With ART AT THE MEUSE, Z33 and RLKM are enriching the Maas Valley River Park with contemporary art. Discover the six unique artworks in Dilsen-Stokkem, Kinrooi, Lanaken, Maaseik and Maasmechelen. read more
VISIT
How to best visit the locations? Where can you easily park? Are dogs allowed, and are the paths suitable for a stroller or wheelchair?
The artworks are spread across five municipalities in Limburg, so good preparation is half the battle. On this page, we have gathered all practical information, handy tips, and route maps.
LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY
The six artworks are located throughout RiverPark Maasvallei, spread across the five Flemish Maasland municipalities – from north to south: Kinrooi, Maaseik, Dilsen-Stokkem, Maasmechelen, and Lanaken.
Because the works are often tucked away in nature or along car-free dikes, the best approach is to travel by car or public transport to one of the official starting points and continue from there on foot or by bike.
You can find the precise locations of the artworks on the page for each artwork. View the location of each piece on the map below. Click on a location for the exact coordinates and details about the surrounding landscape.
BY CAR & PARKING
Because you cannot drive right up to the artworks by car, we recommend parking in the official parking lots of RiverPark Maasvallei.
Local signage: you can find the nearest parking lot on the detail page of each artwork. From these parking areas, the route to the artwork on foot or by bike is always clearly signposted with handy markers. (photo: see below)
An overview of all RiverPark Maasvallei parking lots near the artworks can be found on the map above.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Train
You can easily find the nearest station on the map below. Click on the icon on the left side of the map to expand the legend.
For the northern section (Kinrooi/Maaseik/Dilsen-Stokkem): For Dutch visitors, the stations of Weert (NL), Sittard (NL), Echt (NL), and Roermond (NL) serve as a convenient base.
For the central and southern section (Dilsen-Stokkem/Maasmechelen/Lanaken), you can travel via the stations of Genk or Bilzen in Belgium, or in the Netherlands via Maastricht, Bunde, and Beek. From Maastricht, you can directly connect to the long-distance trail towards the artworks along the Flemish bank of the Meuse.
From the train stations, you can continue your journey with a local bus service from De Lijn (in Belgium) or Arriva (in the Netherlands) towards the various Maasland villages.
Consult the railway route planners to organize your train journey and any bus connections (SNCB.BE – NS.NL)
Bus
From the railway stations or nearby towns and municipalities, there are regular De Lijn bus connections to the various Maasland villages. From the bus stops in the village centers, you can then set off towards the artworks on foot or by bicycle.
Plan your route: check the De Lijn route planner or the Arriva travel planner in advance to find the appropriate bus lines, current timetables, and closest stops.
OPENING HOURS
All artworks are located in public spaces, so no opening hours apply.
The free ferry services that you can use to cross the Meuse do have operating hours. They run at set times. If water levels on the Meuse are very high, sailing times may vary.
Here you will find the most up-to-date ferry timetables. Follow RivierPark Maasvallei on Facebook to avoid any surprises!
WALKING AND CYCLING LOCALLY
Discover Kunst aan de Maas at your own pace. The car-free winter dikes and walking trails are ideal for a varied journey along the water. Whether you opt for a bike ride, a brisk walk, an adventure on the water, or a unique trip on an e-scooter: there is something for everyone.
BY BICYCLE
All artworks are easily accessible by bicycle. Cycling through RiverPark Maasvallei immediately reveals the distinct character and charm of the area. The winter dikes are car-free, allowing you to string together kilometers undisturbed while fully taking in the breathtaking views. It is not without reason that the Meuse Valley is a popular cycling destination!
The various Maasland villages serve as an ideal departure point for an artistic bike tour through the RiverPark. There is always (ample) parking available, and the nearby tourist information offices are on hand to provide cycling maps or further local details. You will also consistently find charging points for e-bikes just a short distance from the starting locations.
Cycle node network
Thanks to the extensive cycling node network in Belgium and the Netherlands, you can plan your own route using numbered nodes signposted in both directions. This puts you in full control of your heading and distance. The networks connect seamlessly across borders: the underlying system is identical, with only the sign colors differing. In Belgium, follow the blue signs; in the Netherlands, follow the green ones.
