Top D'n Observant (171 meter)

The view from D'n Observant with its star-shaped viewing platform and highest point of +170.8 m NAP is absolutely amazing. Here you can definitely feel like you are really in the mountains. When we went this week we certainly had no problems looking in all directions without the slightest obstruction. Depending on where you come from there are also beautiful views during your climb/descent. You can see the Maas valley, the ENCI quarry, the Jeker valley and the point where the Albert Canal and Maas meet. The vegetation on the way here in the spring is also very beautiful. Although it may feel like it, the hill is not natural. It was constructed with top soil from the quarry mentioned. On top of the limestone there was a top layer of 15 meters on average that was unusable and between 1939 and 1967 D'n Observant was planted with trees and shrubs to prevent the landfill from sliding and washing away. Today it is a very popular destination for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. It is also doable for the less experienced hiker and the effort is certainly rewarded by the view. Source about the construction and the hill itself: enci-gebied.nl/recreatie/dn-observantUnder d'n Observant lies a largely collapsed limestone quarry, the Zuidelijk Gangenstelsel; the support pillars have given way due to the weight of the raised soil. An underground smuggling route from the Netherlands to Belgium once ran here. More: nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27n_Observant

It is simply very beautiful to walk here. So I think the pictures say enough.

Part of the Dutch Mountain Trail. Spectacular climb through a jungle-like path.