MaasMagische Herfstdagen 2026

During this walk, you’ll discover the mysterious connection between trees and fungi, and how they silently cooperate through a hidden network. No mystical stories, but fascinating insights from recent scientific research showing just how intelligent and interconnected nature really is.

Nutrients travelling for kilometres, trees helping each other grow, an underground system far more complex than you ever imagined… After this walk, you’ll never look at a forest in quite the same way again.

During this walk, we’ll lift a corner of the veil on this hidden world that is usually invisible to us.
 

Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: National Park Hoge Kempen – Mechelse Heide Gateway, Joseph Smeetslaan 280, 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium
Price: FREE
 

Online registration via this link!

Organised by: Visit Maasmechelen in cooperation with National Park Hoge Kempen

The Rangers are waiting for you at the National Park Visitor Center, Zetellaan 54.

For this special occasion, you can enter the National Park after sunset. Let yourself be carried away by the mysterious atmosphere of the night during this unique full moon walk.

The Ranger will guide you through the darkness, where every shadow tells a story. How did people experience the night in the past? Which animals only become active when we go to sleep? And what mysterious sounds can you hear as the forest comes alive in the moonlight?

Discover it all during this magical night-time adventure. You may only use your flashlight in an emergency – we trust in the light of the moon.

Dare to step into the silence of the night? Come along and experience the National Park like you’ve never seen it before.

Date: Sunday, 25 October 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: National Park Hoge Kempen – Terhills – National Park Visitor Center, Zetellaan 54, 3630 Eisden (Maasmechelen)
Price: FREE

Online registration via this link !

Taste the National Park!

Put all your senses to work during this unique food and nature walk through National Park Hoge Kempen. Together with the Ranger, you’ll discover just how rich nature can taste – quite literally!

Along the way, you’ll sample surprising treats inspired by nature, from aromatic plants to regional products with a story to tell.

Discover the aromas, flavours and secrets of juniper, medicinal herbs and forgotten local traditions. Along the way, you’ll be offered delicious tastings, including National Park liqueur, cheese sweets and tasty canapés.

A walk for food lovers and nature enthusiasts!
(Not all tastings are suitable for children.)

Date: Saturday, 31 October
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: National Park Hoge Kempen – Terhills – National Park Visitor Center, Zetellaan 54, 3630 Eisden (Maasmechelen)
Price: FREE

Online registration and payment via this link !

Extra: The National Park Ranger will welcome you under the shelter in the car park.

Organised by: Visit Maasmechelen in cooperation with National Park Hoge Kempen

You are welcome on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm), at the various performance locations on the grounds of the castle estate in Leut.

All fire shows take place at a safe distance from the audience. Fire-lit paths connect the different performance locations, which are wheelchair accessible.

Walking shoes and a small light (e.g. your mobile phone flashlight) are essential!

At the entrance and information stand, you will receive a programme showing the performance times. Make sure you arrive at the various performance locations in good time to get the best possible view of the shows!

Free parking is available around the castle estate, with bicycle parking provided opposite the castle estate.

The local authority cannot, however, be held responsible for any damage, accidents or theft involving cars or bicycles parked in the designated parking areas.

At Bar Veertien, on the castle estate, you can enjoy snacks and drinks. There are also plenty of toilet facilities available.

In case of rain, the organisers will provide an adapted, limited programme.

Unless the event is cancelled, tickets unfortunately cannot be refunded or exchanged.

Date & time:
Friday 6 November: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday 7 November: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Location: RivierPark Maasvallei – Leut Castle Estate

Online registration and payment via this link !

The only walk in National Park Hoge Kempen where nature, mining history and a refreshing Kompel come together.

Beneath the striking hills and panoramic views of Terhills lies the story of the former Eisden mine. It closed in the late 1980s, but its traces and fascinating stories have never disappeared.

During this walk, a Ranger will take you on a journey through that past. It’s not a long walk, but there is a fairly steep climb. Along the way, you’ll hear stories and discover fascinating facts you may not have known before.

The walk ends at the National Park Visitor Center with a tasting of Kompel beers. The past is brought to life – and to taste – through the Ranger’s stories, with a view of the historic mine shaft tower. One experience that will surely leave you wanting more!
 

Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: National Park Hoge Kempen – Terhills – National Park Visitor Center, Zetellaan 54, 3630 Eisden (Maasmechelen)
Price: €16.00
 

Online registration and payment via this link !

Organised by: Visit Maasmechelen in cooperation with National Park Hoge Kempen

A unique opportunity to visit the Ecotron together with a Ranger. This high-tech facility consists of 13 climate chambers, where Hasselt University studies the impact of climate change on vegetation.

Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: National Park Hoge Kempen – Terhills – National Park Visitor Center, Zetellaan 54, 3630 Eisden (Maasmechelen)
Price: FREE

Online registration and payment via this link !

Organised by: Visit Maasmechelen in cooperation with National Park Hoge Kempen