© Jorgo Kokkinidis
Hiking in RivierPark Maasvallei
The Meuse Valley guarantees you hours of hiking fun. Along both banks of the Meuse, there are several options available, altogether accounting for more than 200 km of hiking routes that will show you the most beautiful spots in the area.
How to hike?
There are two hiking systems in the RivierPark Maasvallei: a loop system (called ommetjes in the Netherlands) and a junction system (knooppuntjes).
In the loop system, you choose a signposted hiking route that takes you past the most beautiful landscapes. Each loop has its own symbol or colour that you see on wooden stakes along the path. The loop system is mainly found in the hiking areas along the Belgian bank. In some Dutch villages along the Meuse you can also find circular hiking routes such as in Stevensweert & Ohé en Laak or in Stein (nature route).
Would you like to combine hiking loops in one of Belgium’s Meuse villages? Then keep an eye on the hiking turnouts. Hiking turnouts mark the places where hiking loops intersect. These crossings each have their own number, indicated on the hiking poles and hiking maps. To go to another walk switch, choose the coloured symbol of a walk loop towards that walk switch. The hiking maps are an indispensable guide to easily switch to another hiking loop. This creates countless combination possibilities in one large network, across the borders of different hiking areas.
With the junction system, you put together your own hiking route based on hiking junctions. So you can choose the distance and route of your hiking route yourself. The junction system can be found on the Dutch side of the river Maas, in the municipalities of Maasgouw and Echt-Susteren.
Where to start?
It is best to start a hike (or cycle tour) in one of the Meuse villages. Here you will find a parking lot and usually an information board with a detailed map of the hiking area. This map gives an overview of all hiking loops in the area. Some loops can be reached by first following a brown connecting trail. The Wandelen in Limburg website provides a digital overview of all hiking loops.
When you start from a Dutch Meuse village, first check which system the municipality in question uses: the loop system (ommetjes) and/or the button walk. Based on this, you can choose a loop or route of your preference on the websites of Hart van Limburg and Visit Zuid-Limburg.
A hiking area was worked out from some of the Meuse villages. There is an accompanying hiking map of these areas. An overview:
Long-distance hike
Especially for lovers of multi-day hikes, the Long Distance Hike was developed. This cross-border hike of 137 km connects the 11 municipalities in the Meuse Valley River Park and takes you past the most beautiful landscapes and cosy villages. The hike was voted ‘Best Hiking Route of the Benelux’ in April 2021.
Hiking route flooded? Check it here
From now on, you can verify in advance whether a hiking route or hiking area is flooded after heavy rainfall.
On the map to the right – the Dry Feet tool – you will find an overview of the various measuring points and their current status (dry, recently flooded, submerged). At the top in the black bar, you can filter the measurement points by municipality.
The tool can also be consulted on the go. So you can go out ‘prepared to perfection’ and avoid wet feet on the road!
Hiking with your dog
Dogs are welcome in most hiking areas, as long as they are kept on a short leash.
A number of off-leash dog zones have been marked out, where your four-legged friend is allowed off-leash. You can find these under our frequently asked questions. The dog must be able to listen well. They are not allowed to chase wildlife or disturb other recreational users. Be vigilant about your dog’s behaviour.
