Limburg, the southern most province of the Netherlands, offers a wealth of opportunities for hiking enthusiasts. The varied landscape, picturesque villages, rich nature, and iconic Maas River make Limburg an ideal destination for hiking trips. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day hike or a challenging multi-day journey, Limburg has something for everyone. In this article, you will discover the most beautiful hiking routes, nature reserves, and attractions that make Limburg a hiker’s paradise.
In the southernmost part of Limburg, you’ll find the Heuvelland, one of the most beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands. The rolling hills, picturesque villages, and charming half-timbered houses create an almost foreign atmosphere. This area is surrounded by Belgium and Germany, making it feel like a piece of another country.
The Heuvelland offers a varied selection of hiking routes. The Dutch Mountain Trail is one of the most famous, taking you through the hilly region with breathtaking views and soothing nature. Valkenburg and Vaals are popular starting points for hikes in Heuvelland.
A must-see in this area is the Drielandenpunt in Vaals, where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet. This unique spot can be reached via several hiking routes, including the Dutch Mountain Trail. The Drielandenpunt is the geographical heart of the region and offers a beautiful view of the three countries. However, for better views, you’ll need to go to the observation tower a little further. At the geographical point, you’ll mostly see other tourists and tourist spots instead of much of a view.
Tip: Read my article about the Dutch Mountain Trail for more information about this adventurous route.
Limburg has not only hills but also beautiful waterways. The Maas Valley offers relaxing hiking routes along the banks of the Maas River. The routes range from short, relaxing hikes to longer journeys. One of the most famous hiking trails is the Maaspad, which takes you from Eijsden, the point where the Maas enters the Netherlands, to the Zeeland town of Rockanje, where the river flows into the sea.
Additionally, the Long-Distance Walking Trail RivierPark Maasvallei is another popular route that follows the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. This trail is unique because you walk from one country to the next without even noticing, with the Maas serving as a natural border. The Benelux Award-Winning Trail is a stunning route that leads you along the most beautiful parts of the Maas Valley and was awarded the winner in its category in 2021.
For nature lovers, the national parks of Limburg are definitely worth a visit. Two of the most beautiful nature reserves in the region are De Maasduinen and De Meinweg, both offering unique landscapes and rich biodiversity.
National Park De Maasduinen lies in the northern part of Limburg, along the eastern Maas banks. The park is famous for its long drifting dunes, which are the longest river dunes in the Netherlands. This expansive nature reserve offers various hiking routes, from short family walks to long, challenging hikes. Several routes start from Reindersmeer and take hikers through forests, heathlands, across footbridges, and along idyllic ponds. The Node Network allows you to create your own route and explore this vast nature reserve. The most famous long-distance trail in the Netherlands, the Pieterpad, also passes through De Maasduinen.
National Park De Meinweg, located in Central Limburg, is known for its terraced landscape, shaped by the Maas and ancient earthquakes. This area is geologically fascinating, with hills, valleys, and streams such as the Swalmdalbeek, Boschbeek, and Roode Beek. The hiking routes in De Meinweg take you through forests, open heathlands, and along picturesque streams. A good starting point is the Bezoekerscentrum De Boshut, where several hiking routes begin. The Knooppunten network also offers the possibility to create a custom route here.
Both De Maasduinen and De Meinweg offer rich flora and fauna, and along the way, you’ll encounter numerous picnic spots, benches with views, and observation points where you can enjoy nature.
The Leudal is a nature reserve in Central Limburg, located on the western side of the Meuse. Here, you can walk through a varied landscape and experience a calming atmosphere. This area is popular among hikers for its forests, which are well-maintained but where nature takes the lead. You will also walk along heathlands, see stream valleys, and encounter historical landmarks, such as old water mills. The Leubeek and Haelense Beek meander through the area, providing picturesque views.
Hiking in the Leudal
There are numerous hiking trails in the Leudal. Many routes pass by the Leumolen, an old water mill that is still maintained and serves as an important cultural heritage site in the region.
The area is easily accessible and offers ample parking. If you start at the Leudal Visitor Center, you can find hiking routes of various distances there. Of course, you can also plan your hike in advance using the previously mentioned trail Node system.
The Leudal is beautiful all year round, but autumn offers spectacular colors in the forest, while spring is ideal for flower enthusiasts.
A hike through Limburg is not complete without enjoying the local specialties. While exploring the nature, you can stop at one of the many cozy terraces in the villages you pass. Try a piece of traditional Limburgian vlaai (a regional fruit pie) or a glass of craft Limburgian beer, such as Brand Beer, Lindeboom, and Hertog Jan Beer. According to the breweries, these are still brewed according to ancient recipes. Limburg is proud of its hospitality, and many hiking routes take you through picturesque villages where the locals are happy to welcome you.
Limburg is a province that welcomes hikers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a short walk along the Maas or an adventurous hike through the hills of Limburg. Limburg offers endless opportunities to enjoy nature, culture, and hospitality. So put on your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and discover the diversity of this beautiful province!
Our Photos
We take photos with our iPhone, mirrorless camera, or compact camera. We don’t edit our experience photos with colors or filters; all the colors you see are exactly as we observed them.
A Walking Pin
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Other Hikes
If you’d like to read more about our hikes, check out our overview page.
Nationaal Park de Maasduinen (This website is Dutch)
Nationaal Park de Meinweg (This website is Dutch)
Visitor center Leudal (This website is Dutch)
Blog about the Node Network on our website
Blog about the Dutch Mountain Trail on our website
Blog about the Pieterpad on our website
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