Visitor's2021

2021 VISITOR’SGUIDE

Inspiration & information | Tips for day trips | Seasons in the National Park Calendar Ranger activities | Gateways | Top six picnic spots Hiking – Cycling – Mountain biking – Horseback riding AREAS IN THE PICTURE p. 6 HIKING p. 26 WITH A RANGER p. 34 © E.C. © R.V.B. © R.V.B.

©L.S. CHILDREN IN CHARGE p. 38 BY BIKE p. 40 PRACTICAL INFORMATION p. 52 CONTENT The National Park, so special 4 Areas in the picture 6 Must do’s in every season! 24 Hiking 26 You experience more with a Ranger 34 Overview map 36 Children in charge 38 By bike you don’t miss out on anything 40 Explore the area on horseback 42 Reading history 44 Management for more and better nature 46 Science in the National Park 48 Exploring: practical information 50 Areas: practical information 52

©R.V.B. © E.C. ©K.V. 2 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Content - 3 10 REASONS WHY 1. Unique geological backbone 6. Everyone welcome Whether you’re cycling or hiking, you’ll certainly Since the National Park is there for everyone, notice that you have to go up some steep slopes more than 1 million people come to visit every year. from time to time. The landscape takes a dip from Extensive high-quality networks for cyclists, hikers, the Kempen Plateau to the Maas Valley, which is riders and mountain bikers ensure that visitors do located 30 m lower. This 30 km-long steep edge is not get in each other’s way, or nature’s way for that a well-preserved backbone in the landscape. matter. 2. Candidate UNESCO World Heritage 7. Six gateways with their own story to tell The original forests became grazing areas for Six gateways set you up for your visit to the National sheep, creating large heath plains. The advent of Park. ‘Terhills’ is the main gateway. The other gates the mining industry disrupted a delicate balance take you into a more specific story of stars and pla- between man and nature, but added many exciting nets (‘Kattevennen’), the coal track (As Railway Stati- extras, such as slag heaps, garden cities and pit on), bees and insects (‘Lieteberg’), the rich heritage heads in return. All this has been preserved, unique (‘Pietersheim’) or the purple heathland (‘Mechelse in Western Europe, and will hopefully be allowed to Heide’). Three new gateways will be developed in bear the stamp of UNESCO World Heritage in a few the future: Duinengordel (Commandery Gruitrode, years’ time. Oudsbergen), Bergerven (‘t Eilandje, Maaseik) and Thorpark (Thor Park, Genk). 3. Seven thousand plant and animal species 8. Enthusiastic Rangers are ready They are all counted and every year, their numbers increase. Some species only exist here and are Often born and raised here, all of them know the threatened with extinction elsewhere in Flanders National Park like the back of their hand. After or Europe. The National Park is a treasure trove training to become a Ranger, they take groups into THE for biodiversity. the park and show them nature in a different way. No uninspiring talks, but active walks with tasks, 4. The largest gets bigger still stories and even tastings! As of this year, the National Park covers no less than 9. Own maintenance team 127 km², more than doubling its surface area. This makes the National Park by far the largest nature A team of 10 workers from a social-economy NATIONAL reserve in Flanders. enterprise help maintain the National Park. The team mow the paths, collect litter, empty 5. Diligent administrators bins and leave the signposts and benches in The Agency for Nature and Forests, Natuurpunt tip-top condition. vzw, Limburgs Landschap vzw and Orchis vzw 10. Together under the umbrella are committed to the management of their sites PARK, on a daily basis. With a great deal of knowledge, The National Park is a team effort of many partners experience and dedication, they work on a more and who each want to achieve the best possible results better nature reserve in the National Park. Species in their own particular fields of work. The National that are finding it difficult to thrive are given a boost, Park thus becomes a success story in terms of while unwanted intruders are kept at bay. nature, tourism, heritage, spatial policy and science. © P.B. SO SPECIAL 4 - The Hoge Kempen National Park So special - 5 © R.V.B. TERHILLS Surprising landscape of “hills and lakes” Slag heaps with panoramic views p. 52

© E.C. NOT TO BE MISSED • Most beautiful panorama of Flanders • Climbing the pit head • Mining cité • Playground • National Park Visitor Center • ECOTRON Hasselt University © A.M. © E.C. © L.D. 6 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Discover Terhills - 7 © E.C.

© E.C. KATTEVENNEN © G.v.G. © Y.A. Forests | Patches of heathland | Hidden gem gravel lake ‘Papendaal’ p. 54 NOT TO BE MISSED • Cosmodrome • Mini-golf • Stone path • Playground • Heempark • Unique picnic spot ‘Corpus’ • New: Stokkenmannenroute • Watchtower (from autumn) © G.v.G. © E.C. 8 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Discover Kattevennen - 9 © E.C. LIETEBERG © E.C. ©R.V.B. Forests on a gentle slope | Patches of heathland p. 56 Juniper berries | Silence NOT TO BE MISSED • ‘Blotevoetenpad’ (Barefeet Path) • Entomopolis • Butterfly Dome • Insect path • ‘Zwarteput’ quiet area • Recreation area Papendaalheide

MECHELSE HEIDE © E.C. Top spot for heathland | Highest natural point of the National Park p. 58

NOT TO BE MISSED • Walking through heathland • ‘Zandloperpad’ (Tiger Beetle Path) • Wide panoramic views • ‘Kikbeekbron’ (source of the Kikbeek) • New from spring 2020: Beestige Boelbos © M.D. © Y.A. © A.M. 12 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Discover Mechelse Heide - 13 NOT TO BE MISSED • Historic ‘Waterburcht’ (moated castle) • Petting zoo • Lotte & Giel’s House © K.V. PIETERSHEIM • ‘Kabouterpad’ (Gnomes’ Path) Majestic beech-lined lanes • Playground p. 60 Forests where you can hear a pin drop | Mirroring bogs © A.M. © E.C. • Two Premium walks

© I.A. © E.C. © E.C. © E.C. 14 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Discover Pietersheim - 15 © R.V.B. AS RAILWAY © Stories by light © L.S. Vast forests | Fields p. 62 STATIONKempen plateau slopes | ‘Bosbeek’ Valley

NOT TO BE MISSED • Watch tower • Miniature train • Geological wall • Play Woods © RVB © A.M. © A.M. • Cycling from gate to gate 16 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Discover Station As - 17 © E.C. DUINENGORDEL Panorama from the tallest land dune | heathland | fens | forests p. 64 © KDL © K.T. NOT TO BE MISSED • Oudsberg, tallest land dune • Joekelbos • Pole camping • Picnic decks at the water’s edge • Ford for horses • Mountain biking and nature runs

© KT © R.V. © K.T. 18 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Discover Duinengordel - 19 NOT TO BE MISSED © R.V.B. BERGERVEN • Kapel van de Weerstand (chapel) ponds | large grazers | steep slopes-canal • Volmolen (mill) p. 68 pine forest © E.C. © E.C. • Dorpermolen (mill)

NOT TO BE MISSED • Imposing mine buildings • Renewed Steenmannetjespad (path), incl. app • Heiderbos (forest) • Mine depot • Stiemerbeekvallei (valley) • LABIOMISTA

AUTUMN SPRING 1. Autumn walk in ‘Pietersheim’, including a visit to the historic ‘Waterburcht’ (moated castle) 1. Crispy green forest hikes in ‘Pietersheim’ Picking mushrooms in ‘Kattevennen’ or As Railway Station 2. 3. Indian summer and panoramic views in ‘Thorpark’ 2. ‘Connecterra’ spoil tip walk: don’t miss the blossoming of the colourful flowers 3. Horseback riding trips

SUMMER WINTER 1. Hike on the ‘Mechelse Heide’ heathland in August/September 1. Watching a film in the Cosmodrome and gazing at the stars 2. An invigorating walk on the ‘Blotevoetenpad’ (Barefeet Path) 2. Entomopolis: learn interactively about the fascinating life of insects 3. Cycle ride through the cool forests of the National Park 3. Top season for mountain biking © E.C. 24 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Must do’s - 25 HIKING “There is no wifi in the forest but we promise a better connection”

The National Park invites you to walk: dark green forests, Changing loops thanks to the hiking switches vast heathland, mirroring fens, no wonder hiking is so If you prefer all the freedom of choice, you can easily healthy! Depending on the season or conditions, you can combine the loops thanks to the hiking switches. choose one of the 51 signposted loops and set off without These mark the places where loops cross each other. a care in the world. If you want to combine loops, the These intersections have their own numbers, indi- hiking switches allow you to do just that. cated both on the wooden pole and on the walking Walking in the National Park is a breeze. At each star- map. To walk up to another hiking switch loop, simply ting point, you will see signposted routes that give you choose the coloured symbol of a hiking loop, in the one last nudge in the right direction. Each loop has its direction of that switch. In this way, countless options own symbol that is displayed on wooden posts en rou- arise in one large network, beyond the boundaries of te. Sometimes, you have to follow a connection piece the various hiking areas. A walking map of the area is to your chosen loop first. Although a hiking map is an indispensable guide then. not really necessary, we can only recommend one! This way, you are well informed about the area you explore and you can see where you are walking at any time. It HIKING 1-2-3 is impossible to get lost! TIP 1 Select one of the set-distance loops If you want to choose particular trails, then visit Purchase the regional map of the Hoge Kempen 2 Create your own hike with the hiking switches www.wandeleninlimburg.be (€ 8) which shows all areas of the Hoge Kempen, incl. the hiking switches. 3 Select the long-distance trail for a multi-day hike p. 50

