The most beautiful natural areas in North Limburg
Get away from it all. No busy cities, no full diaries, just nice walks where nature sets the pace. In North Limburg, you will find places where silence is still real silence. Where you can see the heather turn purple, discover old river branches and walk through the woods. From the Maasduinen to the Schuitwater, these are the natural areas where you can relax together or alone. Because those moments are worth their weight in gold.
1. Crossing marsh and forest: discover the Schuitwater
Between historic Arcen and Melderslo, around the old Maasgeul, lies the Schuitwater nature reserve. Here, stretches of open water and marshland alternate with corky dry areas. Wherever you are as a hiker, the landscape always surprises. Just like the flora and fauna, for that matter. Toadstools sprout in autumn and insects and birds abound all year round. If you are lucky, you might even spot a beaver in the flesh. Do you walk through the old gully? Then waterproof shoes are recommended. This stretch is wetter than the higher sandy grounds. Fortunately, the duckboards in the gully also keep your feet dry.
Dog-friendly nature reserve?
Your dog is welcome to go out with you, but must remain leashed while doing so. As such, it is not a dog-walking area.
Routetip
- Starting point: P-Place Hosterweg, 5872 CC Broekhuizen
- Route: dark blue
- Distance: 5.5 kilometres
- Duration: approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
View the route at staatsbosbeheer.nl
2. Mookerheide: a purple paradise on the river Meuse
On the Mookerheide, you stroll through vast heathlands. Those heathers turn purple in August: 'a great time to visit. Yet the Mookerheide is recommended all year round if you are looking for varied Limburg walking routes. You can take forest walks in vast forests, where Scottish Highlanders are grazing at their leisure. History is there too. Along the way, you pass old entrenchments from the 17th century, once built to protect Cuijk. From there you look out on the double Cuijk church tower. Tip: a family path runs on the Mookerheide Estate. This kilometre-long path is accessible for wheelchairs, prams and buggies. Taking a break? Sit down at Jachtslot de Mookerheide for coffee and sweets.
Dog-friendly nature reserve?
There is a dog walking area at the Mookerschans. The route is marked with blue posts. The starting point of the route can be found on both sides of the Burgemeester Sengersweg. At other places on Mookerheide, dogs are welcome on a leash.
Routetip
- Starting point: Car park Landgoed Mookerheide
- Route: yellow
- Distance: 5 kilometres
- Duration: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
View the route at visitnijmegen.com
3. All the way in National Park the Maasduinen
In National Park de Maasduinen, you can hike across rolling dunes, quiet heaths and winding paths. Whether you feel like a walk around the block or a brisk hike, there are seventeen hiking routes to explore in this northern Limburg nature reserve. From two to eight kilometres, you choose. In any case, we recommend a lovely thirteen-kilometre route through Landgoed de Hamert. During this route, you will encounter high drift hills, peat lakes and a restored burial mound. At the end of the route, a 33-metre high watchtower awaits you. From here you have a wide view of the surroundings. Need to relax after the walk in the woods? Join us at Bosbrasserie In de Sluis. A Limburg lunch tastes just that little bit better with some kilometres on your legs.
Dog-friendly nature reserve?
Definitely! In National Park the Maasduinen you will even find two dog walking areas. The first dog walking area can be found at the Bergerbos near Afferden and the second at the Eendenmeer near Nieuw-Bergen. In the rest of the National Park, it is compulsory to keep your dog on a leash.
Routetip
- Starting point: Catharinastraat 28, Wellerlooi
- Route: Landgoed de Hamert tour
- Distance: 13 kilometres
- Duration: approximately 3 hours
View the route at klikprintenwandel.nl
4. Hiking between water and peat in National Park de Groote Peel
Looking for beautiful, varied hiking trails in northern Limburg? Put National Park De Groote Peel on your list. Here you can walk right through a vast and watery raised bog area. Bird lovers are really lucky: almost a hundred different species breed here. In spring, you might just come across breeding birds like curlew, little grebe, black-tailed godwit. Do you follow our route tip? Then you'll pass by the Meerbaansblaak. Foresters also call this piece of nature the Night Watch of the Peel. Anyone standing in the middle of it will understand why. It is like a living painting. The view of reflecting waters, colourful birds and waving grass on the banks does not get boring any time soon.
