Opglabbeek walks

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.

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.

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.

Pine, oak (local and American species) and birch forests, moors, crops, pastures, ponds... this is the natural scenery that awaits you on this hike.

This walk explores some of the region's gems. The route passes successively by a mill on the Geer (Jeker in Dutch) with a wooden paddle wheel that is still fully functional, Neercanne Castle, the Cannerbos, a magnificent tree-lined avenue in the Milleniumbos, a few vineyards, the old Nekum mill (no longer with a wheel), the Maastricht Fort plateau with some beautiful views of the city, Huis de Torentjes, a curious cave/chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, the Zonneberg, the Slavantebos, the panoramic site of the former ENCI quarry, the Villa Castrum (admire the tuffeau stone used in its renovation) and, finally, the strange and extremely rare feature of the Geer, which passes under the Albert Canal via a siphon. All in all, this route offers a multitude of historical and educational points of interest for young and old alike.

A fairly varied walk around the Albert Canal and part of Montagne Saint-Pierre, including a short detour into Dutch territory. The route passes by Neercanne Castle, where the Maastricht Treaty was signed on 9 December 1991.

This is on the marked route "Lanaye (I2-4 Blue): Beyond the Banks - Montagne Saint-Pierre", but starting from the Quai de Caster car park instead of the church in Lanaye. Follow the blue diamond markings.

An unusual walk starting from the small village of Lanaye, traversing the Montagne Saint-Pierre nature reserve from the Albert Canal, before reaching the Geer valley via the Fort d'Eben-Emael. The route also offers stunning views of the Lanaye locks and the Meuse valley across the border.

This hike, on the borders of Wallonia, Flanders and the Netherlands, crosses the Montagne Saint-Pierre on either side of the Albert Canal, ending at the Lanaye lock, which allows barges to reach the Meuse in the direction of Maastricht.Before that, the route follows small paths along the Geer. There are several beautiful views of the Meuse valley, the locks and the nearby hills.

A somewhat challenging hike starting from the Moulin du Broukay and the Tour d’Eben-Ezer in Eben, on the northern slope of the Geer valley, leading to the Montagne Saint-Pierre Nature Reserve, on the other side of the stream. The reserve offers some fine views of the Meuse valley and the Albert Canal.

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. 

A pleasant walk in the north-western part of the town of Tongeren, following old tree-lined railway tracks, crossing the Herkwinning Nature Reserve and taking in a few castles and fortified farms in a varied environment of copses, low-stem orchards, meadows and fields. Route proposed by the walking club "Les Pantouflards de Wihogne" (FFBMP, LG041).

The Dutch province of Zuid-Limburg is ideal for hiking, offering an abundance of countryside and forests to explore in a wonderfully bucolic setting, and probably the highest elevation gain in the Netherlands, as the highest point is situated at the BE-DE-NL tripoint south of Vaals.That said, this region bordering Belgian Limburg is also fruit-growing, albeit to a lesser extent, but you can still see a few orchards (cherry, apple and pear trees).And then, from time to time, an old marl quarry (limestone, tuffeau, etc.) appears, or, as is the case near the route of this walk, a prehistoric flint extraction site!

A refreshing country walk along the slopes and plateau of the Geer valley, featuring sunken lanes and paths running alongside the stream. Walk organised by the walking club "Les Pantouflards de Wihogne" (FFBMP, LG041).

A magnificent walk starting from the village of Fouron-le-Comte ('s-Gravenvoeren in Dutch), somewhat hilly, passing through the Altenbroek woodland reserve and venturing partially beyond the Belgian-Dutch border.

Pear, apple and cherry trees, a few vines and strawberry plants ensure the richness and reputation for fruit-growing of this part of the Limburg Hesbaye. Orchards galore to admire in spring during the blossom and later in the season for their fruit production.

Starting from Sint-Pieters-Heurne, the walk takes you through the rather hilly countryside of Limburg Hesbaye, passing by a castle here, a chapel there, a limestone cave, an orchard, or a large square-shaped Hesbaye farmhouse.Although the region is criss-crossed by land consolidation tracks and concrete cycle paths, traffic is usually limited to a few farm vehicles, bicycles and occasionally a group or two of Vespa enthusiasts.That said, the route also follows numerous country lanes and forest tracks where you mainly come across only walkers or joggers.The numerous orchards (pear and apple trees) add a pleasant touch to the route when in bloom.

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.

A few kilometres from the tri-border point (Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands), the walk winds its way through wooded countryside, streams and sunken lanes. It benefits from a microclimate that shields the area from the north winds. Old farms and mills will delight you as you explore.