Nature parks

NATURE RESERVE KONINGSSTEEN – KOLLEGREEND – THORN

Koningssteen is a nature reserve located on the Belgian-Dutch border, east of Kessenich (Belgium) and south of Thorn (Netherlands). Between 1951 and 1957, gravel was extracted from the area, which was later largely refilled with mining stone and gravel residue.

Nature restoration efforts along the Meuse River have transformed the landscape into a thriving natural habitat. Koningssteen was one of the first ecological development zones along the Meuse border. It lies between two ponds created by gravel extraction, connected by a corridor that follows the international border. Several cast-iron boundary markers can still be found throughout the site.

In 1989, grazing was introduced with Konik horses and Galloway cattle, resulting in a highly varied landscape of grasslands, thickets, and riparian forest. Since 1996, the area has been managed by Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation) and the Belgian Limburgs Landschap.

As part of the Natura 2000 European network of protected areas, Koningssteen is home to a wide variety of species. Birds such as the grebe, cuckoo, mockingbird, whitethroat, and golden oriole nest here. To date, 31 species of butterflies have been recorded, including the meadow brown.

A walking trail winds through the area, but since the path ends at the Meuse River, you will need to return via the same route.

RIVER PARK MAAS VALLEY

Enjoy untouched nature along a 40-kilometer stretch of the Meuse River in Dutch and Belgian Limburg — from Maastricht to Thorn and Kessenich. The Meuse is a powerful rain-fed river with a unique, ever-changing landscape featuring old river channels, dikes, streams, gravel banks, and picturesque villages.

RivierPark Maasvallei is a cross-border collaboration involving two countries, two provinces, 11 municipalities, two water boards, four nature conservation organizations, three tourism boards, and many local partners. The park has a distinct character and is rich in cultural and historical landmarks.

The area is ideal for:

• Hiking and cycling
• Exploring river heritage with a Meuse Explorer
• Water activities, such as canoeing or kayaking
• Cultural walks through the historic Meuse villages
• Special walking routes for people with disabilities or families with strollers

Planning to stay longer? The Maas region offers a variety of accommodation options.

For those wanting to walk the entire Meuse route, a 137 km long-distance trail is available, taking you past unique Meuse villages and landscapes on both the Dutch and Belgian sides.

More information and activities:
www.rivierparkmaasvallei.eu

THE GROOTE PEEL (De Groote Peel)

The Groote Peel is a partially excavated raised bog area on the border of the Dutch provinces Limburg and North Brabant. Managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission (Staatsbosbeheer), it is a remnant of the once vast and impenetrable Peel region.

• Area: 13.4 km²
• Address: Moostdijk 15, 6035 RB Ospel
• Phone: +31 (0)495 641 497
• Opening hours & details: www.natuurparkenlimburg.nl
• Travel distance: 25.2 km / approx. 26 minutes

SOUTH MEINWEG (De Meinweg National Park)

This national park covers approximately 18 km² in the Dutch province of Limburg, east of Roermond, in the municipality of Roerdalen. It is managed by Staatsbosbeheer and features terraced landscapes, forests, and heathlands.

• Address: Meinweg 2, 6075 NA Herkenbosch
• Phone: +31 (0)475 528 500
• Opening hours & info: www.natuurparkenlimburg.nl
• Travel distance: 25.3 km / approx. 22 minutes

THE MAAS DUNES (De Maasduinen National Park)

Located along a long sand ridge between the Meuse River and the German border, this park consists of forests and heathlands. Most of the area lies within the municipality of Bergen and is ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.

• Area: 45 km²
• Visitor center: Bosbrasserie “In de Sluis”, Bosserheide 3e, 5855 EA Well/Bergen
• Phone: +31 (0)478 503 821
• Info: www.natuurparkenlimburg.nl
• Travel distance: 71.7 km / approx. 53 minutes

HOGE KEMPEN NATIONAL PARK – BELGIUM

The first national park designated by the Flemish government, Hoge Kempen is a vast nature reserve in Belgian Limburg. Over 12,000 hectares of forest and heathland are protected across multiple municipalities, including Genk, Maasmechelen, and Maaseik.

• Address: Weg naar Heiwick, 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium
• Phone: +32 (0)89 65 56 65
• Opening hours & info: www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be
• Travel distance: 44.4 km / approx. 35 minutes