The best walks and hikes around Dilsen-Stokkem

The Negenoord-Kerkeweerd Nature Reserve is a beautiful protected area located in the municipality of Dilsen-Stokkem, in the province of Limburg, Belgium. This area, which extends for about 150-160 hectares along the banks of the Meuse River (Maas) on the border with the Netherlands, represents a perfect example of ecological renaturation. Once exploited as an industrial site for gravel extraction, the area has been progressively converted since the 1990s into a rich river ecosystem

The meander of the Oude Maas in Stokkem (Belgium) is a picturesque former loop of the river Meuse. Today it is an oasis of peace and a nature reserve with sandy shores, riparian vegetation and rich birdlife. It offers landscapes of floodplain and water bodies up to 6 meters deep.

The Negenoord-Kerkeweerd nature reserve is a large-scale renatured section of the Maas landscape. It originated from former gravel extraction areas, which were gradually transformed into a near-natural floodplain landscape after the cessation of use. Since the 1990s, the area has been specifically developed and enhanced ecologically. Today, it covers around 150–160 hectares and consists of lakes, old riverbeds, wetlands, and floodplain areas. These structures offer valuable habitats for numerous animal species, especially waterfowl, and make the area an important component of the Maas floodplain ecosystem.

The Oude Maas meander near Stokkem is a former loop of the River Maas and today a quiet nature area with a typical floodplain landscape and a rich bird population. The area is characterized by shallow water bodies, reed zones, and bank areas that serve as a habitat for numerous water birds. Especially in the quieter sections, the natural development of the former river landscape can be well observed. It is an important part of the Negenoord-Kerkeweerd nature reserve.

This is a beautiful place to take a break. There are several seats so you can stop and rest even if other people are already enjoying the view.

Connecterra is the main gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. This unique area is located on the former mining site of Eisden, bordering Dilsen-Stokkem. A quarter of a century ago, the mine was still operating at full capacity; now it is a true nature paradise. There are big plans for this area in the making for the coming years, respecting both nature and cultural heritage. The hiking area has been developed and the routes offer some of the most beautiful panoramas in Flanders, with a breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes. In total, five routes will lead you through the area. The hiking area connects to the 'Mechelse Heide' and 'Station As' walking paths. In the new visitor center, you will find information about the national park and can relax with a drink in the tearoom. Outside, children can have fun in the playground. The spiral tower is accessible up to the first floor and offers a glimpse of what Connecterra has to offer.

Cycling between the terraces, also known as cycling over water, is a cycling project that opened to the public in September 2024. It is a pontoon cycle/footpath across the Große Plas (Great Pond) between the waste heaps at resort Terhills. It is a new addition to the series of special cycling projects previously realised in the cycling paradise of Limburg (such as cycling through the water (Domain Bokrijk), cycling through the heathlands (north of Zutendaal), and cycling through the forests (Bosland National Park)).

From a small plateau with a view of the Bergervensee, birds and wild animals can be observed well.