Ferry operating times
Hop on a ferry during your cycle ride to cross over to the opposite bank. You can cross the Meuse with a bicycle at four points along the river. There are three pedestrian/bicycle ferries and one larger ferry capable of carrying vehicular traffic. Please note that the bicycle ferries operate only during the summer season (May – October). Be sure to check the ferry timetable page before heading out.
KUNST AAN DE MAAS CYCLING ROUTES
3 Kunst aan de Maas cycling loops have been developed.
THE NORTHERN LOOP
- 41 km
- This loop guides you past the artworks of Laure Prouvost, Adrien Tirtiaux, and Koen Vanmechelen.
- Cycle nodes: start at the Bastion in Kinrooi, where you will also find Moeder! Oui dream till the end. Continue your journey towards node 21 -> 22 -> 25 -> 24 (turn-off to: Echoes of a Landscape) -> 26 (here you pass: Future Fossil) -> 46 -> 19 -> TP (cross the Meuse here via ferry) -> 13 -> 3 -> 1 (cross the Meuse again via ferry) -> 22 -> 21 -> follow the Kunst aan de Maas signage back to the Bastion.
THE SOUTHERN LOOP
- 50 km
- This loop guides you past the artworks of Koen Vanmechelen, Germaine Kruip, Jennifer Tee, and Mark Dion.
- Start at Visitor Center De Wissen (Dilsen-Stokkem) -> 49 -> 46 (follow the arrows here to Future Fossil) -> TP -> 19 -> (take the ferry to the Netherlands here) -> 27 (cross the Meuse again via ferry) -> 50 -> TP -> TP (here you pass Reflections) -> TP (turn-off to Womb of Time near Leut Castle) – > 56 -> 57 -> 51 -> 52 -> 53 (turn-off to: Tree of Life) -> 52 -> TP -> (take the ferry to the Netherlands here at Uikhoven) -> 17 -> 45 -> 80 -> 83 -> 27 -> 50 -> (take the ferry back to Belgium here) -> 49 (here you pass the final destination: Visitor Center De Wissen)
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH (AND BACK)
- 45 km (or 90 km as a loop)
- Passes all artworks
- Start at the Bastion in Kinrooi, where you will also find Moeder! Oui dream till the end. Continue towards node 21 -> → 22 → 25 → 24 → turn towards Echoes of a Landscape → 24 → 26 → you pass Future Fossil → 46 → 49 → 49 → 50 → follow the dike along the Meuse, you pass Reflections → TP → TP → turn back towards 50 here to find Womb of Time near Leut Castle, then continue your journey → 56 → 57 → 51 → 52 → 53 → follow the signs to Tree of Life
- Want to return to the starting point without taking the exact same route back? During the ferry season, you can take the bicycle ferry to the Netherlands at node 52 in Uikhoven. Continue along the Dutch cycle node network → 17 → 45 → 80 → 83 → 27 → 19 → 13 → 3 → 1 (take the ferry back to Flanders here) → 22 → (BE). In total, you will have cycled 90 km from start back to start.
- Here you can find the route on the Visit Limburg route planner.
- You can also cycle the route in the opposite direction without any issues. Customise your own itinerary here.
ON FOOT
RiverPark Maasvallei features over 200 km of well-maintained and fully signposted walking loops. Several of these lead right past the monumental installations of Kunst aan de Maas.
The best place to begin your walk is at one of the Belgian starting points (‘startplekken’). Here you will find parking and an information board with a detailed map of the hiking area.
Want to know how to reach a specific artwork, the exact walking distance from the parking lot, or what type of terrain to expect? Click through to the detail page of the respective artwork for specific walking directions. All routes can be found on Wandeleninlimburg.be.
TIP: Most artworks are located directly along the award-winning 137-km long-distance trail. For those who want to experience the route without the hassle of planning everything themselves, a ready-to-go package is available.
E-SCOOTER
E-Adventure rents out e-scooters and offers carefully curated tours complete with a roadbook guide.
PRACTICAL & ACCESSIBILITY
FOOD, DRINKS & ACCOMMODATION
Along the route, you will find plenty of charming cycle cafés, culinary hotspots, and unique places to spend the night. For the most up-to-date overview of the best eateries, cycle cafés, and accommodations near the artworks, please consult the tourist offices of the five Meuse municipalities:
You can also find plenty of information via Visit Limburg.
