© Ben Creemers
Kessenich en de Drie Eigen hiking area
The Kessenich and the Drie Eigen hiking area offers a diverse landscape shaped by both the Meuse River and human influence. At the heart of Drie Eigen (Kessenich, Thorn and Ittervoort) lies the Vijverbroek nature reserve, with Koningssteen–Kollegreend connecting Thorn and Kessenich.
Hiking
Six scenic walking loops have been created in Kessenich and the Drie Eigen, each showcasing the best of this region in both Belgium and the Netherlands. For those who love marshlands, the green loop (6 km) and blue loop (8.1 km) are perfect choices. The green loop explores the area in and around Vijverbroek, while the blue loop leads to Neeritter, passing by the historic Borgitter Castle, a stunning landmark in RivierPark Maasvallei.
For more rugged, natural landscapes, try the orange loop (6.7 km) or the red loop (11.8 km). The red loop takes you to “the End of Belgium” and right up to the Meuse River, featuring many water views.
With convenient route connections, you can easily combine different loops to create your perfect walk. Maps and details for each trail can be found on the ‘Kessenich Hiking map‘.
Accessability and parkings
Starting points
Parking 3 ‘Douanekantoor’: Venlosesteenweg 403, 3640 Kessenich (Kinrooi)
Additional entry points
Parking 1 ‘Steegputstraat’: Steegputstraat, 6017 AV Thorn (NL)
Parking 2 ‘Kerk Neeritter’; Krekelbergplein, 6015 RA Neeritter (NL)
Hiking with younger children: Rijntje and Friends
For young nature enthusiasts, the Kessenich and Drie Eigen area offers the “Rijntje and Friends” walk through the unique Vijverbroek nature reserve. Along this 2.3-km trail, children can learn about local wildlife through illustrated information boards and an engaging story that unfolds along the path. Fun activities keep kids entertained throughout the walk, making it suitable for children aged 2.5 years and up.
Trail start: De Smakerij, Venlosesteenweg 403e, 3640 Kinrooi
Nature along your way
Vijverbroek
The Vijverbroek nature reserve in Kessenich is located in an old meander of the Meuse and is managed by Natuurpunt vzw. Over centuries, shifts in the Meuse left this area beyond the river’s current reach, leading the now-isolated oxbow lake to gradually fill with sediment. The lowest parts of the former riverbed now feature alder swamp forests and willow thickets with a rich, diverse ground cover, including species such as sedges, marsh ferns, marsh marigold and yellow iris. This habitat is also vital for many bird species, including the endangered bluethroat, nightingale, honey buzzard, hobby, goshawk, golden oriole and grasshopper warbler. Dragonflies thrive here as well, drawn to the numerous ponds in this wetland area.
Koningssteen – Kollegreend
The Kessenich hiking area is also strongly defined by the Koningssteen and Kollegreend nature areas. Koningssteen, located on the border of the Netherlands and Belgium, is one of the oldest nature development areas in the Meuse Valley River Park. Since 1996, it has been jointly managed by Natuurmonumenten (Nl) and Limburgs Landschap vzw (B). Konik horses from Limburgs Landschap vzw and Galloway cattle from Natuurmonumenten add to the landscape’s rich mosaic. Today, this area is one of the most ecologically valuable sites in the Meuse Valley River Park. Many bird species nest here, including the great crested grebe, cuckoo, marsh warbler, whitethroat, golden oriole and more. Over 31 species of butterflies have been recorded, making this a vibrant ecosystem and the only site along the border where the scarce large heath butterfly can be found.
The Kollegreend nature reserve, once mined for gravel in 1980, was later restored and now supports a range of unique plants and animals that thrive in the varied landscape. The densely vegetated floodplain forests are highly valued by species like the nightingale. Galloway cattle from Limburgs Landschap vzw help maintain a patchwork of flower-filled grasslands and shrubbery. Please keep a respectful distance from the grazing animals, as they also appreciate their peace and quiet.
