> Hike along the Dutch-Belgian border over 4 challenging stages
> Conquer the seven summits of South Limburg
> Accommodation before and after the trake arranged for your convenience
This 6-day trekking trip lets you complete the most thrilling version of the DMT — one of the toughest hikes in the Netherlands — in just 4 days of walking. You’ll start in Eygelshoven and finish in Maastricht, crossing rolling hills, forest trails, and international borders along the way. Yes, this trail dips in and out of Belgium, making it a true border-hopping adventure.
Each day covers a longer stage, taking you over all seven of South Limburg’s official “summits.” Expect long distances, steady climbs, and the kind of scenic variation you’d never expect from a Dutch trail. On the way, you’ll stay in carefully selected local hotels or guesthouses in Vaals, Gulpen and Noorbeek, with an extra night before and after your trek so you can start fresh and end on a high note.
Welcome to Eygelshoven — the quiet Limburg village where your Dutch Mountain Trail begins. Take today to settle in, stretch your legs, and maybe grab a bite at a local café. Tomorrow, the real adventure kicks off as you head south across the rolling hills of the Netherlands. For now, relax. You're in the right place.
Kick off the trail with a bang! Starting in Eygelshoven, walk alongside the railway tracks before turning left towards a house adorned with a faded yet striking mural. You will soon enter the peaceful Strijthagerbeek area, where the view opens up to reveal Castle Strijthagen, the last intact noble estate in Landgraaf. Next up is Wilhelminaberg (225 m), a steep climb over an old mining spoil heap that offers sweeping views of the former mining region. After catching your breath, a long descent will take you to Winselerhof and through the parkland near Gaia Zoo. Follow the wooden bridges and forest trails, passing trout-filled streams and tranquil ponds, to reach Kasteel Erenstein and its elegant gardens.
A short ascent then leads into the Hambos woods, a beech-covered forest on a hillside, before descending towards the German border. Passing chapels, castles and watermills, you will hike directly alongside the forested corridors of the Amstelbach and Selzerbeek streams, which frame the border. The landscape also bears traces of WWII, with Dragon's Teeth and bunkers dotted along the route. Keep an eye out for the remains of Burg Orsbach just before you start climbing towards Schneeberg (256 m). The trail here offers outstanding views of Vijlen, Aachen, Parkstad and, in the distance, Wilhelminaberg. After a final descent through the woods, passing old bunkers and rapeseed fields, the trail crosses back into the Netherlands. The Weiher Gut Paffenbroich lake marks the edge of Vaals. You’ve made it! Now, rest up before tomorrow's stage.
Begin your day crossing into Germany at Vaalserquartier to tackle the day's highlight: the ascent of Vaalserberg, the highest point in the Netherlands at 322 metres. Take a break at the lively Drielandenpunt, where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany converge. Then, follow the border markers as you descend into a landscape dotted with WWII bunkers and dragon's teeth.
Later on, walk through cattle meadows and dense woodlands to reach viewpoints overlooking the Geul Valley and Holsetterbos. Be sure to stop by the forest café for a drink or snack in the heart of the woods. The following stretch features steep downhill slopes and ancient barrows before you enter the Mechelderbeek Valley. As you walk, you will pass rolling farmlands, several roadside crosses and charming rest areas. After hiking through open fields and shaded lanes, you will reach Wahlwiller — the perfect place to stop for a Limburgse vlaai.
From here, the trail continues through vineyards and hedged paths, then under the Miljoenenlijn railway to the hamlet of De Piepert. Climbing through Eyserbos (197 m) will reward you with sweeping views of the Three-Country Point and the South Limburg hills. Next, you will pass through a pedestrian tunnel and continue through wooded areas. Finally, you will reach Wittem and cross the beautiful old bridge over the Geul river. Welcome to Gulpen, nestled in the Heuvelland hills — your home for tonight.
Your first stop is a staircase that will lead you up to the iconic Gulperberg (157 m). Take in the picnic spots, tree-lined meadows and views before continuing into the tranquil countryside. En route, you will find medals hanging in the trees, tiny chapels and benches with picture-perfect backdrops. The route concludes with a climb through the enchanting Kruisbosch forest, followed by an ascent via the cherry-lined Kersenpad trail. You will eventually run into the tranquil Schweibergerbosch forest. After a short uphill section, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Epen and its surroundings, including the Geul Valley, Vijlenerbos and Beusdael Castle. Undulating terrain awaits you for the rest of the day, with a series of ups and downs along forest edges and gravel paths.
Follow a high ridge overlooking the Geul Valley, pass fallen trees and eventually reach Hakkenberg (252 m), the highest of the Seven Summits in South Limburg, next to the Dutch-Belgian border. Next is the Teuvenderberg Nature Reserve, a wild patch of forest. Follow the GR128 trail downhill towards the ruins of Sinnich Abbey and its watermill. After crossing the Gulp River, the road gently winds through meadows and into the village of Teuven — a great place for a break! Refreshed, enter the Veursbos-Roodbos-Vossenaerde Nature Reserve and find a hidden ice cream vending machine in the forest — the perfect mid-hike treat! Continue past vineyards and apple orchards into the protected Broekbos forest.
After a short ascent around the 22 km mark, the summit of Kattenroth (209 m) comes into view. Follow the quiet gravel path of the Bovenhoutwandeling to the right towards Noorbeek. You will spend the night here, the perfect place to rest before your final push to Maastricht tomorrow.
Today's stage may seem flatter, but it is full of panoramic views. Just after leaving Noorbeek, the trail takes you through Bergenhuizen, a high-altitude hamlet perched on a plateau north of the village, a classic South Limburg feel. You’ll soon enter the rolling countryside around Noorbeek, with sweeping views including a panorama of Sint-Martens-Voeren on the horizon. Continue straight at the crossroads toward the outskirts of Mheer, passing by half-timbered houses that are typical of this region. As you exit the village via Steegstraat, more picturesque homes line the route. The trail narrows into the serene Noorbeemden & Hoogbos woodland path, where benches invite you to pause and take in the peaceful landscape.
A small body of water marks the moment you cross into Belgium, entering a long, narrow, tree-lined trail. This is borderland hiking at its best — expect orchard lanes and your first glimpse of D’n Observant, an artificial peak overlooking Maastricht. Quietly back into the Netherlands, cross the border at Mariadorp and enter Eijsden, whose river cafés are ideal places to rest. Then, take the Eijsden–Ternaaien ferry across the Maas. Back on Belgian soil, the riverside double track in Lanaye offers tranquil waters, scenic benches and stunning vistas of D’n Observant (171 m). After passing the massive Lanaye Locks, the trail ascends steeply into wooded hills and limestone corridors.
Finally, you will enter the surreal terrain of the ENCI Quarry and its turquoise lake. Once an industrial site, it is now an idyllic oasis. Hike through panoramic plateaus and silent forest paths and climb to the 107-metre summit of Sint-Pietersberg — the final high point of the DMT. Enjoy sweeping views of the Maas River and the surrounding valleys — a fitting farewell to Limburg. Descend gently into the historic city of Maastricht, cross the Sint Servaas Bridge, and follow the riverbank to the station. Your DMT adventure is now complete. Boots muddy. Heart full. Time to celebrate!
Once you have completed the Dutch Mountain Trail, it will be time to say goodbye to the hills of Limburg. Maastricht, with its historic charm and riverside cafés, provides the perfect setting for the end of your journey. Whether you're catching a train from the central station or spending a few extra hours exploring the cobbled streets, enjoy this final chapter of your adventure. Safe travels — and we'll see you on the next trail!