Dogs are welcome in the National Park! With a few exceptions, they can join you on all trails. In addition, there are eight dedicated dog play areas where they can come off the leash and let off steam. These are enclosed areas located along the signposted hiking loops. WHERE? Wandelgebied Mechelse Heide • Gateway ‘Mechelse Heide’ >> Between hiking switches 41 and 42 • Gateway ‘Mechelse Heide’ >> Between hiking switches 45 and 46 • Starting point ‘Kikmolen’ >> Between hiking switches 52 and 53 Hiking area ‘Pietersheim’ • Starting point La Butte aux Bois >> Between hiking switches 63 and 64 Hiking area Bergerven © E.C. © J.S. • Starting point Kapel van de Weerstand >> at the car park Hiking area Oudsberg: PREMIUM! DID YOU KNOW • Starting point Cemetery Opglabbeek All areas of the National Park have their particular >> between hiking switches 195 and 196 Sweet gale: leaves were used as a substitute for charm, but two trails deserve special attention. • Starting point Phil Bosmansplein hops in beer. Rub the leaves against each other In ’Pietersheim’, two hiking trails were awarded a >> between hiking switches 202 and 203 premium label by the German Wanderinstitut. and smell the fine fragrance they release. Allow us to introduce them to you. Hiking area Donderslag: • Starting point Donderslagweg ‘Pietersheim’ Wood ‘Pietersheim’ Heide >> between hiking switches 224 and 225 Start: Gateway ’Pietersheim’ Start: starting point Hostellerie La Butte aux Bois WHERE NOT? A number of areas are grazed by horses and cattle. Symbol: Symbol: Therefore, the caretakers do not allow dogs to enter Distance: 11,4 km Distance: 11,4 km those areas (not even on a leash). Not to be missed: spring blooms in the castle park Not to be missed: Flowering heathland • ‘Mechelse Heide’ – Starting point ‘Kikmolen’ campsite: green and blue walks The red walk takes you across the site of the historic Attention: dogs not allowed © J.S. ‘Waterburcht’ (moated castle) and castle park, past TIP • ‘Pietersheim’ – Starting point La Butte In the north of ‘Pietersheim’, you come to the valuable majestic beech-lined lanes to the vastness of ‘Pie- aux Bois: purple walk areas ‘Zijpbeek’ Valley and ‘Neerharerheide’. You can The dedicated dog play areas are also indicated tersembos’. The delightful ‘Asbeek’ brook adds extra expect fragrant sweet gale shrubs, beautiful views, on the hiking maps of the ‘Mechelse Heide’ and • Bergerven – Starting points Ketelstraat and Kapel variation and the newly constructed timber path allows peace and quiet, as well as space in one of the quietest ‘Pietersheim’ hiking areas. van de Weerstand: you to explore this piece with dry feet. Don’t forget to and most beautiful spots of the National Park. The >> between hiking switches 158 and 164 take a break in the original woodland lounge ... p. 50 heathland blossoms burst open from mid-August (Ruige laarzenpad) onwards. 28 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Hiking - 29 No long-distance path in Flanders is asphalted less – trekkings.be - TOP SIX PICNIC SPOTS It is wonderful to discover a bench on a bike or hiking trip and to rest your limbs, enjoy the view or have a picnic. Along all trails, you will find benches and picnic tables and © J.S. beautiful views all thrown in for free. For a picnic in style, LONG-DISTANCE HIKE we suggest the following places: The long-distance hike, which connects five gateways over • ‘Connecterra’ NATURE FOR EVERYONE a 75K distance, can be spread over three or four days. At the top of the ‘long’ spoil tip, you will not only have lunch overlooking the most beautiful panorama It’s the National Park’s mission to make nature The walk will allow you to explore the National Park of Flanders, but it is also the highest picnic spot of experienceable and accessible to everyone, and its spacious surroundings. In ‘Pietersheim’ and the National Park. including those who, because of a disability, are ‘Mechelse Heide’, you walk in the heart of the Natio- >> Between hiking switches 4 and 6 nal Park with its forests and heathland. At As Railway dependent on wheelchairs, or families with small Station, you only walk in the National Park for some of • ‘Kattevennen’ children in a stroller. In the picnic place Corpus, designed by the nature the distance, but you will be able to enjoy the beautiful ‘Mechelse Heide’ Bosbeek Valley. In ‘Lieteberg’ and ’Kattevennen’, you artist Will Beckers, you are seated in a large open • Zandloperpad (Tiger Beetle Trail): a paved path can admire the beautiful southern edge of the Hoge circle in the woods, nicely and closely together, of 1.5 km that guides you through a former Kempen. The trail is signposted with the National Park surrounded by a sculpture overgrown with wooden sand quarry converted into a mini-national symbol in two directions. Use the regional map of the branches. You can even order a picnic basket park with all kinds of biotopes, including a bird Hoge Kempen as a guide. Thanks to the hiking switches >> Right behind the tourist reception watch wall and a wooden deck and the other hiking trails, you can make your hikes as • ‘Pietersheim’ ‘Duinengordel’ long or as short as you like! A place that exudes history is undoubtedly the 12th • Joekelbos (750 m) Staying overnight within walking distance? century ‘Waterburcht’ (moated castle) of ‘Pietersheim’. ‘Pietersheim’ On our website, you will find a handy overview map of >> Between hiking switches 77 and 75 • ‘Kabouterpad’ (Gnomes’ Path) (2.8 km, pro- the accommodation options. • ‘Mechelse Heide’ vided you just follow the green trail between Before you take to the heathlands, you can have your hiking switches 65 and 77 ) sandwiches on the picnic meadow at the starting • Green walk (3.7 km) place. There are even several benches, which is • ‘Waterburcht’ (moated castle) SAVE THE DATE! handy if you are in a big group! >> At hiking switch 39 or cycling junction 60 • Playground with a few adapted devices ‘Connecterra’ Save the date! In 2022 we will extend the • ‘Lieteberg’ • Paved 1.5K path to the large pond long-distance hike to a trail of 100km. You can At the foot of the heather-rich ‘Bezoensberg’, you are come and hike it during the Hiking Festival in the shade of the trees. Also look out for the big • Reception desk from 3 to 6 June. silence stone for a poetic message. ‘Lieteberg’ >> Between hiking switches 97 and 99 or between • Entomopolis junctions 532 and 62 ‘Kattevennen’ • ‘Duinengordel’ • Cosmodrome DID YOU KNOW At the Ruiterskuilen fen, a wooden deck suspended • Reception desk We have deliberately chosen not to have litter bins above the water from the shore. As you can enjoy in the National Park, except at the gateways. You the silence here, this is the ideal stopping place during a hike or cycling tour. DID YOU KNOW can do your bit by keeping your waste on you and 33 70 throwing it away at the starting points. That saves >> between junctions and or via the yellow The Ranger activity ‘Nature experience for people us on maintenance costs! and blue walking loop in the Donderslag area (Op- with disabilities’ is tailored to everyone’s needs. © K.D.L. glabbeek). 30 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Hiking - 31 © E.C. WHERE TO GO FOR?

Silence Fragrant pine forests © E.C. • ‘Lieteberg’: blue walk, 8.1 km • ‘Bergerven’: blue walk, 7 km (Gateway ’Lieteberg’) • ‘Kattevennen’: yellow walk, 11.5 km • ‘Oudsberg’: yellow walk, 10.5 km (Gateway ’Kattevennen’) Heathland Spoil tips • ‘Mechelse Heide’: yellow walk, 5.5 km • ‘Connecterra’: blue walk 3.9 km (Gateway ’Mechelse Heide’) (Gateway ’Connecterra’) • ‘Pietersheim’: purple walk, 11.4 km • ‘Thorpark’: blue walk, 7.6 km (Starting point La Butte aux Bois) TIP: follow the Steenmannetjespad to the top of the spoil tip. Water and views • ‘Connecterra’: yellow walk, 10.9 km Dunes (Gateway ’Connecterra’) • ‘Duinengordel ‘(Oudsberg): blue and yellow walk, 7,6 km • ‘Mechelse Heide’: blue walk, 5 km TIP: follow the yellow route that leads you over the (Starting point Kikmolen campsite) Oudsberg between hiking switches 194 and 198 . • ‘Duinengordel’ (Donderslag): yellow walk, 11 km • ‘Thorpark’: purple walk, 8,5 km (starting point (starting point Leemkuilstraat, 3660 Oudsbergen Moorsberg) (Opglabbeek)) More info about the trails can be found on www.wandeleninlimburg.be.

YOU EXPERIENCE

MORE WITH A RANGER © K.V.L. MUST DO’S © RLKM © A.M. • National Park in a nutshell: discover the National Park’s beautiful spots BOOK YOUR RANGER CALENDER and extraordinary nature! Together with the Rangers, you can discover the Na- If there are not enough of you to form a group, no pro- • Take a look behind the scenes of st rd tional Park in a relaxed, sometimes active, but always blem, because every 1 and 3 Sunday of the month, a the Ecotron, a high-tech climate surprising way. Most activities involve hiking, but you Ranger waits at one of the gateways*. You only pay a research installation of Hasselt can also book a cycling Ranger or one on horseback. small participation fee of € 2 per person or € 5 per fa- University. For people with disabilities, there are adapted activities. mily. Advance registration is required (Dutch spoken). As long as you book three weeks in advance, you can Go to www.nationaalpark.be/kalender for an overview determine the date, time and location yourself. Ticket of all activities and register! prices vary from € 60 to € 90 per Ranger (except GPS treasure hunt), depending on the activity selected. Each Ranger can take a group of about 25 people. * subject to the applicable corona measures On www.nationaalpark.be, you will find a complete overview of what’s on offer, and you can also make your reservation online.

34 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Rangers - 35 36 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Overview map - 37 CHILDREN IN CHARGE TIP Have you heard of the B’Oscars? This is the main prize for natural talents from 7 years upwards in the National Park! You can win this prize by taking the IZI.TRAVEL app and the special B’Oscar booklet with you on your hike. A booklet costs €2.50 and is availableat the gateways Lieteberg, Pietersheim, Kattevennen, Station As, Terhills and Mechelse Heide. More info can be found at: www.nationaalpark.be.

