Hiking in Hoge Kempen National Park Bergerven trail
Bergerven - yellow - 13.6 km
Start
Start: Church Square, Opoeteren
This walk begins in the centre of the village of Opoeteren. Just behind the local church, we can admire the Dorpermolen. This watermill dates back to 1530 and is the oldest building in the village. Back then, it served as a soke mill. All farmers in the region were required to have their grain milled here, in exchange for a share of the proceeds. The Dorpermolen is a fine example of the many water mills in this region.
Chapel of the Resistance
From Opoeteren, we climb out of the Bosbeek Valley. Our journey takes us through a varied landscape with small-scale farms. We descend a flight of stairs from the steep edge of the Kempen Plateau. This brings us to the Chapel of the Resistance, a memorial to brave resistance fighters. At the end of World War II, these forests served as a hideout for members of the resistance. Unfortunately, it didn't stay a secret. The German occupying forces took this area by surprise in September 1944 and 130 members of the resistance paid for it with their lives.
Panorama Hill, Bergerven – Gravel extraction
This hiking trail takes us up a few challenging climbs here and there. It's a lot of effort, but it's definitely worth it. From the top of the panoramic hill, we can enjoy a fantastic view of the Bergerven area. It is clear that area includes a great many bodies of water. They were originally formed as a result of gravel extraction. Herds of Konik horses and Galloway cattle roam among them. As wild grazing animals, they lend a hand with the day-to-day management of this piece of nature. The birdwatchers' hut on the waterfront, on the other hand, offers a great view of the many waterbirds.
Steep Edge of the Hoge Kempen
After this introduction to the animal kingdom, we climb back up again. Along the way, we literally walk along the steep edge of the Kempen Plateau for a while. Here, you can really appreciate the difference in elevation between the plateau and the valley below as you continue on your way through the trees.
Volmolen
This route is not a flat, straight line, but is constantly going up and down. A gradual descent through the forest takes us back down and so we find ourselves back in the Bosbeek Valley. Before long, we come across another picturesque watermill there: the Volmolen, which dates from before 1553. Wool was processed at that mill. To do that, people used special additives, such as soil, soap, and urine. That is precisely why fulling mills are sometimes called stink mills. Fortunately, all we can smell there today is the fresh scent of nature.
Bosbeek Valley
After that second mill, the trail winds its way onwards, along the Bosbeek. The Bosbeek originates in the village of As and then flows through several villages before joining the river Meuse 22 kilometres further on. Over that short distance, the stream drops a full 50 metres, so the water flows quickly there. That explains why there are as many as 16 water mills along this stream. And, by the way, we also see some unique wildlife here: the Bosbeek damselfly. This rare dragonfly stands out from its counterparts because of its blue-black wings and is a delight to behold.
Finish: Church Square, Opoeteren
Having completed our hiking route that has a lot to offer, we arrive back in the centre of Opoeteren. It's time to savour the moment with a local treat. By now, we've definitely earned an ‘Oeters ice cream’.
Finish
Top 10 Trails
Hoge Kempen National Park offers endless opportunities for hiking, as the 10 Top Trails in this national park clearly show. These trails meet strict quality standards in terms of landscape diversity, nature, cultural heritage, and infrastructure. Each of these circular hikes proudly carries the European quality label Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe, Day Walk, awarded by the European Hiking Federation. Well worth exploring!
