> Explore the most hilly region in the Netherlands: South Limburg
> Hike over 100 kilometres in just 5 days
> Accommodation before and after included — start fresh and finish easy
This 7-day, thrilling adventure gives you the chance to complete the Dutch Mountain Trail — the Netherlands' toughest long-distance hike — without having to worry about logistics. Starting in Eygelshoven and finishing in Maastricht, the route takes you through the rolling hills and forests of South Limburg along the country's only mountain trail. You will cross 7 summits, enjoy views of vineyards and picturesque villages, and discover a side of the Netherlands that most people don't expect.
The trail itself is not technically difficult, but the stages are long and require good endurance. Although there is little elevation gain, don't underestimate the distance. Each night, you will stay in carefully selected hotels, B&Bs or guesthouses. With the first and last nights included, you can arrive relaxed and leave at your own pace — no rush, just Limburg hospitality. It’s the perfect mix of challenge and charm for intermediate hikers who want something different in the Netherlands!
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. The final kilometres wind through open fields and narrow forest paths before reaching Mamelis and its old watermill. One final push will bring you up to the village of Vijlen, which is crowned by the St Martinus Church. What a stage!
Start your day by descending from Vijlen, retracing part of yesterday's route to the tranquil border region of Orsbach. The path then climbs steadily via the scenic Schneeberg trails, winding through forests and alongside hedgerows, until you reach the 256-metre summit of Schneeberg, where you can enjoy views stretching from Aachen to the Limburg hills.
Next, you will circle the village of Vaals before tackling 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 final stretch features steep downhill slopes and ancient barrows before you enter the Mechelderbeek Valley. Cross grassy paths, streams and footbridges until you reach the historic, castle-like Panhuis Manor — the perfect finale to this hilly, historic stage in Mechelen.
Begin your day with a tranquil stroll along the grassy Huntjespad, meandering through the idyllic 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 coffee and 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. After returning past De Piepert, you will pass through a pedestrian tunnel and continue uphill through wooded areas.
Your next 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 a final ascent via the cherry-lined Kersenpad trail. When you reach the top of Loorberg, the village of Slenaken will come into view, nestled amongst the hills, ready to welcome you at the end of this unforgettable stage.
Begin your day by following the final 2 kilometres of yesterday's route, then turn right 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! At the top, you will find a rocky viewpoint overlooking the Voer Valley and distant castles. Continue past vineyards and apple orchards into the protected Broekbos forest.
After a short ascent around the 15 km mark, the summit of Kattenroth (209 m) comes into view. Follow the streams winding their way through the forest and cross the wooden bridges until the rooftops of 's-Gravenvoeren come into view. 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. Shortly after leaving the village behind, you will come to an inviting deckchair where you can relax. A gentle gravel incline will then lead you up to the plateau of the Voeren-Mescherberg, where you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Maas Valley. This is borderland hiking at its best — expect orchard lanes and your first glimpse of D’n Observant, an artificial peak overlooking Maastricht.
The trail then descends through farmland and overgrown paths, leading you quietly into the Netherlands. Cross the border at Mariadorp and you will soon 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!