Play zones Ranger for children (Dutch spoken) Playing in nature, what’s not to like, right?! The Agency • Junior Ranger: carry out all assignments and become for Nature and Forests has designated play zones in a Junior Ranger © Stad Genk the National Park, where you can stray from the paths • National Park Safari: Play and explore to your heart’s and play freely. You can even build camps or ropes content in hidden spots in the National Park Long hiking and biking tours may be less exciting courses, as long as you remove all constructions after for children, but at each gateway, there is plenty the activity and restore the forest to its original state. • Experience nature at its best: learn to discover nature with all your senses. to do for children of all ages. Two of these play zones are extra fun and allow child- ‘Terhills’ ren to get to know the National Park and its inhabi- Info & reservation: www.nationaalpark.be • Play pit tants in a playful way. ‘Pietersheim’ Joekelbos • Petting farm The Joekelbos in Duinengordel is the largest adventure • Lotte & Giel’s House forest in Flanders: 10 game modules, wooden animals, • ‘Kabouterpad’ (Gnomes’ Path) play dunes with water and shelters waiting to be • Playground explored! The paved path is wheelchair- and stroller-ac- ‘Kattevennen’ cessible. • Playground • Mini-golf p. 65 © A.M. • Cosmodrome (all-weather attraction) • Stokkenmanroute Beestige Boelbos As Railway Station • Play Woods In the Beestige Boelbos on the Mechelse Heide, child- • Miniature train ren (and their parents) can get to know some of the • Watch tower animal species of the National Park and their typical behaviour on a short 2 km walk. ‘Lieteberg’ • ‘Blotevoetenpad’ (Barefeet Path) By means of seven game modules, they will be chal- • Entomopolis (all-weather attraction, Dutch spoken) lenged to crawl like snakes, jump like deer and waddle ‘Duinengordel’ like lizards, ... A climbing tree and water feature will © A.M. complete the fun! TIP • The Oudsberg game: free smartphone game with activities Book a Ranger for a perfect birthday party! © A.M. • Multimovepath park Itterdal p. 59 38 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Children in charge - 39 With the exception of the trails in the East Cantons, BY BIKE YOU DON’ T there is no longer mountain bike trail in our country. - www.mountainbike.be - MISS A THING © K.T. Thanks to the cycling route network, you can easily work out a route yourself. The network stretches well beyond MOUNTAIN BIKING the Hoge Kempen. The tracks are of a high quality and The ‘Hoge Kempen’ lives up to its name and offers car-free wherever possible. The clean air in the woods is the sporty cyclist plenty of options. The steep edge, thrown in for free. Why not stop at one of the gateways the transition between the Meuse Valley and the or a welcoming terrace on the way? Kempen Plateau, means that there are often challen- © Toerisme Limburg Suggested Route National Park ging climbs and slopes with a difference in altitude of up to 45 m. Mountain bikers have a choice of 10 sign- This long route is the best way to discover the different posted loops, with routes ranging from 16 to 80 km in landscapes of the Hoge Kempen. In addition, it passes varying degrees of difficulty. With the 80 km marathon five of the six gateways. The share of car-free cycle pa- route, most of which is unpaved, the advanced cyclists ths over the former railway line from As to Maaseik, or NEW: are certainly well catered for. You can also easily join the the towpath along the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal, among northern routes of the National Park in Duinengordel. CYCLING THROUGH other things, is definitely an advantage. Although the route mainly runs through woodland areas, you can Plot your unpaved course via two loops around the THE HEATHLAND! catch a glimpse of the open heathland here and there. Oudsberg or the steep edge of the Kempen Plateau. This is certainly the case when you cycle along the ‘Kik- The Duinengordel course is 40 kilometres long in total, From this summer on you will be able to beek’ source, between junctions 61 and 550. but with all the loops in the rest of the National Park, cycle right through the National Park on the © A.M. you can do rides of up to 200 km. Junctions: 41 – 501 – 42 – 44 – 48 – 55 – 60 – 61 TIP renovated route between junctions 550 and 551 550 252 532 251 534 (Maasmechelen). A monumental bridge of al- – – – 62 – – 64 – – – 29 – 30 – For more track suggestions, More information can be found on www.nationaalpark.be. 535 565 most 300 meters long - made of durable wood – – 41 consult the National Park’s themed - allows you to enjoy beautiful views over the bike map. When you book a cycling p. 51 Distance: 58,7 km heath landscape and ensures a safe crossing of package, you will receive this map p. 51 the ‘Weg naar Zutendaal’. Recommended starting point: Station As 41 for free!

40 - The Hoge Kempen National Park By Bike You Don’ T Miss A Thing - 41 © A.M.

The National Park boasts 140 km of track, specifically dedicated to horse-riding and horse-drawn vehicles, and 85% of which is unpaved. These tracks link into a TIPS network via junctions, which makes it easy to create • Riders and drivers of horse-drawn carriages are your own trip. From the riding schools in the area, you welcome on all tracks. Only where there are lock can set off on your own tailor-made trip. En route, you systems, only one pair of horses can pass. will find the necessary resting points and accommoda- • Since tracks can be swampy in winter, some tion options. driver experience is needed. The equestrian route network of the Hoge Kempen • Due to forest exploitation, agricultural use, and National Park fits seamlessly into the equestrian net- suchlike, diversions and adjustments to the rou- work of the Limburg Kempen. This way, you can extend tes on the map are possible. Please visit www. your trip effortlessly. The Limburg equestrian map inclu- nationaalpark.be to avoid unpleasant surprises. des no less than 550 km of equestrian track, including the equestrian network of the Hoge Kempen. • If you still encounter any problems along the way, On www.paardenprovincie.be, you will find all the please report them on [email protected]. information for a carefree trip on horseback. • The equestrian track does not, or very rarely, Suggestion: overlap with walking and/or cycling paths. Junctions: 10 – 108 – 41 – 121 - 39 - 32 - 52 - 135 – If they do, always give priority to walkers and 10 cyclists, because not everyone feels safe near a horse. Distance: 24,1 km • Would you like a Ranger to come along on hor- Starting place: Orshof, Heymansweg 2, 3670 Oudsbergen seback? No problem! You can take a guided day EXPLORE THE AREA trip through the National Park with a Ranger on Trot through woods and fields and give your horse a unique barefoot experience at the ford (between 10 and horseback (Dutch spoken). 108 ) p. 34 © A.M. ON HORSEBACK p. 51 42 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Explore The Area On Horseback - 43 MUST DO • Heritage walk in Thorpark - 11 km - starting point Thorpark, André Dumontlaan 67, 3600 Genk • Oudsberg Walk - 7,1 km - between hiking switches 194 and AWAITING 198, follow the yellow route - starting point Zavelbos, Kruising Weg to Opoeteren and Bergeindestraat, 3660 Opglabbeek

© UHasselt L.D. © E.C. • Dorpermolen RECOGNITION  May, June and September: every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 1 July to 31 August: Saturday and Sunday from 2 READ HISTORY WHAT PROGRESS p.m. to 5 p.m  In certain places in the Hoge Kempen, you can see HAS BEEN MADE? toerisme.maaseik.be/watermolens thousands of years of history in one glance. Because In January 2018, an elaborate application file was • Garden district Walk Eisden man has always had a great influence on the lands- submitted to UNESCO for the first time. This propo- - 5 km - starting point ‘Connecterra’ gateway cape, what you see today is never ‘pure nature’. Cen- sal was assessed in 2019 by experts from all over the From May onwards, you can use turies of farmers scraping off the top soil and sheep world. This resulted in a wealth of information that is the heritage app on your walk grazing ensure that you can still admire vast purple currently being processed. We will examine how to best through the garden suburb! heathland during your trip through the Hoge Kempen. address the comments of these experts. Mining has also left its mark on the landscape. From • Museum Mine worker’s cottage the spoil tips, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of They were already very impressed by the great care that Marie Joséestraat 3, the garden cities. Be surprised by this patchwork in the region takes of its heritage, and the determination 3630 Maasmechelen (Eisden)  which geology, historical land use and industrial deve- of the municipalities and nature heritage associations from April to September: Saturdays and lopment can be read as an open book. The pages are to manage this exceptional story. Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. / October to March: only Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. / all still visible, and that’s what makes the Hoge Kem- It is difficult to predict what the outcome will be, but, pen unique in a densely populated Western Europe. closed on public holidays with or without recognition, the area is well worth a vi-  Free admission - Groups: possible to book a sit! We have already selected some highlights that you guide (groups of up to 15 people) can’t afford to miss. On www.nationaalpark.be, you will find a broader overview of the relevant heritage sites. © E.C.

44 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Awaiting Recognition - 45 © A.M. © L.A.

MANAGEMENT FOR MORE AND BETTER NATURE The National Park is a large and diverse area, and home The forest roads often suffer a lot during felling, Help, there’s a fire?! Angus cattle and even donkeys. They are self-reliant to over 7,000 plant and animal species. And yet, many especially in wetter periods. Not pleasant for walkers, breeds that can live in the area all year round without can use a boost. That is where the Agency for Nature and but this damage is always repaired after the work is The controlled burning of heathland is a useful tech- much help. They look dangerous, but if you stick to a Forests comes in, which looks to improve nature and takes completed. nique to prevent pests and rejuvenate heather. Early few basic rules, you have nothing to fear: don’t challen- many initiatives to achieve exactly that. spring is the best time to do this. A slow fire means ge the animals, keep enough distance and don’t feed Dead wood generates life that animals can flee and species continue to live in them. Dogs are not allowed on walks in grazing areas. Felling trees for better forests Even trees don’t live for ever. Sooner or later, they die. the wet soil. Fire is a natural process in nature and Don’t be alarmed when you see trees being felled. Nevertheless, a dead tree is invaluable to the forest makes a lot of new life possible. A controlled fire never Wildlife management Many forests in the National Park were created for, since many animals find their home, breeding place lasts longer than 3 hours and the fire brigade is always The main reason for hunting is to keep wildlife po- among others, the mining industry. They are actually and food there. Also mushrooms are usually found present. pulations under control and prevent damage. In the monotonous plantations, not so interesting for nature. on dead wood. Branches broken off by the wind or Attention: heathland and woods are very sensitive to National Park, the hunt is mainly focused on wild boar Targeted harvesting makes these forests more varied, dead trees are often deliberately left where they belong: fire and an uncontrolled fire can cause a lot of damage. and deer. Hunting is subject to strict conditions, so so that, for example, more birds can come to nest. in the forest. Extra caution in dry periods is called for. for example, hunting is not allowed in large areas or is only possible for a short period of time. In addition, some species, such as the Black Cherry Counting sheep? Other management works to rejuvenate the heathland and the Northern Red Oak, are a true scourge in the occur mainly in winter, such as mowing, chipping or More information about management can be found on Hoge Kempen. By felling these exotic species, indi- Don’t be surprised when you see a herd of sheep scraping off top soil. In order to prevent heather from www.nationaalpark.be genous trees can prevail once more. The presence of grazing on the ‘Mechelse Heide’ during your walk. growing dense, spontaneous tree storage must be common oak, Rowan or mountain ash and birch also The shepherd and his dog will be nearby. Sheep move reduced on a regular basis. bring additional plant and animal species back into the from place to place and graze until all the grass is forest. gone. That is where new heath and other plants will Large grazers! grow. Otherwise, lots of trees and tall grass would grow there, which is not very useful to many species. To increase the variety in the landscape and thus the The sheep have food in abundance, even in winter. number of plant and animal species in the National Park, the manager calls on Norwegian fjord horses, 46 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Management For More And Better Nature - 47 © L.D.