Dog-friendly nature reserve?
Yes, but on a leash because of the large number of breeding birds. So it is not a dog walking area.
Routetip
- Starting point: Buitencentrum De Pelen, Ospel
- Route: Boswachterspad, dark blue
- Distance: about 5 kilometres
- Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
View the route at staatsbosbeheer.nl
5. Discover rare plants and ancient tracks in the Gennepse Heide
A hidden gem just outside National Park De Maasduinen? That's the Gennepse Heide. 'Tis a surprising area full of rolling countryside and forests, on the old river dunes of the Maas and Niers rivers. Here you can spot plants you hardly see anymore: crab feather, marsh deer hay, water lilies and even the lesser cranberry. If you pay attention, a piece of history comes into view. Indeed, an old German railway line winds right through the landscape. Leaving the woodland behind? Then the historic centre of the fortified town of Gennep awaits you. Here, dive into the Town Hall, where you can visit the permanent (free) exhibition 1641 - Experience the siege. This exhibition takes you through the siege of the Town Hall by Frederik Hendrik van Oranje, youngest son of William of Orange.
Dog-friendly nature reserve?
Dogs are welcome, as long as they stay on a leash. So have a nice stroll, with your nose in nature and your head cleared. Want to canoe down the Niers? Then your dog (if not too big) can come along on an adventure via Kanook.
Routetip
- Starting point: Siebengewaldseweg 13, Ottersum
- Route: Gennepse Hei & Zevenmorgenziep
- Distance: 14 kilometres
- Duration: approximately 3.5 hours
View the route at wandelzoekpagina.nl
6. Exploring the green heart of Ysselsteyn
De Paardekop in Ysselsteyn is a rugged and quiet nature reserve of no less than 2,000 hectares. Where its name comes from? That is still a mystery. But what you do find there: wide woods, sandy paths and plenty of space for walking, cycling or horse riding. Climb the watchtower and look out over the green heart of Ysselsteyn, a view worth thinking about. In between, you pass a special place: an old sod hut. People used to live here in poverty, now it is a nice resting place along the way. De Paardekop is also an adventure for children. There is a three-kilometre nature learning path and playground equipment hidden among the greenery. Get out, go out together and still feel at home.
Dog-friendly nature reserve?
Four-legged friends are welcome on a leash for a nice walk in the woods with their owners.
Routetip
- Starting point: Peelken 2, 5813 BE, Ysselsteyn
- Junction route: 31, 34, 35, 60, 61, 36, 37, 33, 32, 31
- Distance: 3.1 kilometres
- Duration: approximately 45 minutes
View the route on venraybloeit.nl
7. Sint-Jansberg: an estate to take your breath away
At Sint-Jansberg, you take a forest walk in a special piece of landscape. You hike up along the mountain before being treated to a babbling brook. A lovely spot, especially if you bring the dog. It sniffs along the bank and takes a refreshing splash. Enjoy the view yourself, with perhaps a roe deer appearing in your field of vision in the distance. Mountain bikers also get their fill around Sint-Jansberg. There are plenty of challenging trails and hills to ride. Walked (or cycled) out? Visit the centre of Plasmolen and treat yourself to an ice cream. Don't miss ice cream parlour Clevers, in the heart of Plasmolen, with its fresh, richly filled ice creams.
Dog-friendly nature reserve?
Dogs are more than welcome, but on a leash. Tip: does your dog love to swim? Then bring a towel, as it is guaranteed to jump into a babbling brook.
Route tip
- Starting point: Parking place Muldershofweg
- Route: follow the brown arrows
- Distance: 6 kilometres
- Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
View the route at allwandelroutes.nl
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