Eijsden, Locks and Haccourt

In the southernmost point of the Netherlands you will find Eijsden. In the past there was probably an aspen forest here, because Eijsden is derived from the Germanic word for it. In the Middle Ages Eijsden was a small settlement and that makes it one of the oldest places in our country. It was the first place to be liberated in 1944 after the Second World War. In Eijsden there is a beautiful castle, but the route also takes you past a beautiful watermill, De Graanmolen, which was built in 1788. This undershot watermill ground corn, but has not been used since about the 1950s. As a result, the mill and the waterworks fell into poor condition. Although the mill was completely restored in 1980, it is no longer used for its original purpose. The largest fort in Belgium is also impressive: Fort Eben-Emael. The fort was part of the fortification belt around Liège and had seventeen bunkers that were connected to each other underground. It was considered the strongest fortress in the world and seemed impregnable to enemy troops. However, the Germans managed to conquer the fortress in 1940, using the advantage of surprise, speed and new military techniques. You can park your car for free at the Orshof Institute. This is the perfect place to completely unwind for a few days. The institute specializes in guidance on an interpersonal and intrapersonal level. Attention is paid to body, soul and spirit. Route 136583 also starts and ends here, so you can also enjoy a second beautiful tour through the area.