About the village

The history of Aldeneik dates back to the 8th century with the founding of a church and monastery by two pious virgins, Harlindis and Relindis. From this ‘Old Eycke’ emerged ‘New Eycke,’ now known as Maaseik. The area has a rich cultural history and is still dotted with elements from the time of the Cross Knights and canons. Every 25 years, relics of Harlindis and Relindis are transported in a procession from Maaseik to Aldeneik.

The large-scale gravel extraction in the 20th century has significantly altered the surroundings of Aldeneik. For example, the Heerenlaak Lake was created by gravel extraction and was developed into a recreational area in the 1980s and 1990s. Only the Mynekomplas, near the mouth of the Bosbeek, was finished in a more natural style. Today, you can try almost every form of water recreation at Heerenlaak.

Nearby Maaseik, even more than Aldeneik, boasts numerous historical monuments, including many churches and monasteries. Over the centuries, this has led to a wealth of notable artifacts (church treasures). On Maaseik’s Market Square, you’ll find many distinctive facades and the oldest pharmacy in the country, which has been reconfigured as a museum. The statue of the Van Eyck brothers overlooks the charming terraces here. Maaseik had a flourishing river transport industry, with remnants still visible in the old quay at Labaer and the farm ‘De Hoogte.’

Further south, you’ll arrive in Heppeneert. This typical Maas village with a T-street pattern became known as a pilgrimage site. The ancient meadows of Heppeneert are the best-preserved floodplains along the Meuse in terms of relief and parcel layout and are therefore protected.