinces of Liège and Walloon Brabant. A few old mills dot the route: the one at Jauche-la-Marne, which the route bypasses, and those at Petit-Hallet, which can be seen from a little further away. In Orp-le-Petit, the Grande Ferme (18th century), the Pilori, the Château Rose and the rail adventure are likely to catch your interest. Along the way, it is not uncommon to flush out a hare (literally), spot a pheasant or scare off a heron or egret.

A walk combining town and more natural areas.

A stone's throw from the heart of the city, this route takes walkers through meadows and woods, avoiding crowded neighbourhoods and streets, while offering breathtaking views of the city and the Meuse valley. It is not uncommon to come across a herd of sheep or cattle. The region's mining past is also evident. At the lowest point of the route, you will pass through the old quarter of Liège with its dead-end streets and stairways.