Maasmechelen is without doubt a paradise for walkers. The region offers a variety of splendid natural surroundings, rich history, and breath-taking scenery. This blog outlines a three-day walking adventure, which allows you to discover a different side of Maasmechelen each day.
After checking in at your accommodation, you can prepare for the first walk of this three-day hike: the Red Circular Walk in Oud-Rekem/Uikhoven (Rode wandellus Oud-Rekem/Uikhoven).
The Red Circular Walk of Uikhoven is a flat route measuring 15.4 km and without steep inclines. It makes the perfect start, allowing you to stretch your legs and explore the surroundings. This loop takes you through expansive fields, areas of natural beauty, alongside the canal, charming little villages and the Meuse river.
Start at the RivierPark Maasvallei Parking 17 (Car park 17) at Dorpsplein Paanhuisstraat 1, 3630 Uikhoven (Maasmechelen), or Parking 19 (Car park 19) at Colmonterveld, 3621 Rekem (Lanaken)
Oud-Rekem: This picturesque little village is often described as one of Flanders’ prettiest villages. With its cobbled lanes, historic buildings and impressive Castle of d’Aspremont- Lynden, Oud-Rekem
offers you a step back in time. It is a perfect spot to absorb the historic charm.
Uikhoven: A small, charming village from which the route takes its name. Uikhoven offers a quiet and authentic atmosphere, with old farms and friendly inhabitants.
View of the Meuse river: Enjoy the serene view over the Meuse river as you walk along the river bank.
The Zuid-Willemsvaart and the Oude Weerd: These areas of natural beauty provide an excellent opportunity to observe local birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
Resting Points: On some of the benches at the RivierPark Maasvallei you find a QR code. This leads to the podcast ‘Stemmen van de Maas’ (Voices of the Maas) on Spotify. This is a podcast dedicated to exploring the wonderful world of the Meuse, a source of life and inspiration for many. Via fascinating conversations with local experts, residents and fans, you hear more about the rich history, magnificent nature, and constant evolution of this majestic river in the RivierPark Maasvallei (Meuse Valley River Park).
Brasserie Keo’s, Brasserie de Twie Keuninge, Fietscafé Udec-Hove, Zomerbar Maasvalley, and various hotels, restaurants and cafés in Oud-Rekem.
After the walk, return to your accommodation in Maasmechelen, where you can spend the evening visiting a sauna, enjoying a relaxed dinner, and preparing for the next day.
(Hoge Kempen National Park: Terhills Top Walk – Mechelen Heathland)
After a hearty breakfast, you start the second day of your walking adventure. On the schedule today, is the Topwalk Terhills – Mechelse Heide, a sloping 20 km route, which takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery of Maasmechelen.
This walk takes you through the Hoge Kempen National Park, one of the most impressive areas of natural beauty in Belgium. The route has a gentle incline, which makes it varied and challenging. You can extend the route by 3 km, by also walking to the top of the slag heap (terril), for the most beautiful panorama of Flanders.
Start at the National Park Visitor Center, Zetellaan 54, 3630 Maasmechelen. Download the route via komoot. This route is not sign-posted.
Terhills: This former mining area has been converted into a splendid area of natural beauty featuring lakes and hills. The view from the top of the slag heap is breath-taking, and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Mechelse Heide (Mechelen Heathland): Woods, heathland and sand quarries. This hilly expanse of natural beauty is worth a visit any time of year. For an extra-special experience, come for a walk between the middle and the end of August, when the heather is in full bloom and the landscape turns purple.
Eisden Tuinwijk: This historic miner’s district makes an interesting stop on your walk. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, to house miners and their families, this district provides a unique view
of the life and history of the mining community. Charming workers’ houses, flagstone streets, and a central square with the church, form a picturesque and historic setting.
Bistro Bureau Bouveau, National Park Visitor Center, Fietscafé de Karbonkel, various hotels, restaurants, and cafés in Maasmechelen Village, fietscafé (bicycle café) ’t Salamanderke, Fietscafé De Statie Eisden, Grand Café Casino.
After a day full of different impressions, return to your lodgings for a well-deserved sleep.
(Meuse Valley River Park: Red Circular Walk Leut)
On the schedule today is a walk around Leut, a route of 14.1 km without steep inclines. Ideal for a restful end to your adventure.
The route around Leut takes you through the picturesque little village, alongside Leut Castle, the Meuse river and through green scenery. It’s a relaxed walk which gives you time to take in the charm of the Maasmechelen countryside.
Start at RivierPark Maasvallei Parking 13 (car Park 13): Dorpsplein, Geniesskenstraat 115, 3630 Leut (Maasmechelen).
Leut Castle: Once the home of Viscount Charles Vilain XIIII, this magnificent castle in Leut must be seen! The gardens and park surrounding the castle are perfect for taking a short break and some photos. To find out more about the castle, download the Erfgoed App or VRT PodWALK. On the site you can also visit Pop-Up Bar Veertien and E-adventure.
Centre of the village of Leut: Leut has a rich history going back to the middle ages, which can be seen from the old buildings and the traditional lay-out of the village. Visit the central village square with its three lime trees, the historic graveyard and the village church, which contribute to the charming atmosphere. In Leut, you will also find a few cafés and restaurants where you can take a break and enjoy local delicacies. You can refill your water bottle at the village pump beneath the three lime trees.
Areas of natural beauty: On the way, you pass several small grazing areas, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Who knows? You might meet a large grazing animal here.
Bar Veertien, Brasserie ’t Onderste Eind, restaurant de Heerlyckheyt, Osteria Cellini, Taverne Oud-Vucht, various hotels, restaurants and cafés at Vrijthof Eisden.
After this final walk, return to Maasmechelen to pack your bags, and prepare for your journey home.
Maasmechelen offers a perfect mix of nature, culture and relaxation, for hikers of all levels. This three-day hiking adventure is a great way to discover the diversity and beauty of this region. Whether you are an experienced walker, or just looking for a peaceful excursion in natural surroundings, Maasmechelen will not disappoint! Grab your walking shoes, and re-charge your inner batteries in this magnificent part of Belgium!