Connecterra: beauty from human hands

Experience one of the most attractive cultural landscapes in Belgium. This walk takes you through Connecterra, the main gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. You take a walk of 11 kilometers through a landscape of forests, mountains and lakes.

This unique and quiet environment has been formed entirely by human hands. The lake was created by gravel extraction. Walking along the rippling water you can enjoy the striking tranquility of this area. From a bench you have a beautiful view of those striking mountains in the landscape. In fact, they are former slag heaps: accumulations of the stone waste that is released during mining. After all, Connecterra is located on the site of the Eisden coal mine that closed in 1987. The former slag heaps are now covered with flowery grasslands, where you can see rare butterflies fluttering. The route also leads you over the tops of the terrils, so that you can enjoy spectacular views of, among other things, the forests and heaths of the Hoge Kempen National Park.

Please note: the walk is on fenced grounds. A small contribution is requested for maintenance, supervision and protection. For information about ticket prices and opening hours.

The route starts and ends at the office of Tourism Maasmechelen. Here you will find more information about fun trips in and around this natural and culturally rich city. The friendly staff are happy to give you tips about other hikes in the region, good restaurants and interesting sights.