About this starting point
Walking area Kessenich and Drie Eigen is located near three allodia: Kessenich, Neeritter, and Thorn. Up until the French occupation, these allodia practised communal management of the common grounds between the villages in the contemporary Vijverbroek nature reserve. The Drie Eigen walking area presents an interesting combination of culture and nature. From the picturesque villages along the Meuse you enter these rewilding areas where the characteristic fauna and flora of the Meuse Valley is flourishing.
Activities and places to visit
Nature walks
The six signposted walking routes in Kessenich and Drie Eigen walking area take you along a few of the most interesting locations in this region.
The green, purple, red, and blue walking routes take you through the Vijverbroek area (link to Vijverbroek page), an old meander of the Meuse where the most important alder swamp forest of Flanders can now be found. The red, blue, and orange routes allow you to wander the Kollegreend-Koningssteen nature reserves (link to page). You can freely wander off-trail through this area but make sure to keep a safe distance from the grazers who also appreciate the peace and quiet.
The purple walking route includes a trip with the Paep van Meinecom III tour boat that takes you from Ophoven to Thorn along the Meuse. Check the operating hours and costs of the tour boat on their website www.marec.be (link).
Cultural walks
Three village walks through Thorn, Neeritter, and Kessenich are outlined in the ‘Kessenich and Drie Eigen’ cultural brochure. The walking routes are not signposted but the brochure gives clear directions and contains an easy-to-read map. The brochure gives background information about the history of the villages, their most prominent buildings, and explains the local customs.
Accessibility and parking
You can park at the following locations:
Starting point Neeritter Church: Krekelbergplein, 6015 RA, Neeritter (NL)
Starting point Douanekantoor Kessenich (old customs office) (B): Venlosesteenweg 403, 3640, Kessenich (B)
Nature and landscape
Vijverbroek nature reserve is located in an old meander of the Meuse. Gravel extraction in the old riverbed of the Meuse transformed the landscape.
An abundance of characteristic Meuse Valley flora and fauna is flourishing in these rewilding areas where the song of the nightingale can be heard and you can enjoy exploring the wealth of wild flowers and herbs that are found here.