SCIENCE EVERYWHERE!

Science occupies an important place not only in ‘Connecterra‘, but at the other gateways, too! For example, a measuring tower on the ‘Mechelse Heide‘ permanently collects data on the weather conditions and the composition of the air. More specifically, the concentrations of

substances (such as CO²) responsible for climate change are measured. This measuring tower is part of a European network (ICOS) of almost 100 such measuring stations. The measuring tower in Maasmechelen is the only measuring point in Europe that is situated in a heath biotope. Moreover, ‘Lieteberg‘ has been recognised as a knowledge centre for beekeeping. In addition to providing advice to both novice and experienced beekeepers, the centre is also designed to build a scientific bridge between research centres and beekeepers in the field. For more information, please visit www.lieteberg.be In ‘Kattevennen‘, you can find all kinds of fun science/technology/engineering/maths-related workshops where astronomy and space travel are central. For more information, please visit SCIENCE IN www.kattevennen.be THE NATIONAL PARK ECOTRON & THE FIELD The Field Research Centre is also an educational meet- MAPPING SPECIES The wild boar is everywhere nowadays in Flanders, in- ing place for students, pupils and visitors to the Hoge cluding the National Park, which contains a protected RESEARCH CENTRE Kempen National Park alike. Of course, the National Park is also the ideal place to area of nature in a very densely populated environ- explore biodiversity, or the richness of species. Rese- ment. There are several parties involved in the presen- In ‘Connecterra‘, together with the brand new Want to know more? Discover the “Ecotron behind arch in the National Park is currently focusing on a ce and management of the wild-boar population in the ECOTRON, the Field Research Centre forms Hasselt the scenes”-activity with a Ranger. The Ranger will take number of well-known and lesser-known key species of National Park, such as managers, farmers, hunters, University’s scientific base in the Hoge Kempen Nati- you along and let you in on the secrets of this unique this region, such as the European nightjar (Caprimul- nature lovers, etc. By using traps and examining their onal Park. Here, national and international scientists climate research installation of Hasselt University. gus europeaus) and the wild boar (Sus scrofa). traces, researchers map the distribution and behaviour conduct research into the effects of climate change on of the wild-boar population, and it is possible to study our environment and our biodiversity. After all, in the Little is known about the behaviour of the nightjar, the impact of, among others, hunting and recreation 12 domes of ECOTRON, the climate of the future is si- which lives in the Limburg heathland in summer. on the behaviour of this species. mulated to see what the effects are on our unique and Researchers, therefore, study the breeding behaviour, native heathland vegetation. Particularly what is happe- habitat use and migration routes of this protected spe- ning underground is of great scientific importance. cies. Thanks to initiatives like these, the European con- servation objectives of this species can be achieved. This will ensure not only the survival of this vulnerable species, but also that of other plant and animal species that occur in the same area of the nightjar. 48 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Science in the National Park - 49 CYCLING MOUNTAIN BIKING 300 km | 3 themed trails 200 km | 10 loops EXPLORING:

PRACTICAL MTB MAP

(only available

1/06/15 14:57 1/06/15 1 150505_wandelkaart_Bergerven.indd

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Kempens Plateau. Zo ontstonden enkele grote ‘meren’ met met ‘meren’ grote enkele ontstonden Zo Plateau. Kempens www.natuurpunt.be of www.natuurpuntlimburg.be of www.natuurpunt.be

van tientallen verlaten verlaten tientallen van ontginning van de ‘woeste gronden’. gronden’. ‘woeste de van ontginning schuiloord voor verzetslieden van het “Geheim Leger”. Op 3 3 Op Leger”. “Geheim het van verzetslieden voor schuiloord

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natuurreservaat uit uit natuurreservaat

- Driepaalhoe De Dilsen-Stokkem).

tenis van de 130 verzetsstrijders uit de “Sector Maaseik, schuil- Maaseik, “Sector de uit verzetsstrijders 130 de van tenis Price: € 3,00 Price: € 6,00

- ach grindpakket dik een vroeger hier liet Maasmeander Een Natuurpunt vzw Natuurpunt

in twee. Natuurpunt bouwt hier van bron tot monding een een monding tot bron van hier bouwt Natuurpunt twee. in en Dilsen (nu deelgemeenten van van deelgemeenten (nu Dilsen en - nagedach ter opgericht Weerstand” de van “Kapel de Rotem

: info Meer

diep door het Kempens Plateau en deelt het als het ware ware het als het deelt en Plateau Kempens het door diep

deelgemeente van Maaseik), Rotem Rotem Maaseik), van deelgemeente

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lidworden. 5

voor de bouw van watermolens: 16 in totaal. De vallei snijdt snijdt vallei De totaal. in 16 watermolens: van bouw de voor sen de gemeenten Opoeteren (nu (nu Opoeteren gemeenten de sen

over en ontdek hoe je lid wordt op www.natuurpunt.be/ op wordt lid je hoe ontdek en over

kent ze een verval van 50 meter, wat haar geschikt maakt maakt geschikt haar wat meter, 50 van verval een ze kent Kapel van de Weerstand de van Kapel - tus grenspaal arduinen driehoekige 7

(Tösch-Langeren) ligt net ten noorden van de zichtlijn. de van noorden ten net ligt (Tösch-Langeren) om de natuur te ontdekken en te beleven. Lees er alles alles er Lees beleven. te en ontdekken te natuur de om

(Maaseik) in de Maas te stromen. Over die korte afstand, afstand, korte die Over stromen. te Maas de in (Maaseik) Dit toponiem verwijst naar een een naar verwijst toponiem Dit

de dorpen Elen en Rotem). Het GrensPark Kempen~Broek Kempen~Broek GrensPark Het Rotem). en Elen dorpen de per jaar voor het hele gezin en biedt heel wat voordelen voordelen wat heel biedt en gezin hele het voor jaar per

en Neeroeteren, om 22 km verder ter hoogte van Aldeneik Aldeneik van hoogte ter verder km 22 om Neeroeteren, en

vliegtuigen.

het kanaal naar het RivierPark Maasvallei (in de richting van van richting de (in Maasvallei RivierPark het naar kanaal het méér natuur beschermen! Het lidgeld bedraagt 24 euro euro 24 bedraagt lidgeld Het beschermen! natuur méér

De Bosbeek ontspringt in As, stroomt door de dorpen Op- Op- dorpen de door stroomt As, in ontspringt Bosbeek De Driepaal 9 - zweef met geruisloos nachts ‘s

de grindmeren aan de voet van de steilrand, en verder, over over verder, en steilrand, de van voet de aan grindmeren de Ook jij kan helpen, want met jouw steun kunnen we we kunnen steun jouw met want helpen, kan jij Ook

passeerden de verdedigingsgordel verdedigingsgordel de passeerden

zichtpunt op de rand van het Kempens Plateau. Je kijkt uit over over uit kijkt Je Plateau. Kempens het van rand de op zichtpunt aliseerde publiek en door het lobbyen bij beleidsmakers. beleidsmakers. bij lobbyen het door en publiek aliseerde

Bosbeekvallei 2 As-Maaseik in de jaren ‘90 omgevormd tot een fietspad. een tot omgevormd ‘90 jaren de in As-Maaseik nen bewijzen. De Duitse troepen troepen Duitse De bewijzen. nen

- uit een is wandelingen, de van hoogtepunt missen te niet Een - gespeci meer en brede het van educatie door biotopen,

het Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland, werd het traject traject het werd Maasland, en Kempen Landschap Regionaal het - kun nooit nut hun hebben oevers

gebieden, het bestuderen en monitoren van soorten en en soorten van monitoren en bestuderen het gebieden,

graan aan te bieden. bieden. te aan graan

de ontwikkeling van het allereerste fietsroute-netwerk door door fietsroute-netwerk allereerste het van ontwikkeling de kanaal- de langs bunkers De II.

natuur in Vlaanderen door het aankopen en beheren van van beheren en aankopen het door Vlaanderen in natuur 4

die nagelaten hadden er hun hun er hadden nagelaten die tot stand en werd uit dienst genomen in 1979. In het kader van van kader het In 1979. in genomen dienst uit werd en stand tot gende Duitse invasie tijdens WO WO tijdens invasie Duitse gende

soorten en landschappen. We beschermen de resterende resterende de beschermen We landschappen. en soorten

aan tegen 36 dorpelingen dorpelingen 36 tegen aan

spoorlijn Hasselt-Maaseik. Deze spoorverbinding kwam in 1874 1874 in kwam spoorverbinding Deze Hasselt-Maaseik. spoorlijn -

INFORMATIONdrei een tegen verdedigingslinie

tot graanmolen en vergroot in 1911, 1924 en 1938. en 1924 1911, in vergroot en graanmolen tot werken voor de bescherming van belangrijke biotopen, biotopen, belangrijke van bescherming de voor werken

de molenaar een proces proces een molenaar de Dwars door het gebied Schootsheide, loopt de voormalige voormalige de loopt Schootsheide, gebied het door Dwars Het kanaal werd ook ingericht als als ingericht ook werd kanaal Het

stinkmolens werden genoemd. De Volmolen werd verbouwd verbouwd werd Volmolen De genoemd. werden stinkmolens zenden vrijwilligers en 400 professionele medewerkers medewerkers professionele 400 en vrijwilligers zenden opbrengst. In 1793 spande spande 1793 In opbrengst.

