Οι καλύτερες πεζοπορίες με σκύλο στο Νότιο Λιμβούργο

Υπέροχη θέα στη λίμνη με άφθονη άγρια ζωή

This small castle is actually a neoclassical manor house with accompanying service buildings and a farm complex from the 19th century, situated in a wooded park in a landscape style with remarkable old oaks and beeches.

Children can let loose to their heart's content at the petting zoo, the play forest, and on the adventurous (board) paths. Those who are a bit older can recharge their batteries in the five gardens. Or learn something about fauna and flora during one of the many workshops. Taverne Koe-Vert will take care of the snacks and drinks, with a focus on organic, local, and fair trade.

Geographically, the Kiewit nature reserve belongs to the Limburg Kempen, where nutrient-poor pools or fens occur in shallow depressions. These small, usually saucer-shaped depressions are found primarily on sandy soils formed during the last ice ages. Fens are natural pools with fluctuating water levels. They are not fed by a stream. The fen water is usually very clear and full of insects such as dragonflies and other aquatic life.

Since 2020, efforts have been underway here to combat an invasive alien species, the watercress (Crassula sylvestris), a small plant that can multiply explosively in bare areas and outpaces all native seedlings. Keeping this alien species under control requires intensive and costly management. Moreover, the alien species suffocates all other native aquatic plants. Attempts are being made here to combat this alien species in a natural way. First, the watercress was removed from the pond bottom. Subsequently, native natural enemies of the invasive plant were planted. This reduces the watercress's chances of spreading to the surrounding nature. This is an experiment by the City of Hasselt and the Bio-Research research center at PXL University of Applied Sciences, but to date, it does not appear to be sufficient.

In 1992, the last mine in the Benelux closed its doors in Zolder. Yet, it was the first place where the protected buildings were given a new purpose. Along with the winding tower, the Monnoyer chimney, and the mortuary, they remain visible relics of "black gold." The "Watt 17" power station has been expertly restored. The multifunctional building "De Verdieping" houses a passive school and the CVO (Cultural Education Centre), and in the restored winding engine building, you can take the ZLDR LUCHTFABRIEK heritage walk for free. The Market Square comes alive every second and fourth Wednesday of the month with the multicultural market "MijnMarkt" (My Market).

The so-called lake at Terhills was created from the old gravel pits and the excavations of the Eisden Mine, which, together with the slag heaps, formed the "mountains and lakes" landscape that, as part of the Hoge Kempen National Park, was transformed into a tourist hotspot. On the resort side, there's an area with water sports and more recreational opportunities, and on the other side (east and at the foot of the slag heaps) more natural-looking areas, focusing on hiking and more waterfowl and nature. In recent years, the well-known pontoon has been added, of course. So you can walk around and across the lake. Hikers will find junctions at various locations that take them to other parts of Hoge Kempen National Park (more wooded or heathland-rich). When it comes to viewpoints and benches, there's something for everyone.

This 380-meter pontoon bridge guides you gracefully between the slag heaps and across the water. Along the way, you'll be treated to a stunning 360° experience with views of the glistening water and the green slag heaps. "Cycling & Walking among the Slag Heaps" is a unique experience when visiting Hoge Kempen National Park!