About the village
Aldeneik became great under the influence of two pious virgins Harlindis and Relindis. From this 'Old Eycke' came the 'New Eycke', which we now know as Maaseik. The area boasts a rich cultural history and is still peppered with elements from the time of the Croisiers and canons.
Nevertheless, this environment has recently changed considerably as a result of human intervention. The ‘Heerenlaakplas’, for example, was only created by gravel extraction and subsequently developed as a recreation area. ‘Heppeneert's ancient meadows are the best-preserved floodplains along the Meuse in terms of relief and plot division.
What is there to do?
Hiking
The area around Aldeneik is ideal for exploring on foot. Along the Meuse you can stroll, the lakes in Heerenlaak are an excellent backdrop for a picnic and in Aldeneik and Maaseik you can get a sense of history. Moreover, the ‘Maasbrug’ in Maaseik will quickly take you to the other side of the Meuse, where you can explore the Dutch Meuse village of Roosteren and ‘De Rug’ nature reserve. For those who like some help to get started, a few tips:
- Discover the Aldeneik hiking region including the ‘Heerenlaakplas’, the town centre of Maaseik and the floodplains of the Meuse along the dike in Heppeneert.
- Explore remarkable patrimonial sites and monuments with the FARO Heritage App (tour 'erfgoedwandeling Aldeneik')
- Set off with a Meuse Explorer in tow.
Cycling
Thanks to the extensive cycling route network in Belgium and the Netherlands, you can create your own cycling route using junctions that are indicated in both directions. This way, you can decide which direction you want to go and how long your ride will be. Why not, during your bike ride, take a ferry to the other side of the river Meuse? That way, cross-border cycling in the RivierPark Maasvallei becomes hassle-free. Join the cycling route network via junction 25 in Aldeneik. You can park at the Heerenlaak car park (P5, Heerenlaakweg). This is also the starting point for a suggestive cycle route 'Dwalen tussen waters en historie' (Wandering between waters and history) on the RivierPark Maasvallei bicycle map.
Visits
- Aldeneyck wine estate: Learn more about grape cultivation in the Meuse valley and follow the whole process from grape to wine in a bottle. Needless to say, there is some wine tasting involved, and you can also buy this local product.
- St Anna’s Church in Aldeneik
- Museums Maaseik: the Regional Archaeological Museum, the Pharmacy Museum and the Church Treasures in the St Catherine’s Church.
- Pilgrimage village of Heppeneert
For more information and tips, please visit Toerisme Maaseik.
