7 Scenic Walking Routes in Belgian Limburg (2025 Local's Guide)

Note: This guide focuses on Belgian Limburg in Flanders, not Dutch Limburg in the Netherlands.

Belgian Limburg sits between the Maas river and the rolling Haspengouw hills, a region where heather fields, orchard slopes, and old mining landmarks can all fit into the same weekend. The province is compact, easy to reach by train or car, and full of looped routes thanks to the wandelknooppunten network. These are the seven loops I recommend when friends ask where to walk in Limburg, Belgium.

1. Hoge Kempen National Park: Mechelse Heide Loop

Distance: 9 km • Start: Mechelse Heide main gate • Highlights: Heather ridges, pine forest, panoramic dune views.

Mechelse Heide is the classic Belgian Limburg landscape: sandy ridges, purple heather in late summer, and wide skies. Follow the loop across the dunes toward the Panorama viewpoint, then drop into the pine forest before circling back to the visitor center. Go early for the softest light and quiet trails.

2. Terhills / Connecterra Ridge Loop

Distance: 8 km • Start: Terhills main gate • Highlights: Mine terrils, turquoise lakes, Maas valley views.

This loop mixes industrial history with wide-open views. Climb the old mining terril for a lookout over the Maas valley, then cut through the Terhills lakes before finishing at the Connecterra visitor hub. Expect a steady climb at the start, followed by easy lakeside paths.

3. Bokrijk Heritage Park + Pond Walk

Distance: 7 km • Start: Bokrijk visitor center • Highlights: Open-air museum, beech forest, pond district.

Bokrijk is perfect if you want a relaxed loop with a cultural stop. Begin with a stroll through the open-air museum, then head into the surrounding forest and ponds of De Wijers. If you have time, detour to the famous "Cycling Through Water" bridge for a photo.

4. Haspengouw Orchard Hills (Borgloon Loop)

Distance: 12 km • Start: Borgloon market square • Highlights: Blossom lanes, fruit farms, "Reading Between the Lines" art church.

Haspengouw is Belgium's orchard heartland. This loop weaves through fruit lanes, farm cafes, and the translucent art church near Borgloon. In spring it's a sea of blossoms; in autumn, apple stands pop up along the path.

5. Alden Biesen Castle & Countryside Loop

Distance: 7.5 km • Start: Alden Biesen estate • Highlights: Castle gardens, orchard lanes, quiet farmland.

The Landcommanderij Alden Biesen is a fairytale starting point: formal gardens, a grand courtyard, and quiet country lanes beyond. Walk the perimeter of the estate, then loop past the surrounding orchards and fields before returning for coffee at the courtyard terrace.

6. Maasvallei River Park Loop (Leut to Meeswijk)

Distance: 10 km • Start: Leut village • Highlights: Gravel banks, wildflower meadows, Maas river views.

The Maasvallei River Park is a tranquil, flat loop ideal for long conversations. Follow the river path between Leut and Meeswijk, watch for grazing Galloway cattle, then return through meadow trails that are especially beautiful at sunset.

7. Lommel Sahara Dune & Lake Loop

Distance: 8 km • Start: Lommelse Sahara entrance • Highlights: Dunes, turquoise lake, pine forest silence.

Yes, Belgian Limburg has a "Sahara." The Lommel loop circles a bright lake, crosses open sand, and dives into pine forest for shade. It's a great choice for a short adventure that feels far from the city.

Quick Route Comparison

Local etiquette: stay on marked paths in the heathland to protect nesting birds, and close any pasture gates behind you.

What to Pack for a Limburg Walk

• Light waterproof layer and sunscreen - weather and shade change fast.
• Comfortable shoes for sand, heath, and gravel paths.
• A photo of the wandelknooppunten board or offline map.
• Water and a small snack if you're walking through the orchards or heath.

Make It a Habit with DailyWander

I save these Belgian Limburg loops in DailyWander so I can reuse them whenever I want heather, lakes, or orchard hills. Add the routes to your Collections, set a reminder, and the app will nudge you to walk the moment the weather clears.

About the author: Joeri Vanthienen is based in Dutch Limburg and regularly crosses into Belgian Limburg for heathland hikes and orchard walks. He created DailyWander to help others discover the hidden gems in their favorite regions.