© AusilioPhotography
Organisation and partners
RivierPark Maasvallei is the result of extensive cross-border collaboration between two countries, two provinces, 11 municipalities, two water management agencies, four nature conservation organisations, three tourism bodies and numerous other partners. The Belgian-Limburg Deputy for Tourism and Heritage, Laura Olaerts, actively supports this partnership as its chairman.
Team RivierPark Maasvallei
The RivierPark Maasvallei team works strategically to develop the area and foster collaboration among partners. The team operates under the Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland (a Belgian, non-profit organisation with a cross-border mission). The team consists of a coordinator (Katrien Schaerlaekens) and a project team (Stephanie Janssen, Ben Creemers, Saskia Engelen, Regina Haenen, Margriet Satijn and Matthias Horions).
Nature and landscape management
Every day, many individuals work hard to keep the natural areas of the Meuse Valley River Park both accessible and enjoyable for people, plants and animals. You can also contribute by joining one of the involved nature conservation groups:
- Limburgs Landschap (B)
- Natuurpunt (B)
- Natuurmonumenten (NL)
- Staatsbosbeheer (NL)
Other landscape managers, such as farmers or maintenance workers, are also actively involved in managing the park’s environment. Please respect their work by not picking crops, letting work vehicles pass and staying on the marked trails. You can even taste some of the local delicacies produced in harmony with the landscape and nature. Discover these regional specialties here!
Partners supporting the Master Plan 2024-2048:
- Province of Limburg (B)
- Province of Limburg (NL)
- Municipality of Kinrooi
- City of Maaseik
- City of Dilsen – Stokkem
- Municipality of Maasmechelen
- Municipality of Lanaken
- Municipality of Maastricht
- Municipality of Meerssen
- Municipality of Stein
- Municipality of Echt – Susteren
- Municipality of Sittard – Geleen
- Municipality of Maasgouw
- Limburgs Landschap
- Natuurpunt
- ARK
- Staatsbosbeheer
- Natuurmonumenten
- Visit Zuid – Limburg (NL)
- Hart van Limburg (NL)
- Agropolis
- Steengoed Projecten
- Gravel extraction commitee
- Bekkensecretariaat Maasbekken
Ambassadors
RivierPark Maasvallei is home to dozens of passionate entrepreneurs eager to welcome you, help you explore the landscape or offer you delicious local products.
Among them, about 15 from both sides of the river proudly serve as Ambassadors of the RivierPark Maasvallei. Each one is a leader, whether it’s in sustainability, hospitality, and/or regional authenticity. Every year, they gather at one of their businesses to be the first to learn about new developments in the River Park and to provide valuable feedback. Below, you’ll find a list of these ambassadors, just as you’ll find the spirit of the River Park reflected in their businesses and on their websites!
Yana Van der Schaft is the driving force behind Botel – a unique B&B on the water with a GreenKey label.
Not far away, Anneke from Sail Center Limburg will happily teach you the art of sailing.Karel and Tine from Wijndomein Aldeneyck invite you to experience the taste of the Meuse Valley terroir.
- Johan Jacobs also produces Meuse Valley wine at Wijndomein Thilesna in Oud-Dilsen.
- Igor Stel is your host at kasteel Limbricht (located between the Meuse Valley and the city centre of Sittard) and at the Hompesche Molen.
- At Boyer Bölke you can enjoy ice cream with a stunning view and local tips from father and son Haldermans.
- At Yvette Janssen van Terras Maasoever Yvette Janssen offers you a delightful lunch or pie while you watch the lively activity of the ferry crossing.
- For more artisanal pies, head to the authentic Ut Bakkes —a walk well worth your time.
- Lonneke and her husband brew beer at Brouwerij De Fontein, where you can literally taste the landscape in every sip!
- Marco Mariotti with Ooit aan de Maas brings the rich history of the region to life.
- Peter Janssen helps you discover Elsloo and the surrounding area from his B&B Bie Janssen.
- Frank Haerden and his wife Annick Leekens offer a similar experience at B&B De Haerlekijn in Meeswijk, where they’ve personally tested every walking trail!
- Ruben Baenens rents e-scooters and offers a variety of exciting tours through the Meuse Valley via E-adventure. with lots of love for the region and a roadbook!
- For over 40 years, Kajak Maasland has been the go-to place to explore the river. Koen even offers a “Meuse Clean-up” package to help keep the river pristine.
- Lastly, creative multi-talent Koen Savelkoul breathes new life into deadwood from the region with his stunning ‘Grensmaastafels’.
Ambassadeurs in focus
With thanks to the Interreg Flanders-Netherlands project “Borderless Landscape Tourism”.