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Practical info
Where is the RivierPark Maasvallei located?
RivierPark Maasvallei is located on the border between Belgian and Dutch Limburg, where the Meuse forms the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. It stretches from north to south across the municipalities of Kinrooi, Maasgouw, Maaseik, Echt-Susteren, Dilsen-Stokkem, Sittard-Geleen, Stein, Maasmechelen, Meerssen, Lanaken and Maastricht.
Opening hours
RivierPark Maasvallei is a spacious landscape, so no opening hours apply. Some subareas (nature reserves) are only accessible from sunrise and sunset. It is best to verify the opening hours of museums or attractions on the related website or at the tourist office of the municipality in question. They can give you lots of other tips!
The ferries do have opening hours; they sail at fixed times. If the Meuse is very high, sailing times may vary. Follow us on facebook to avoid unpleasant surprises!
Hiking with your dog
Dogs are welcome in most hiking areas, provided they are kept on a short leash.
A number of off-leash zones have been marked out, where your four-legged friend is allowed off-leash. However, the dog must be able to listen well. They are not allowed to chase wildlife or bother other recreationists. Be vigilant about your dog’s behaviour.
You will find a list of off-leash dog zones at the bottom of this page under Frequently Asked Questions.
Survey map RivierPark Maasvallei
Public transport
Right around the periphery of RivierPark Maasvallei there are 3 train stations:
- Station Maastricht (NL)
- Station Sittard (NL)
- Station Susteren (NL)
From Belgian train stations, Genk (B) Station is the closest.
From the train stations, the Meuse villages can be reached by bus(es) or by public transport bicycle. Use the handy apps of De Lijn (BE) or Arriva (NL).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can buy all walking and cycling maps of the Meuse Valley River Park at the tourist information offices in the area or from the web shop of Wandelen in Limburg. Looking for a specific map and want to buy it at a tourist information office? Contact them in advance to make sure the map is in stock.
Of course! Picnic benches are regularly located at the starting points and/or along the hiking routes. They are marked on the hiking maps and start boards. Just make sure not to leave any litter behind.
No. Swimming in the Meuse is not allowed because it involves many risks (water quality, treacherous flow of water, …).
On some of the Meuse lakes, however, daytime beaches have been created where you can safely enter the water. You will also find the necessary facilities such as a bar, toilets, changing rooms and often a small playground.
Some day beaches in the Meuse Valley River Park:
- De Steenberg in Ophoven (Kinrooi, BE)
- Stevensweert Beach in Stevensweert (NL)
- MRT Beach in Thorn (Maasgouw, NL)
An overview of the day beaches in the Maasplassen near Roermond, near the RivierPark Maasvallei can be found on the Hart van Limburg website.
Dogs are welcome in RivierPark Maasvallei! Apart from a few exceptions
your four-legged friend can be kept on a leash on all paths.
There are also a few off-leash zones where the leash can be taken off and your dog can run free.
- Hiking area Stokkem: Right at the entrance to the Negenoord nature reserve. Between hiking turnouts 67 and 68.
- Stevensweert: Road along the Grinderkens, from the junction with Bilt, southwards
- Ohé en Laak: Road across the dyke at the Schroevendaal lake
- Hiking area Kessenich: Bastion, walk switches 9 and 16
Where not:
Hiking area Kessenich: Red walking loop (through nature reserve Koningssteen- Kollegreend)
- Hiking area Oud-Rekem: orange loop (through Hochterbampd)
- During the breeding season (spring) nature managers sometimes temporarily close some parts of nature reserves to dogs. This is communicated locally.