gens in kruiken werd verzameld. Vandaar dat volmolens ook ook volmolens dat Vandaar verzameld. werd kruiken in gens - Dui Vlaanderen. in natuurvereniging

ruil voor een deel van de de van deel een voor ruil Spoorweg 8 het kanaal bevindt zich een dergelijke “Watering” of vloeiweide. vloeiweide. of “Watering” dergelijke een zich bevindt kanaal het

- mor ’s die urine, men gebruikte was, verkrijgen te makkelijk 000 leden is Natuurpunt de grootste grootste de Natuurpunt is leden 000 88

hun graan te laten malen, in in malen, laten te graan hun onvruchtbare zandgronden te bevloeien. Aan de overzijde van van overzijde de Aan bevloeien. te zandgronden onvruchtbare

- ge zo niet dat Omdat nodig. van de natuur kunnen genieten. Met Met genieten. kunnen natuur de van

boeren waren verplicht hier hier verplicht waren boeren af te tappen en via een slotenstelsel de achterliggende droge en en droge achterliggende de slotenstelsel een via en tappen te af gevangenissen of concentratiekampen gefusilleerd. concentratiekampen of gevangenissen

werking had men ammoniak ammoniak men had werking deren zodat we nu én in de toekomst toekomst de in én nu we zodat deren

molen was een ‘banmolen’: ‘banmolen’: een was molen omringende landschap. Dit liet toe het mineraalrijke kanaalwater kanaalwater mineraalrijke het toe liet Dit landschap. omringende veelal zonder enige vorm van proces, ter plaatse gedood of in in of gedood plaatse ter proces, van vorm enige zonder veelal

- be deze Voor massa. dichte -

Fancy heading out? Vlaan in omgeving natuurlijke hun en - graan Deze Opoeteren. van vaart ter hoogte van Bergerven ligt tussen dijken, hoger dan het het dan hoger dijken, tussen ligt Bergerven van hoogte ter vaart Velen konden vluchten. 130 verzetslieden werden echter, echter, werden verzetslieden 130 vluchten. konden Velen 1944.

den ineengewerkt tot een een tot ineengewerkt den Natuurpunt beschermt planten, dieren dieren planten, beschermt Natuurpunt

1530, het oudste gebouw gebouw oudste het 1530, - Zuid-Willems De opgehoogd. worden ook soms maar worden, zetter erin het schuiloord te overrompelen op 10 september september 10 op overrompelen te schuiloord het erin zetter

- wer weefsel het van vezels

molen, een watermolen uit uit watermolen een molen, Om een kanaal waterpas te laten lopen, moet er vaak gegraven gegraven vaak er moet lopen, laten te waterpas kanaal een Om - be Duitse de slaagde verraad door Vermoedelijk demotiveerd.

hennep gevold, d.w.z. dat de de dat d.w.z. gevold, hennep

- Dorper de ligt Opoeteren

- ge velen werden weersomstandigheden slechte de door én

Natuurpunt vzw vzw Natuurpunt

voor 1775. Er werd vlas en en vlas werd Er 1775. voor

Net achter de kerk van van kerk de achter Net één tot twee weken herleid tot enkele dagen. dagen. enkele tot herleid weken twee tot één wapens boven het schuiloord te droppen niet werd nagekomen nagekomen werd niet droppen te schuiloord het boven wapens

De Volmolen dateert van van dateert Volmolen De

tocht van Maastricht naar ’s Hertogenbosch werd hierdoor van van hierdoor werd Hertogenbosch ’s naar Maastricht van tocht opdagen voor de operatie “Libellule”. Omdat de belofte om om belofte de Omdat “Libellule”. operatie de voor opdagen

Volmolen www.natuurenbos.be

Dorpermolen 3

hervatten. Deze “Zuid-Willemsvaart” werd voltooid in 1826. De De 1826. in voltooid werd “Zuid-Willemsvaart” Deze hervatten. ne mobilisatie afgekondigd. 1.200 verzetslieden kwamen er er kwamen verzetslieden 1.200 afgekondigd. mobilisatie ne 1

In addition to this guide, there are also plenty of maps to guide 50 24 you 74 (0)11 +32 T: through the Koningin Astridlaan 50 bus 5, 3500 Hasselt 3500 5, bus 50 Astridlaan Koningin

Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos – Limburg – Bos en Natuur voor Agentschap

AANDACHTSPUNTEN Meer info: Meer

Natuur en Bos: ‘Meer en betere natuur samen met u.’ u.’ met samen natuur betere en ‘Meer Bos: en Natuur HORSE-RIDING

Zo gaan we voor de missie van het Agentschap voor voor Agentschap het van missie de voor we gaan Zo

Uitgave 2015 – De uitgever is niet verantwoordelijk voor eventuele fouten of wijzigingen. wijzigingen. of fouten eventuele voor verantwoordelijk niet is uitgever De – 2015 Uitgave

tuurbehoud, materiaalproductie, wetenschap,… wetenschap,… materiaalproductie, tuurbehoud, Gilissen Jeroen Verlinde, Vilda-Rollin Adams, Vilda-Yves Cielen, Veerle Christis, Erwin Fotografie: D/2015/8362/9

VOOR MEER TOERISTISCHE INFORMATIE: WWW.TOERISMELIMBURG.BE INFORMATIE: TOERISTISCHE MEER VOOR www.rlkm.be [email protected], e-mail: 78, 56 65 89 +32 Fax: 65, 56 65 89 +32 Tel:

- na belangen: tegengestelde schijnbaar soms tussen wicht

National Park. An overview! The maps can be ordered via www.nationaalpark.be Genk, 3600 – B 87, Winterslagstraat vzw, Maasland en Kempen Landschap Regionaal Schops, Ignace V.U.:

honden niet toegelaten. niet honden

- even een naar streven te taak haar is Het vragen. pelijke

Colofon: Colofon: © E.C. ©

en hou voldoende afstand. Op het ruige laarzenpad zijn zijn laarzenpad ruige het Op afstand. voldoende hou en - maatschap de voor zijn te blind zonder flora, en fauna

altijd en overal aan de leiband, daag de dieren niet uit uit niet dieren de daag leiband, de aan overal en altijd

is het ANB een belangrijke verdediger van de kwetsbare kwetsbare de van verdediger belangrijke een ANB het is meren waar natuur gulzig terugkeert. gulzig natuur waar meren

afspraken na komt, heeft niets te vrezen: honden moeten moeten honden vrezen: te niets heeft komt, na afspraken

en natuur. Bij het duurzaam beheer van de Vlaamse natuur natuur Vlaamse de van beheer duurzaam het Bij natuur. en stilte. Voormalige grindwinningen werden omgevormd tot tot omgevormd werden grindwinningen Voormalige stilte.

kunnen leven. Ze zien er gevaarlijk uit, maar wie enkele enkele wie maar uit, gevaarlijk er zien Ze leven. kunnen

Hoge Kempen om een brug te slaan tussen de gebruiker gebruiker de tussen slaan te brug een om Kempen Hoge heime verzetsleger was. Nu overheerst er vredige rust en en rust vredige er overheerst Nu was. verzetsleger heime

die zonder veel hulp het hele jaar door in het gebied gebied het in door jaar hele het hulp veel zonder die

sidieert onder andere het projectbureau Nationaal Park Park Nationaal projectbureau het andere onder sidieert

gebied tijdens WO II een belangrijk schuiloord voor het ge het voor schuiloord belangrijk een II WO tijdens gebied 200 km | 85% unpaved track

runderen en konikpaarden. Het zijn zelfredzame rassen rassen zelfredzame zijn Het konikpaarden. en runderen

- sub ANB Het gecreëerd. natuur voor draagvlak groter flink geklommen worden. Geen toeval dat dit uitgestrekte uitgestrekte dit dat toeval Geen worden. geklommen flink

hoogland- Schotse door helpen zich vzw Landschap burgs or for sale at from the reception desk at the gateways. een wordt partners verschillende met samenwerking loper van het Kempens Plateau. Er moet dan ook af en toe toe en af ook dan moet Er Plateau. Kempens het van loper

- Lim laat vergroten, te leeft er dat diersoorten en ten-

natie van de uitvoering van de beleidsmaatregelen. Door Door beleidsmaatregelen. de van uitvoering de van natie - uit noordelijke de om het gaat feite In gelegen. heuvelkam

- plan aantal het dus en landschap het in afwisseling de Om

- coördi en sturing voor ze zorgt en bosbeleid en natuur- vallei, lijken de dennenbossen van Bergerven wel op een een op wel Bergerven van dennenbossen de lijken vallei,

Naast beheer staat het ANB in voor de realisatie van het het van realisatie de voor in ANB het staat beheer Naast - Bosbeek de westen ten en Maasvallei de oosten het in Met

GROTE GRAZERS GROTE

GEBIEDSINFORMATIE

zo’n 74.000 hectare bos- en natuurgebied. en bos- hectare 74.000 zo’n

Phegeavlinder

N 75 N

domeinen. Aangezien het Agentschap ook anderen helpt helpt anderen ook Agentschap het Aangezien domeinen.

beheert 42.300 hectare eigen bossen, natuurgebieden en en natuurgebieden bossen, eigen hectare 42.300 beheert

Brem

Pannenhuisstraat P

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ILSEN en de ontwikkeling van natuur, bossen en groen. en bossen natuur, van ontwikkeling de en

Dornerstationstraat Driepaalweg

aan het behoud, de bescherming bescherming de behoud, het aan D ORNE

Vlaamse overheid, werkt elke dag dag elke werkt overheid, Vlaamse

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bijna 6 km² een ‘Natuurinrichtingsproject’ opgezet. Dit Dit opgezet. ‘Natuurinrichtingsproject’ een km² 6 bijna FOREL, die hier werd geïntroduceerd, voelt zich hier thuis, thuis, hier zich voelt geïntroduceerd, werd hier die FOREL, bewegwijzerd netwerk van ruim 25 wandelgebieden en en wandelgebieden 25 ruim van netwerk bewegwijzerd

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PLANTEN EN DIEREN EN PLANTEN

NATUURINRICHTING EEN SCHATKAMER VOOR VOOR SCHATKAMER EEN (only available in Dutch)

INDIVIDUAL HIKING MAPS The individual hiking maps and hiking box Scale: 1:15 000 are only available in Dutch. ACCESSIBILITY RULES Price: € 2,50 By following these simple instructions, you, too, can give nature every chance!

