Advanced Dutch Mountain Trail

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 your adventure, 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!