The 110 km Wijerstrail is the newest hiking challenge in Limburg

This new 110 km trail hike consists of five day stages crossing the land of 1001 ponds. De Wijers is located in the heart of Limburg and covers more than 25,000 ha, spread over 7 municipalities. 

Along the Wijerstrail, 25 partners provide accommodation options with extra services for hikers or dining places to take a break. This includes a clear hiking map and a website with all practical information, in four languages (www.wijerstrail.be). The Wijerstrail is intended to become, together with the new hiking knooppunten network De Wijers, a catalyst for hiking tourism in the region. 

Deputy for nature and tourism Laura Olaerts, chair of De Wijers: “We notice that hikers are increasingly looking for a special hiking challenge of several days and longer distances. The Wijerstrail answers this rising demand. With the Wijerstrail, we connect beautiful Limburg nature areas and give hikers the opportunity to discover the water landscape at their own pace. Moreover, hikers can take breaks at local hospitality businesses, which can thus also benefit from the growing hiking tourism in the region.” 

5 stages through the nature of De Wijers 

The Wijerstrail – a total of 110 km – consists of five day stages, each with its own unique charm and landscapes. Each stage starts at an easily accessible location equipped with the necessary services in De Wijers: Domein Bokrijk, the Abbey of Herkenrode, ZLDR Luchtfabriek, Kelchterhoef and De Maten. The hiker can choose to start at any stage or, if desired, compose their own stages. The Wijerstrail is located on the brand-new hiking knooppunten network De Wijers. This gives hikers the freedom to extend, reroute or shorten their stage if desired. 

The 5 planned stages vary between 16 and 26 km and are marked with the Wijerstrail icon. After five days, you return to the starting point of your route having discovered many highlights of De Wijers. Naturally, the unique water landscape is central: you hike with the Wijerstrail on (Domein Bovy, Domein Kelchterhoef, Domein Kiewit…), along (Wijvenheide-Platwijers, De Maten, Dauteweyers…) and even through the water (Cycling through the Water in Bokrijk). From the observation tower, you have a view over the patchwork of ponds and in the many bird hides along the way, you can spot the most special water and marsh birds. 

The pond landscape alternates with mysterious stream valleys (Vallei van de Mangelbeek, Roosterbeek or Stiemervallei), old deciduous forests and rolling purple heathland (De Teut, Ten Haagdoorn, Bolderberg). Add to this various heritage sites (Abbey of Herkenrode, ZLDR Luchtfabriek, Bokrijk, Kluis van Bolderberg, Castle of Terlaemen…) and historic parks (Domein Hengelhoef, Domein Bovy, Domein Kelchterhoef…) and you get a varied multi-day hiking route full of nature and heritage experience. 

Deputy for nature and tourism Laura Olaerts, chair of De Wijers: “The Wijerstrail is the perfect beginner trail. Although you hike in the middle of top European nature, among the rarest animal and plant species, you are never far from the inhabited world. That gives a sense of safety: help in case of problems is never far away and hospitality is regularly available. The clear trail map and the four-language website help attract an international hiking audience as well.” 

Hiking without worries 

Unique is the collaboration with 25 Wijerstrail partners along the route. B&B’s, hotels, campsites, restaurants and even a camper site welcome hikers with open arms. They offer extra services to make the hiking experience as comfortable as possible, such as transport to the start and finish location of a stage, a wonderful foot massage or a 

hearty lunch pack for on the go. Thanks to our partners, hikers can start their multi-day hiking adventure without worries. 

Deputy for agriculture and countryside Inge Moors: “The collaboration with entrepreneurs stimulates the rural economy in Limburg and ensures a season extension for rural entrepreneurs. The hiking season runs from early spring to late autumn. Rural entrepreneurs are connected through the network, which stimulates rural tourism. Hikers can enjoy local products along the way or opt for a multi-day hiking package to enjoy the region longer.” 

Carefully planned route 

The Wijerstrail was developed by Regionaal Landschap Lage Kempen, together with the various Wijers municipalities and field partners. 12 volunteers have marked the entire Wijerstrail in recent months. The hiking route will be maintained by hiking godfathers and godmothers of Regionaal Landschap Lage Kempen, the field managers and the Limburgs landschap teams who ensure that hikers can hike with quality. Those who complete the entire route can purchase an exclusive hiking pin as a souvenir. This is available for purchase via www.wijerstrail.be, with €0.50 per pin going to the Wijers fund. 

The Wijerstrail was made possible thanks to the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the municipalities of De Wijers and Regionaal Landschap Lage Kempen.