REGIONAL MAP (overview map including HIKING BOX long distance walk) Scale: 1:15 000 Scale: 1:38 000 Hikers are Dogs are Mountain bikers, Motorised Fire (camp fire, Do not pick Keep away from welcome on welcome on horseback riders vehicles are not flame torches) plants and semi-wild large roads and paths, a leash, unless and drivers of allowed. does not belong mushrooms. grazers. Price: € 16,00 Price: € 8,00 unless otherwise indicated horse-drawn in nature, is Do not disturb Do not pet or indicated. otherwise. carriages are only dangerous animals. feed them. allowed on the and therefore paths marked for forbidden. them. 50 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Practical Information - 51 H N P H K Terhills Hotel Tip More information Zetellaan 68, 3630 Maasmechelen Want to know more about the Ecotron? T: +32 89 73 09 09 Book a ranger for a behind-the-scenes visit! E: [email protected] www.terhillshotel.com

Ecotron Hasselt University Terhills Resort by Center Parcs When you visit the main gate, you can’t miss the More information Ecotron Hasselt University! Here, scientists study the Nationaal Parklaan 1, 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem impact of climate change on biodiversity, among other www.centerparcs.be/terhills-resort things. Not coincidentally, because the Field Research Center of Hasselt University is also located here. More information Terland Restaurant & Beach National Park Visitor Center More information Nationaal Parklaan 1, 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem Terhills www.terland.be p. 6 © A.M. Besides the special hiking area and the National Park visitor centre, there are other great attractions to discover at Terhills. Whether you come for nature, relaxation Elaisa Energetic Wellness National Park Visitor Center or adventure. You will find it all here! Opening hours ‘TERHILLS’ MAIN GATEWAY More information : every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., reservation required In this visitor centre, you can ask all your questions Zetellaan about the National Park. The children can have fun in www.terhills.be More information 3630 Maasmechelen (Eisden) the playground while you enjoy a drink. Nationaal Parklaan 7, 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem Climb the stairs of the shaft tower. The reward is a uni- T: +32 (0) 89 39 09 96 que view of the surroundings. On the ground floor you Terhills Cablepark & Aquapark E: [email protected] Terhills, main gateway to the National Park was former- can find the photo exhibition that gives you a glimpse Terhills Cablepark: open from Easter holidays to the www.elaisawellness.com ly known as Connecterra. Climb the mining-stone hills into the past of the mine site. autumn half term break and enjoy the “most beautiful panorama in Flanders”. Opening hours Terhills Aquapark: open May to September Maasmechelen Village April to September: every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For exact opening hours, please check on www.terhills- More information October to March: Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. cablepark.be Zetellaan 100, 3630 Maasmechelen Closed on Monday More information: T: from Belgium: 0800 40236, Closed on 01/01, 24 - 25/12 and 31/12 from the Netherlands: 0800 1011771 Nationaal Parklaan 5, 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem E: [email protected] More information E: [email protected] www.maasmechelenvillage.com T: +32 89 44 04 44 www.terhillscablepark.be E: [email protected] www.terhills-nationaalparkhogekempen.be The information on this page may be subject to changes due to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the most current information. 52 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Terhills - 53 Mini-golf Bikepark Kattevennen Opening hours The bike park is for top-class sports mountain bikers, recreational mountain bikers and BMX riders. The April, May, June, and September: weekends and public high-level training suit, the asphalt pumptrack or the holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, school beginner’s trail? You choose what suits you best. holidays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (till closes at 5.30 p.m.) July and August: every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Till Taverne De Krater closes at 5.30 p. m.) Take a rest over a snack and a drink while the children October: Sunday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. romp around on the playground. (till closes at 3.30 p.m.) More information: Ticket prices E: [email protected] Adults: € 4 p.p. www.dekrater.be Children up to 12 years of age: € 3,50 p.p. Groups (from 10 people onwards): € 3 p.p. ‘Heempark’ p. 8 (group visits by appointment, +32 89 65 55 55) © Stad Genk Halfway between the station of Genk and ‘Katteven- Bicycle rental nen’ is ‘Heempark’. Here, you can stroll peacefully Bicycle rental between the various gardens. The playground and Stokkenmanroute farmyard animals will delight the children. GATEWAY ‘KATTEVENNEN’ From Easter to September, during the opening hours The Stokkenmanroute (4.2 km) introduces you to the of the reception desk. Opening hours Planetariumweg 19 mysterious Stokkenmen in the forest with the help of ‘Heempark’: 3600 Genk an app, game booklet or story booklet and takes you Charges Mo - Thur: 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - past the most beautiful places in Kattevennen. € 10 per bike, € 25 per electric bike 5.00 p.m. € 5 per child’s bike, € 1 per child seat, The route, the storybook and app are available at the Fri: 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Reception desk ‘Kattevennen’ Kattevennen visitors’ centre (€5) - only available in More information From 12/07 to 15/08: Opening hours Dutch. www.fietsparadijslimburg.be , Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri: 8.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.; Thur: 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. Monday-Thursday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. online reservation is required Friday: from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (april-october: from 9 Watching stars, For the opening hours of the cafeteria, please visit a.m. to 5 p.m.) www.heempark.be Saturday(*), Sunday and public holidays: from 1 p.m. to spotting comets Riding stable - Eetcafé Kattevenia More information 5 p.m. From 1 October to 31 March, you can find out eve- Here, you can charge your electric bike at the desig- rything about stars, planets, crater strikes and other nated charging station while recharging your own T: +32 (0)89 65 46 15 (*) Closed in November, December, January, February E: [email protected] – www.heempark.be and March celestial bodies in the observatory every clear Saturday batteries with a snack or a drink. evening at 8 p.m. You’ll discover everything there is to More information More information know about big and small crater strikes. Explore the T : +32 89 65 55 55 sky through a super-long telescope. Check the website Kattevennen 12, 3600 Genk E: [email protected] – www.kattevennen.be because the activity only takes place in clear weather. T +32 89 35 49 66, E: [email protected] – www.ruiterclubgenk.be Price: Opening hours Cosmodrome € 3 p.p. Weekdays: from 10 a.m. to midnight, The information on this page may be subject to changes due Please visit www.kattevennen.be for the 360° show Weekends: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the programme and rates. Closed on Mondays most current information. 54 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Kattevennen - 55 p. 10 Entomopolis Opening hours do not miss! From 14/03 - 07/11: daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Looking for additional hiking opportunities near Last ticket sale at 6.00 p.m. Lieteberg? Then you should not miss Papendaal- heide and Munsterbos. From 02/01 - 13/03 and 08/11- 30/12: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recreation area ‘Papendaalheide’ Last ticket sale at 4.00 p.m. Today, this former mining area is a special Ticket prices place where fishermen, divers and BMXers feel Adults: € 6 p.p. at home. This area is located right between Children under 120 cm: € 4 p.p. ‘Kattevennen’ and ‘Lieteberg’, making it an ideal Groups from 20 persons: € 4 p.p. stepping stone between these two gates. Combination ticket Entomopolis + ‘Blotevoetenpad’ Address: Sellerveldstraat, 3690 Zutendaal (Barefeet Path) + Butterfly Dome: Free access from sunrise to sunset Adults: € 9 p.p. Children under 120 cm: € 6,50 p.p. Groups from 20 people: € 6,50 p.p. Munsterbos Advance booking is required. Just across the Albert Canal in neighbouring Bilzen lies the Munsterbos. This southern spur Butterfly Dome of the Kempen, with rich oak forests, ponds and © R.V.B. Entrance: € 2 p.p. reed beds has been part of the National Park Groups from 20 people: € 1 p.p. since 2020. The presence of butterflies is seasonal. The colleagues of the Regional Landscape Haspengouw & Voeren have marked out 2 ‘Blotevoetenpad’ (Barefeet Path) Advance booking is required. walks: - 6,3 km; - 9,7km GATEWAY’ LIETEBERG’ Opening hours Stalkerweg Cafeteria with garden terrace Start: Leroyplein, 3740 Bilzen From 14/03 - 07/11: 3690 Zutendaal daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Opening hours www.wandeleninlimburg.be The ‘Blotevoetenpad’ (Barefeet Path) is open during From 14/03 - 07/11: daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. this period under all weather conditions. From 02/01 - 08/03 and 08/11- 30/12: daily from ‘Lieteberg’ Reception desk Last ticket sale at 5.20 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening hours Ticket prices From 14/03 - 07/11: Adults: € 6 p.p. Bicycle rental daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Children under 120 cm: € 4,50 p.p. Groups from 20 persons: € 4,50 p.p. Opening hours From 02/01 - 13/03 and 08/11 - 30/12: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Combination ticket ‘Blotevoetenpad’ (Barefeet Path) + 15/03 - 15/10, during the opening hours of the ‘Liete- Entomopolis + Butterfly Dome: berg’ reception desk More information Adults: € 9 p.p. Rates Vzw De Lieteberg Children under 120 cm: € 6,50 p.p. © E.C. Bicycle: € 10 T: +32 89 25 50 60 Groups from 20 people : € 6,50 p.p. E: [email protected] Childrens’s bike: € 5 Advance booking is required. Child seat € 1 www.lieteberg.be The information on this page may be subject to changes due Co-pilot tandem (from 5 years) € 20 to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the Reservations: www.fietsparadijslimburg.be most current information. 56 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Lieteberg - 57 p. 12 More information GATEWAY ‘MECHELSE HEIDE’ Zetellaan 35, Eisden - Maasmechelen T: +32 89 76 98 88 Joseph Smeetslaan 280 E: [email protected] 3630 Maasmechelen www.visitmaasmechelen.com

