Discover the story of the Zuid-Willemsvaart by bike or boat using the FARO app on your smartphone. The North, Central, and South routes tell the fascinating story of this canal through information points displayed as beacons. Enrich your journey with images and audio!
This 122 km-long canal was manually dug in just four years at the beginning of the 19th century. The Zuid-Willemsvaart became a shorter and more reliable alternative to the often unpredictable and unnavigable Meuse River.
The canal connects Maastricht with 's-Hertogenbosch and runs a significant stretch through Belgian Limburg.
The construction of the Zuid-Willemsvaart was one of the most striking landscape interventions in the region. It links three stunning natural areas: RivierPark Maasvallei, the Hoge Kempen National Park, and the Grenspark Kempen~Broek.
You will pass by the most beautiful spots in the region and enjoy fascinating stories and photos about the history of the canal.
Also, discover the Willemsroute NORTH and SOUTH!
This project was realized by De Vlaamse Waterweg in collaboration with Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland as part of the Platteland Plus program.
28.6 km (not a loop)
Maaseik - Dilsen-Stokkem - Maasmechelen
2 hours 30 minutes (non-electric)