Nature parks

NATURE RESERVE KONINGSSTEEN – KOLLEGREEND - THORN. Koningssteen is the name of a nature reserve on the Belgian-Dutch border, east of Kessenich in Belgium and south of Thorn. Between 1951 and 1957, the gravel from Koningsteen was extracted. Subsequently, the area was largely backfilled with mine stone and gravel residues. Nature development works along the Meuse River created beautiful nature reserves. It is one of the first nature development areas along the Meuse border and is situated between two ponds created by gravel extraction. The corridor between these ponds follows the border, and several cast-iron boundary markers can be found on the site. In 1989, grazing by Konik horses and Galloway cattle began. This created a highly diverse landscape: grasslands, scrub, and riparian forests. Since 1996, the site has been managed by the Dutch Society for Nature Conservation and the Belgian Limburg Landscape. The area is protected by European law as part of the Natura 2000 area. Many birds breed in Koningssteen, including the grebe, cuckoo, mockingbird, whitethroat, and golden oriole. Thirty-one species of butterflies were observed, including the common haystack. A walking trail has been laid out in the area, but since the corridor ends at the Meuse River, you have to return in the opposite direction.

RIVER PARK MAAS VALLEY

Enjoy the unspoiled nature along the 40-kilometer-long Meuse River in Dutch and Belgian Limburg, from Maastricht to Thorn/Kessenich. The Meuse is an impressive rain-fed river. The RivierPark boasts a diverse landscape with a tangle of old river arms, levees, stream channels, gravel banks, and more, interspersed with several well-defined residential areas. It's an area with its own unique character and several monumental historical sites. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and idyllic villages along the banks of the RivierPark. The RivierPark Maasvallei is the result of intensive, cross-border collaboration between two countries, two provinces, 11 municipalities, two water boards, four nature conservation organizations, three tourism organizations, and numerous others. The area is ideal for walking, cycling, or discovering the history of the Meuse River with a Meuse Explorer. There are also many adventures to be had on the water. Rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy the surrounding beautiful nature from the water. Various cultural walks give you a glimpse of life in the unique, historic Meuse villages. Special walking routes have been set out for disabled people and buggies.

If you would like to stay longer than one day at Rivierpark Maasvallei, there are various accommodation options in the Maas region.

If you'd like to walk the entire route along the Meuse River, there's a special 137 km long-distance walk. This walk takes you to unique locations along the Meuse River and through the Meuse villages in Belgian and Dutch Limburg.

For detailed information, activities and recreational opportunities, please visit the website: www.rivierparkmaasvallei.eu

THE GREAT PEEL

The Groote Peel is a largely excavated raised bog area managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission on the border of the Dutch provinces of Limburg and North Brabant. The Groote Peel is a remnant of the Peel, an area that must once have been very impenetrable. Area: 13.4 km² Moostdijk 15, 6035 RB Ospel Tel: 31 (0) 495 641 497 Opening hours and information see their website www.natuurparkenlimburg.nl Travel distance 25.2 km / 26 minutes

SOUTH MEINWEG

De Meinweg National Park is a national park covering approximately 18 km² in the Dutch province of Limburg, east of Roermond, in the municipality of Roerdalen. It is managed by Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission). Meinweg 2, 6075 NA Herkenbosch, The Netherlands. Tel: 31 (0) 475 528 500. Opening hours and information can be found on their website: www.natuurparkenlimburg.nl. Travel distance: 25.3 km / 22 minutes.

THE MAAS DUNES

De Maasduinen National Park is a forest and heathland area located on a long sandy ridge between the Meuse River and the German border. It is largely within the municipality of Bergen. It covers an area of 45 km². The visitor center is located in Bosbrasserie "In de Sluis", Bosserheide 3e, 5855 EA Well/Bergen. Tel: 31 () 478 503 821. Opening hours and information can be found on their website: www.natuurparkenlimburg.nl. Distance: 71.7 km / 53 minutes.

HOGE KEMPEN PARK - BELGIUM This park is the first national park established by the Flemish government. The Hoge Kempen National Park, in the Belgian province of Limburg, is a unique nature reserve where more than 12,000 hectares of forest and heathland are managed and protected. The area covers the municipalities of As, Bilzen, Bree, Dilsen-Stokkem, Genk, Lanaken, Maasmechelen, Maaseik, Oudsbergen, and Zutendaal. Weg naar Heiwick, 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium Tel: 32 89 65 56 65. Opening hours and information can be found on their website: www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be. Distance: 44.4 km / 35 minutes