About this starting point
The Stokkem walking area has a varied landscape in which old sections of the Meuse continue to play a determining role in the landscape. The Negenoord - Kerkeweerd nature reserve is a great place to explore for bird watchers. The city of Stokkem and village of Oud-Dilsen are stalwarts in the rich regional history of the Meuse and are definitely worth a visit.
Activities and places to visit
Maascentrum De Wissen
At the information centre Maascentrum De Wissen you can explore the museum that tells the story of the Meuse and the local willow braiding trade. The Stokkem VVV tourist information office is also in this centre. Maascentrum De Wissen is the perfect starting point from which to plan and start your exploration of RivierPark Maasvallei.
Nature walks
The red and orange routes in the Stokkem walking area take you through the centre of the Kerkeweerd-Negenoord nature reserve. The blue and red walking routes take you to the prominent settlement Boyen that was located on the Dutch side of the Meuse until 1740 when it became part of Belgium.
The 2.5 km green trail in this walking area is completely accessible to wheelchairs and takes you through the beautiful Negenoord nature reserve.
The red, green, and orange routes in the Stokkem walking area take you on an easy walk through the Kerkeweerd nature reserve. You are free to go off-trail but remember that this area is quite big. During high water, some of the walking routes might be inaccessible. Make sure to keep a safe distance from the grazers who also appreciate the peace and quiet. You can connect to the Leut walking area through the red walking route.
Cultural walks
The Stokkem and Oud-Dilsen cultural brochure guides you in your exploration of the cultural wealth of the charming Meuse villages Stokkem and Oud-Dilsen. This brochure takes you past unique buildings and the most beautiful spots in these historic villages along the Meuse. You will experience what life was like living along the Meuse in the past.
Accessibility and parking
You can park at the Tugelaplein starting point, 3650, Stokkem.
Nature and landscape
Gravel extraction created a few beautiful lakes such as Meerheuvel and Bichterweerd which have become a paradise for waders and other unique waterbirds.
The Negenoord nature reserve stretches across 200 hectares. This former river foreland of the Meuse has been transformed into a lake area through gravel extraction and the shallow water zones and small ponds and lakes are surrounded by ecologically rich banks. This landscape is a mosaic of colours rich in herbs, grasslands, willow forest, and riparian forest.
