Find refreshment in the Limburg woodlands
When temperatures rise, there is no better place for hiking than in the woodland. Thanks to the dense canopy, woodlands create a true natural air conditioner: it is often several degrees cooler than in open areas. Limburg has thousands of hectares of woodland where you can enjoy shade, fresh air, and tranquility during warm summer days. Put on your hiking shoes and discover these six wonderful woodland hikes.
Hornebos in Haspengouw
The Hornebos is a beautifully hidden woodland in Haspengouw that used to be part of the castle estate of Bovelingen. On the red hike of 8 km, you will see the results of efforts to restore the woodland to its former glory and dive into holloways, only to later discover the surrounding villages on the plateau.
Laurabossen in Unesco Man & Biosphere Reserve KempenBroek
The blue route (7 km) in Laurabossen offers a nice variation between woodland and open plain. The forest mainly consists of Scots pine, planted around 1900 for mining. Today, the area is gradually being transformed into an even more diverse and natural forest. An ideal hike for those seeking coolness and silence
Mountain Hiking in Voeren
Want something more challenging? In Voeren, the highest municipality of Flanders, you can connect a challenging 20 km route through the node network. Along the way, you hike through vast woodlands where deciduous and coniferous trees alternate. Thanks to the many shaded sections, this is a surprisingly pleasant hike, even on warmer days.
Kattevennen in Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen
Kattevennen is the prime woodland area in Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen. The blue route of 7 km takes you through vast pine woodlands and along a special holloway formed by gravel extraction in the 19th century. A hike where nature, history, and refreshing shade go hand in hand.
Hiking Area Leut in RivierPark Maasvallei
In RivierPark Maasvallei, you will primarily find open river nature, but here too you can enjoy a hike with a green accent. The red loop of 14 km takes you through the floodplains of the Maas, past the charming village and castle park of Leut, and towards Eisden. There you will hike literally among the treetops via the kruinenpad.
Koersels Kapelleke in the Valley of the Zwarte Beek
Immerse yourself in the vast woodlands around Koersels Kapelleke. This hike takes you past heathland remnants, continental dunes, and long forest avenues. Be sure to climb the nearly 30-meter high observation tower for a beautiful view over the Kempen landscape. On warm days, the many forest strips along the way provide welcome cooling.
Extra tip!
Preferably go out early in the morning or later in the evening during warm summer days. Take enough water with you and choose routes with plenty of shade. In the Limburg woodlands, you will enjoy not only cooling but also the peace and nature at its best.