Beestige Boelbos Kikmolen campsite In the Beestige Boelbos on the Mechelse Heide, children Kikmolenstraat 3, (and their parents) can get to know some of the animal 3630 Maasmechelen species of the National Park and their typical behaviour T: +32 89 77 09 00 on a short 2 km walk. www.kikmolen.be By means of seven game modules, they will be challen- ged to crawl like snakes, jump like deer and waddle like lizards... A climbing tree and water feature will complete Brasserie Aen ‘t Venne the fun! Kikmolenstraat 3, 3630 Maasmechelen Salamander campsite T: +32 89 77 09 09 Cafeteria ‘t Salamanderke Opening hours 01/05 - 30/9: Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 a.m. to Fully accessible for people with disabilities - Free Wifi - 10.00 p.m. Charging point for electric bikes For mountain bikers: possibility to shower after the trip (price: € 0.50), mountain bikes can be rinsed free of Café De Statie charge. Spoorwegstraat 10, Opening hours 3630 Maasmechelen (Eisden) 15/01 - 15/12: weekdays: from 11.00 a.m., during week- T: +32 493 33 57 12 ends, holidays and public holidays: from 9.00 a.m. Opening hours More information 01/04 - 30/09: every day from 9.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m. J. Smeetslaan 280, closed on Wednesdays 3630 Maasmechelen 01/10 - 31/03: every day from 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. T: +32 476 20 46 99 closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays www.campingsalamander.be

Visit Maasmechelen Holiday home Fabiola Opening hours Weldoenerslaan 5, Weekdays: from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., 3630 Maasmechelen Weekends & public holidays: from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. T: +32 89 77 41 50 E: [email protected] Closed on 24 December (afternoon), 25 December, www.vakantiehuisfabiola.be 31 December (afternoon) and 1 January.

The information on this page may be subject to changes due to the corona measures. Always check the websites for © Visit Maasmechelen the most current information. 58 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Mechelse Heide - 59 Hotel Kasteel Pietersheim Café - restaurant Koning Albertlaan 255, 3620 Lanaken Hoeve Pietersheim More information While enjoying a snack or a drink, you can also recharge your electric bike at the dedicated charging station. T: +32 89 21 72 07 E: [email protected] More information T: +32 89 72 14 61 Petting Farm & Playground E: [email protected] - www.traiteurjaco.be Opening hours Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Holiday home with self-catering Secretariat: weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 12 p.m., formula or full board from 1 p.m. until 4.15 p.m. Ticket prices More information Adults from € 26 pp/pn in high season and from € 13 T: +32 89 71 71 21 20 pp/pn in low season. Special rates apply for children. E: [email protected] - www.pietersheim.be p. 14 More information © K.V. T: +32 89 71 21 20 Pony rides E: [email protected] - www.pietersheim.be Reception desk ‘Waterburcht Children can enjoy tours of the ‘Pietersheim’ estate on GATEWAY ‘PIETERSHEIM’ Pietersheim‘ (moated castle) the back of cute ponies. Petting Farm Car Park: Opening hours Bicycle rental Opening hours Neerharenweg 12, 3620 Lanaken From Easter holiday until and inclusive of September: Rental of bicycles, e-bikes and children’s bikes. After autumn holiday until Easter holidays: weekends and every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ‘Waterburcht‘ (moated castle) Car Park: public holidays: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m, closed on weekdays Opening hours Waterstraat 52, 3620 Lanaken Price Easter holidays until and inclusive of 1 May and Sep- Pick up bicycles during office hours: € 3 per ride tember until and inclusive of the autumn holidays: daily Mon – Fri from 8.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information 4.15 p.m. May until and inclusive of August: daily from 10 a.m. to T: +32 89 71 21 20 From 1 April to 30 September: also during weekends 5 p.m. E: [email protected] - www.pietersheim.be and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no time Ticket prices limit) Entrance ‘Waterburcht’ (moated castle): Free ‘Kabouterpad’ (Gnomes’ Path) More information Guided tour: 1 hour 30 - max. 25 persons per group - Ticket price T: +32 89 71 21 20 E: [email protected] - www.pietersheim.be € 60 per group - subject to reservation. Free More information More information T: +32 89 77 25 34 T: +32 89 71 21 20 The information on this page may be subject to changes due E: [email protected] E: [email protected] - www.pietersheim.be to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the Hotel - www.pietersheim.be most current information. 60 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Pietersheim - 61 Graffiti art on the station site During a graffiti jam spree, 15 graffiti artists transformed several trainsets into colourful eye-catchers. This beautiful art project ‘The Yard’ is free to visit on the station site Geological wall Free access. Guided tours are also possible, subject to reservation. Play Woods Follow the green walk (3,4 km) and stop halfway the play wood. Tip: this is also a very nice picnic place! Bicycle rental Rental of bicycles, e-bikes, and children’s bikes. Rental period From Easter to September, during office hours at Tourism As, subject to reservation. More information & reservation: www.fietsparadijslimburg.be Taverne ‘t Stasjon © J.S. p. 16 The oldest station building in Limburg is a pleasant © R.V.B. stop. Opening hours Closed on Mondays Reception desk Watch tower Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. (open kitchen AS RAILWAY STATION until 9 p.m.) As Railway Station This 31-metre tall tower is a replica of the drilling tower Stationsstraat 124, More information Opening hours: which André Dumont used when he discovered coal 3665 As in Limburg in 1917. Climb the tower for a breathtaking April to September: T: + 32 89 23 52 45 view, look through the 3D-viewmasters and discover E: [email protected] - www.stasjon.be Every day from 10h – 12u and from 13u – 16u how the landscape used to look like! Take a journey through the fascinating past of Station More information Freely accessible all year round. Hotel - Restaurant Mardaga As thanks to the new information panels with fun facts Opposite the gateway Station As is Limburg’s oldest and photos. With the help of the Erfgoedapp you can T: +32 89 39 10 86 Mini-train hotel! also listen to the texts on your smartphone. [email protected] www.stationas.be The 1,300 m long narrow railway track takes you on a More information Free access all year round. miniature train through the beautiful scenery of the Stationsstraat 121, 3665 As ‘Driebankenbos’. T: +32 89 65 62 65 For timetable, please visit www.stationas.be www.hotelmardaga.be

