Hiking in Hoge Kempen National Park Terhills Trail
Terhills Trail
Start
Start: National Park Visitor Centre
Welcoming Limburg is closely linked with the history of coal mining. Active coal mines could still be found here until the early 1990s, and that heritage remains clearly visible in the landscape today. This hike takes you across two spoil heaps. These are large mounds made of mine stone, the rock that was brought to the surface along with coal but could not be used. You can explore this remarkable setting starting from Terhills, the main gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. Your walking adventure begins at the National Park Visitor Centre, where you can find practical information and plenty of useful tips.
Former Eisden Coal Mine
The visitor centre itself is already a clear nod to the region’s mining past. It stands close to the old Eisden Coal Mine Headframes, part of Eisden Coal Mine which closed in 1987. These headframes were used to transport miners, equipment, and coal underground and back to the surface. However, a mining site consisted of far more than just the mine shafts. It also included administration buildings, sorting installations, power plants, railway lines, and garden neighbourhoods, where miners lived in characteristic miners’ houses. The Heritage App brings the former Eisden garden neighbourhood back to life.
The Panorama Spoil Heap
This demanding hike takes you across two different spoil heaps. The Panorama Spoil Heap is the longest of the two, and the first you encounter. From the eastern summit, you’ll enjoy magnificent views across the surrounding spoil heaps. On clear days, you can even see far into Germany and the Netherlands. The western summit is even more spectacular. Here, you’ll witness what may well be one of the most beautiful panoramas in all of Flanders.
The bridge across the Grote Plas
After capturing a few photos on the first spoil heap, you’ll reach a remarkable floating bridge. This structure is also known as the “Cycling through the Mine Spoil Heaps” experience. https://www.visitlimburg.be/nl/fietsen-tussen-de-mijnterrils The bridge takes you across the Grote Plas. This lake is another silent witness to the mining past. After the mines closed, gravel was extracted here, leaving behind a striking landscape of hills and gravel pits which filled up with water.
Twin Spoil Heap
Once your feet are back on solid ground, a new challenge awaits. The trail continues towards the next spoil heap. The climb is steep, but definitely worth the effort. This Twin Spoil Heap has two summits, both offering superb views across the beautiful landscapes of Limburg.
Ecotron & Field Research Centre
Mining belongs to the past, but Limburg isn’t dwelling on its history. The region is also looking firmly to the future. A great example is the Ecotron Hasselt University. This unique high-tech research facility allows scientists to study the effects of climate change on biodiversity in controlled environments. Visitors can register for a guided tour behind the scenes.
Finish: National Park Visitor Centre
By now, you’ll have enjoyed a hike covering almost 10 kilometres, including several challenging climbs. Tired but satisfied, you’ll arrive back at the starting point. At the National Park Visitor Centre, you can recharge with a regional beer, fruit juice, or locally produced organic lemonade. If your young walkers still have energy to spare, they can burn it off at the Speelput adventure play pit.
Top 10 Trails
Hoge Kempen National Park offers endless opportunities for hiking, as the Top 10 Trails of the 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!