Be sure to soak up the atmosphere on the Dutch bank as well. Great spots can be found on Visit Zuid-Limburg and Hart van Limburg.
ACCESSIBILITY
We want everyone to be able to enjoy Kunst aan de Maas to the fullest and without worries. Because the artworks are located in the midst of the beautiful, yet sometimes rugged nature of RiverPark Maasvallei, accessibility varies by location. Prepare your visit thoroughly with the information below.
TERRAIN AND SURFACE
The artworks are spread across diverse landscapes. Some creations are situated right alongside smoothly paved cycle paths (asphalt or concrete) on the winter dikes. Other works challenge you to venture into the floodplains via unpaved roaming paths, grasslands, or gravelly ground. Always check the respective artwork’s page to know what to expect.
WHEELCHAIRS AND STROLLERS
Not every location is equally accessible on wheels. Check the artwork’s page for location-specific details.
ARE DOGS WELCOME?
Your four-legged friend is of course welcome to join, but always on a leash. Konik horses and Galloway cattle roam freely in RiverPark Maasvallei. Always keep a distance of at least 25 meters from the animals and ensure your dog remains calm.
AUDIO, VIDEO & GUIDES
Want to dive even deeper into the story behind the artworks? Let yourself be carried away by the artists’ own stories or head out with an expert who brings the landscape to life.
VIDEO, PODCASTS & AUDIO GUIDES
At each artwork, you will find an information board on site with a QR code. Scan the code with your smartphone and watch the artist videos to discover the story behind the work. In addition, some artworks feature a dedicated podcast or podwalk. You can find the links to these on the specific artwork pages (Germaine Kruip & Jennifer Tee). Listen to the artists share their inspiration and the locals describe their bond with the river.
!!! Don’t forget to bring your earphones or headphones along on your trip, so you can listen comfortably and in peace in the middle of nature.
OUT AND ABOUT WITH A ‘MAASVERKENNER’
Visiting Kunst aan de Maas with an association, family, school, or group of friends? Book a walking tour with an official MaasVerkenner (Meuse Explorer). These guides know the region inside and out and will not only tell you all about the contemporary art, but also about the unique flora and fauna and the history of the Meuse Valley.
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An average guided tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Walks can be tailored to the group’s walking pace.
- More info
ART BOULDERS
The Meuse has scattered boulders here and there near the artwork. On them, children will find an inspiring little text that encourages looking at the artwork and the surrounding landscape through different eyes.
MICRO-ADVENTURE: A DAY OR TWO OF KUNST AAN DE MAAS
From Kinrooi to Lanaken — a wonderful micro-adventure in the RiverPark Maasvallei
One river, five municipalities, and a ribbon of artworks — carefully curated by Z33 — that effortlessly carries you against the current. In one full day, or spread over two relaxed days, discover the RiverPark Maasvallei: from Kinrooi in the north to the open river landscapes around Lanaken, featuring inspiring stops that let you experience the surroundings in a new light.
Ready for your micro-adventure along the Meuse? We have already mapped out the ideal route for you.
Here you will find more information.
MORE ART AND HERITAGE
Looking to enrich your visit to the Meuse Valley even further? In addition to the permanent open-air installations, the region offers plenty of additional culture and history to discover.
Z33
Kunst aan de Maas is artistically curated by House for Contemporary Art Z33 in Hasselt. Curious about their other projects or keen to visit one of their exceptional, thought-provoking exhibitions afterwards? Discover all current exhibitions on the Z33 website
FARO HERITAGE APP
For those who love diving deep into history, the FARO Erfgoedapp (Heritage App) offers a wonderful cultural companion to your journey. The app uncovers the hidden stories and secrets of the historic Maasland villages. Here you will find a list of all available walks.
With this free app, you can explore the history of the Maasland villages in total freedom. Interactive maps allow you to choose your own starting point and the order of highlights. Along the way, audio clips, historical illustrations, and vintage postcards bring the past to life, with your smartphone vibrating automatically whenever you approach a new heritage spot. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store before you set off, so you’re ready to explore right away!