The Meuse, an impressive rain-fed river, has shaped itself over the centuries into a diverse and fascinating landscape. A maze of old channels, cut-off meanders, dikes and floodplains emerged. High and low water levels created great diversity: gravel, sand and clay form the foundation of the typical fauna and flora.
The RivierPark Maasvallei is inseparable from its rich history. Historic towns and remarkable villages bear witness to a past closely connected to the Meuse.
Oud-Rekem arose on the banks of the Meuse and has preserved the charm of an authentic Meuse village. Over the centuries, the river has shifted eastward. Walking from Oud-Rekem to the current riverbed feels almost like travelling through time. In the landscape, you can still find traces of the Meuse.
The Oude Weerd is historically linked to Oud-Rekem and reconnected thanks to several walking loops. Want to wander a bit further? Then we recommend Hochterbampd, where you can stroll through the rugged Meuse nature. At the free parking area, you can choose from various walking loops (between 2.7 and 15.4 km).
Long-distance hike
With the title of ‘Best Hiking Route in the Benelux 2021’, this multi-day hike definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list. On a cross-border route of about 137 km, you pass through 11 municipalities, walking along beautiful landscapes and charming villages. Of course, this is more than just a hiking route. This long-distance trail symbolizes cross-border cooperation, with our unique Limburg landscape at its heart.
There are no fewer than 15 starting points. One of them is the ‘Most Beautiful Village in Flanders’, namely Oud-Rekem. Want to combine your hiking adventure with a touch of heritage? Then Oud-Rekem is the place to be.
More information RivierPark Maasvallei
Ferries
To truly explore the RivierPark Maasvallei across borders, you can use the bicycle and pedestrian ferries during a bike ride or long walk. A trip on one of the charming little ferries to the opposite bank of the Meuse instantly puts you in a holiday mood. This way, you can create fun connections between the various Meuse villages and nature areas.
There are four ferries in the RivierPark Maasvallei: one large ferry accessible to cars and three bicycle and pedestrian ferries.
More information about the ferries
Walking maps RivierPark Maasvallei
At the tourist information points in the Museum Church (Oud-Rekem), the Water Castle (Lanaken) and Visit Lanaken (Lanaken), detailed walking maps are available. Be sure to check the opening hours of these offices in advance.
Parking
- P18 Parking Canal Oud-Rekem: Oude God 2, 3621 Lanaken
- P19 Oud-Rekem: Colmonterveld
