7 beautiful summer hikes
Summer is the perfect season to head outdoors. Whether you're looking for the cool shade of the forest, a walk alongside the water or beautiful green landscapes, Limburg offers the perfect walk for every summer's day.
From vast forests and pond landscapes to remarkable nature reserves and unique heritage sites, we've selected seven wonderful summer walks across the province. Lace up your walking boots, bring plenty of water and get inspired for your next summer adventure.
Hiking area Resterheide in Nationaal Park Bosland
The yellow route of 6.5 km is a very varied hiking trail. From the reception center 't Begijntje, you hike along the fishing pond. Climb the lookout tower to admire the ponds from above and look out for waterfowl. You continue hiking through the woodland and can here and there enjoy the fun experience elements for children.
Don't forget your binoculars to spot waterfowl from the lookout tower by the ponds.
Hiking area Kessenich in RivierPark Maasvallei
The purple loop of 6.7 km immediately puts you in vacation mood. The rural surroundings of Ophoven and Geistingen are combined with a large Maas lake where recreational boating is possible. That also means: a harbor, water sports, a swimming beach, and no less than 3 pop-up bars (Loletta Beach, BastiBar, and De Maasgenotjes). Plenty of refreshment along the way! At the Bastion in Kessenich, you can recently spot a new artwork by the French Laure Prouvost. For Kunst aan de Maas, she created a bronze sculpture of Mother Maas, depicted as half woman, half underwater creature. She chooses the water by the Bastion to build a nest.
Don't forget: a sun hat for during your hiking.
Hiking area Herkenrodebossen in Haspengouw
For many years, the Herkenrodebossen were one of Hasselt's best-kept secrets. The area once belonged to Herkenrode Abbey, which is where its name comes from. Today, walkers can enjoy a varied landscape of ancient and young woodland, fields and meadows. Landscape features such as hedgerows, tree lines, pollard trees and ponds add even more variety. The 4 km yellow trail leads mainly through the forest. Children and teenagers can have fun in the large natural play area.
Hiking area Munsterbos in Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen
This 9 km hiking route starts in the village center of Munsterbilzen with a short approach route. The yellow route takes you past a refreshing pond landscape, which is a favored terrain for marsh birds, such as the bluethroat and the water rail. You hike through the Bonijterbos and admire the impressive Groenendaal Castle along the way. Upon arrival, you return via the brown approach route to the renovated Kasteel Edelhof. Here you can enjoy a meal and drinks at Bistro Edelhof while the kids play on the brand new playground in the castle park.
Hiking area Dauteweyers in de Wijers
Warm summer days are the ideal time for a tree frog safari in the Dauteweyers in Diepenbeek. The small, bright green frogs are true sun lovers and like to rest during the day on bramble bushes along the edges of the ponds. So don’t forget your camera – but let the frogs continue to chill quietly in the sun. The blue route (5.5 km) is also fun for the little ones: near the Demerstrand there is not only a large playground, but also exciting adventures at and in the water.
Hiking area Ijzeren Man in Unesco Man & Biosphere Reserve KempenBroek
The IJzeren Man area hosts many businesses such as a swimming pool, children’s playground, petting farm, water ski track, and of course the Nature and Environment Center de IJzeren Man, which has been completely renewed and specifically focuses on children and recreation. Choose the orange hiking route of 6 km and you will encounter a lot of landscape variety along the way and pass by several beautiful ponds.
Hiking area be-MINE in the Valley of the Zwarte Beek
Beringen-Mijn is a recreational and tourist hotspot with the Mine Museum, swimming pool, diving center, climbing center, adventure hill, and mountain bike course. In addition, there is also a large amount of nature present in this area. The red route (6.3 km) leads you to the top of the 135-meter-high spoil tip of Beringen. Here you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. Highly recommended!