The information on this page may be subject to changes due to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the most current information. 62 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Station As - 63 Zavelbos Reception Point Joekelbos DUINENGORDEL Camping Zavelbos is nestled between Duinengordel’s Covering 12 hectares, this is the largest wooded woods and fens. The ideal starting point for a hike to the adventure playground in Flanders. The paved path is Oudsberg, but also for different cycling and mountain wheelchair- and pushchair-accessible. biking routes. Or just relax and unwind at the campsite Access via Speeltuinstraat in Opglabbeek or by bike with its beautiful pond. between junctions 526 and 527 . More information More information Kattebeekstraat 1, 3680 Maaseik, T: +32 89 75 81 46 Download the map via duinengordel.be/joekelbos E: [email protected] - www.zavelbos.be Opening hours Open every day New! Multimovepath Park Itterdal This multi-move path challenges children (3 - 12 years of age) to move through numerous natural obstacles Sentower Park Reception Point and wooden play constructions. The path is 1.7 km long This equestrian centre connects directly to the woods and clearly signposted. and fens of Ophovenderheide. The Oudsberg is just (Opening planned for 2 June) a stone’s throw away. The spacious car park is the Address: ideal starting point for horsemen. Here, you can also Opitterkiezel 240 bus B, 3960 Bree recharge your bike or enjoy a snack and a drink in the © K.V. equestrian café in the central hall or on the terrace during events. Pole camping More information Pole campsites Itter and Solt are located in the middle Reception points Leemkuilstraat 21, 3660 Opglabbeek (Oudsbergen) and on the edge of the woods in Solterheide. These are COMMANDERY GRUITRODE At the moment, there are 4 reception points where T: +32 89 36 43 17 equipped with a tent site, a water pump, a picnic bench (OUDSBERGEN) you can go as a visitor for more information about E: [email protected] – www.sentowerpark.com and shelter. The Teutonic Order of Knights, mainly known Duinengordel and from where you can start your visit Opening hours Accessible via Grote Routepad (GR) 561 Kempen-Maas from the land commandery of Alden Biezen to the area: in Bilzen, also settled in rural Gruitrode. From Open during training sessions, competitions and path between Opitter and Neeroeteren. Both zones are the beginning of the 15th century, they built a Orshof Reception Point events. only 700 to 800 meters apart via forest paths. second base here, under the supervision of A restaurant and seminar centre are located in this GPS-coordinates the country commander. The Commandery of Kempen farmhouse on the edge of Duinengordel. Itter: N 51 06.283 E 5 39.200 - Solt: N 51 05.983 E 5 39.183 Gruitrode is not open to the public today. The De Kastelein Reception Point You can also spend the night in the welcoming guest entire site underwent a thorough overhaul to rooms. Bicycle and eatery café De Kastelein is located in form a fully-fledged ‘Gateway to the National Cultuur-punt, which also houses Oudsbergen’s Picnic decks by the water Park’. It will be the ideal base from which to It is an ideal base for tours on foot, by bike, by horse Tourist Office. Located in the centre of Gruitrode, near Near the walking and cycling route network: explore the DUINENGORDEL, the Itterbeek and carriage or by mountain bike. The various routes the Commandery of Gruitrode in fact, you can taste valley and the nearby Opitter. can be picked up right in front of the door. numerous local products and buy route maps. Several Ruiterskuilen (Opglabbeek): between junctions 33 More information signposted routes start from here, either on foot or by and 70 or via the yellow and blue walking loops in the bike. You can also recharge your electric bike at this hiking area Donderslag. Heymansweg 2, 3670 Neerglabbeek (Oudsbergen) reception point. T: +32 89 81 08 00 Bosbeek (Opoeteren): between junctions 37 and 38 . TIP E: [email protected] – www.orshof.be More information Phil Bosmansplein 1, 3670 Gruitrode (Oudsbergen) If you would you like to discover Duinengordel Opening hours T: +32 89 85 76 50 – https://de-kastelein.business.site on horseback, then set off from the Orshof or Open every day The information on this page may be subject to changes due Sentower Parks. Opening hours to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the most current information. Closed on Wednesdays 64 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Duinengordel - 65 Museum visit prices Thor Central 01/04-30/09: Tuesdays to Sundays and public holidays: THORPARK Children < 6 years: free from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.) Thor Central is, with its two eateries, the perfect meet- Children from 6 to 12 years: € 3 p.p. ing place in Thorpark. Adults: € 5 p.p. 01/10-08/11: Tuesdays to Sundays and public holidays: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.) You can visit Thor Central freely or with a guide. And More information the latter is highly recommended, in fact, as it not only Charges T: +32 89 73 18 34 / +32 475 82 08 26 introduces you to this new location, the guide also Adults: € 10,00 tells you interesting stories about the time when the E: [email protected] – www.mijndepot.be building was used as a mining building. Children < 18 years: free of charge Charges Restaurant Partaasch Students (on presentation of valid student card): € 6,00 € 70 per guide Opening hours Adults > 60 years old, people with disabilities & (duration: 1.5 hours - max. 15 pers. per guide) Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday; from 6 p.m. caregivers, , teachers (on presentation of valid teacher card),Group of minimum 10 people (price per person): More information & reservation Friday: from 12 p.m. € 8,00 E: [email protected] – www.visitgenk.be Sunday: vanaf 11.30 a.m. Closed on Monday and Tuesday Steenmannetjespad More Information More information T: +32 89 69 95 90 Marcel Habetslaan 60, 3600 Genk The stone men or stone stacks of basalt E: [email protected] – www.partaasch.be E: [email protected] stones show you the shortest way (2 km) T: +32 89 65 55 90 – www.labiomista.be to the top of the old coal mountain. Via the ErfgoedApp you discover the story of Brasserie Lampada Steentje, a fictitious Steenmannetje who takes you into Opening hours Taverne De Kolonie the wonderful world of the Steenmannetjes. Moreover, p. 22 Steentje knows everything about the heritage and Monday - Friday: 11.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. ‘Taverne De Kolonie’, a project of non-profit organi- © E.C nature in the area. Saturday - Sunday: closed sation Arbeidskansen, is one of the starting points of the Thorpark walking area. It is a friendly tavern where More information anyone is welcome for a cup of coffee and piece of T: +32 89 69 95 91 cake, snack, a slightly more elaborate dinner or just for THORPARK (GENK AND AS) Waterschei mine depot E: [email protected] – www.lampada.be a nice glass of wine or a regional beer. While the Waterschei coal mine operated Former miners have transformed the former ware- Opening hours house of the Waterschei coalmine into an exhibition here at full capacity between 1924 and 1987, LABIOMISTA Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thorpark is now a hotspot for technology, space that gives an overview of the history and working energy and innovation, accommodating new in this coalmine. They invite you for a visit and a fas- On the foundations of the mining past and the old More information zoo of Zwartberg (Genk), the artist Koen Vanmechelen companies, training and research institutes cinating guided tour. You can also go there for a drink Bilzerweg 88, 3665 As introduces you to his life’s work in terms of identity, alike. But it is also the ideal base from which and in the summer, you can even enjoy a drink on a T: +32 89 59 23 62 fertility & biocultural diversity. Enjoy a walk through the to discover the Hoge Kempen National Park! terrace among Genk’s most striking monuments. E: [email protected] – www.arbeidskansen.be 24 hectares park with several of his (living)artworks Through the Stiemer Valley and the beautiful Opening hours neighbourhood park that has recently been and installations. Every day from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., except for public holi- completed here, you will find yourself in one Opening hours of the most special landscapes of the Hoge days and Mondays Open from 1 April 2020 to 8 November 2020. TIP Kempen surprisingly quickly. The view from Museum: the spoil tip across the entire Hoge Kempen April to oktober: Tuesday – Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 Asch Airport is unrivalled! In the coming years, this new p.m., Monday closed Leave De Kolonie with an app and discover the ‘Gateway to the National Park’ will be further November to march: only on Friday, Saturday and developed with all partners. history of the old airport. Along the way, you Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. will pass various historical features that bear Address: André Dumontlaan 67, 3600 Genk Closed on 25/12 and 1/1 The information on this page may be subject to changes due witness to Asch’s war past. to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the most current information. 66 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Thorpark - 67 BERGERVEN

Volmolen ’T EILANDJE NEEROETEREN (MAASEIK) The Volmolen is a 17th-century water mill, which has The Zuid-Willem Canal, built in 1825, is an been renovated into a unique, hospitable place. You attractive canal that connects Maastricht with can stay in the Volmolen B&B, where sustainability, Weert. When in the 1930s, near Neeroeteren, along with peace and quiet, reign supreme. The fla- a bend in the canal was shortened, an ‘island’ menco dance studio with organic tapas and wine bar was created. This is already an ideal stopping and shop is a special meeting place where everyone is place for the many cyclists on the towpaths, welcome. but in the coming years, a new ‘Gateway to the National Park’ will be developed here. Alt- hough it is still waiting game for a bicycle and Holiday home walking bridge across the canal to open up the new wilderness of BERGERVEN behind it. Volmolenstraat 10, 3680 Maaseik (Opoeteren) T: +32 493 79 23 31 – +32 89 86 64 67 www.facebook.com/vakantieverblijfvolmolen

Kapel Van De Weerstand Danshuis Volmolen Starting place Kapel van de Weerstand is the most central starting point for an exploration of the Bergerven Volmolenstraat 11, 3680 Maaseik (Opoeteren) nature reserve, where the Limburg Landschap nature T: +32 473 59 37 11 association has been managing the area for many https://danshuis-volmolen.business.site years. Brugstraat, 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem Dorpermolen Be sure to pay a visit to the Dorpermolen! This Recreatiedomein Warredal buckwheat mill, restored in 2017, is the oldest mill in Opoeteren. Years ago, Warredal started out as an equestrian centre, which enjoys a lot of acclaim to this day. This Opening hours was complemented by an Adventure Park, an Adven- June and Sept.: every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month ture mini-golf and real Forest Camp, where you can from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. spend the night in cosy cabins that take you all the way 1 July - 31 August: every Saturday and Sunday from 2 back to basics. From here, you can also go for walks in p.m. to 5 p.m. Bergerven. Free of charges More information More information Ketelstraat 77, 3680 Maaseik (Neeroeteren) T: +32 89 85 23 16 Toerisme Maaseik E: [email protected] – www.warredal.be T: 089 81 92 90 E: [email protected] www.toerisme.maaseik.be/watermolens The information on this page may be subject to changes due p. 20 to the corona measures. Always check the websites for the © R.V.B most current information. 68 - The Hoge Kempen National Park Bergerven - 69 Colophon Photography: Buiten-beeld.nl – Els Branderhorst (cover), Kristien Wintmolders, Erwin Christis, Anneleen Mengels, Misjel Decleer, Koen De Langhe, Krist Van Laere, Stad Genk, Raymond Lambie, Jorien Swinnen, Myriam Arits, Henry Peters, Luc Aerts, Kristof Vrancken, Jody Steyls, Kris Thijs, Peter Baas, Gemeente As, Onroerend Erfgoed - Kris Vandevorst, UHasselt - Liesbeth Driessen, Vilda - Yves Adams, Vilda - Jeroen Mentens, Vilda - Lars Soerink, Vilda - Rollin Verlinde, Hugo Thomassen, Luc Daelemans en Rudi Van Beek, Stories by light, Studio Leyssen, Visit Maasmechelen, Katrijn Vranken, Toerisme Lanaken

Verantwoordelijke uitgever: Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland vzw, Ignace Schops, Winterslagstraat 87, 3600 Genk This visitor guide has been compiled with the utmost care. However, the publisher is not responsible for errors and alterations.

© Nothing in this publication may be reproduced and/or made public without the prior written permission of the Regionaal Landschap Kempen and Maasland vzw. x This visitor guide was realised with the financial support of: 2 YEARLY

september 2019 | nr 7 regionaal landschap kempen en maasland maggratis magazine zien je New and not to be missed! The ‘Magjezien’ is a free magazine that gives you a taste - you can take this literal! - of three special regions: Hoge Kempen National Park, GrensPark Kempen-Broek and RivierPark Maasvallei in the Regionaal Landschap Kempen and Maasland.

EXPERT Wildbeheer Each issue (24 pages) is filled with regional information, cycling ROLSTOEL- VRIENDELIJKE 10uitstapjes and walking routes and a recipe. The beautiful photos and nuggets of information about the region are bound to whet the appetite. © K.D.L. OP STAP MET Bèr Peeters RECEPT TIP in een klimaatbuffer Stoofvlees met Kompelbier Subscribe and receive the magazine twice a year for free! Got too many ideas for one day? Find accommoda- Sign up via www.magjezien.be or [email protected]. tion at www.visitlimburg.be and feel free to stay a bit longer! facebook.com/magjezien instagram.com/magjezien www.magjezien.be 70 - The Hoge Kempen National Park 71 Brussels THE NETHERLANDS LIMBURGLimburg

BELGIUM

Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen

Hoge Kempen National Park offers nature in all its glory! The National Park in the Belgian Province of Limburg is an area of outstanding natural beauty where over 12 000 ha of forest and heathland are managed and protected. The area extends over the municipalities of As, Bilzen, Bree, Dilsen-Stokkem, Genk, Lanaken, Maaseik, Maasmechelen, Oudsbergen and Zutendaal. Extensive pine forests are interspersed with purple flowering heather, shifting dunes and mirroring fens; large lakes bear witness to the former gravel and sand-extraction activities; high peaks offer great views, ... Nume- rous rare and unusual animals live in this natural setting. Everyone is welcome to relax in whichever way they like, whether it is hiking, cycling, horseback riding, mountain biking ... or just enjoying all this beauty while doing absolutely nothing. The gateways and reception points are the ideal starting point for your visit. This visitor guide, packed with tips, inspiration and information, will help you on your way!

For more information, please contact: Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland vzw | Projectbureau Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen, Winterslagstraat 87, 3600 Genk | T: +32 89 65 56 65 | E: [email protected] www.nationaalpark.be