Grootberg

Here you will find the entrance to the tunnel system called the Grootberg, which is part of the underground marl quarry the Avergat. The quarry was used as a garage in the 20th century, which was not conducive to the site. Yet it remains an important quarry and a piece of heritage with, despite all use, a beautiful and special entrance and surrounding landscape. The grooves are also important wintering places for bats. The Grootberg is also known for its war past.

Mergelgrot

The area between the Albert Canal and the Meuse played an important role during the Second World War. For example, the capture of the Maas and Albert Canal bridges on 10 May 1940 was of crucial importance in the German attack plan. Fort Eben-Emael and the three Albert Canal bridges (Kanne, Vroenhoven and Veldwezelt) had to fall into German hands quickly and unscathed to enable a lightning-fast advance. Only in Kanne did the Belgian army succeed in making the bridge jump in time. The Belgian soldiers were attacked from the back but managed to hold their ground temporarily in the bunkers and trenches, at the cost of dozens of casualties. The remains of those trenches can still be seen on the Grootberg. The relics are not protected.