With 'Art on the Meuse', Z33 and RLKM are bringing art to the Limburg Meuse Valley. Between 2022 and 2024, five artworks will appear in Dilsen-Stokkem, Kinrooi, Lanaken, Maaseik and Maasmechelen. read more
The Meuse valley
RivierPark Maasvallei is located along the banks of the Meuse in Belgian and Dutch Limburg. The Meuse forms the backbone of a special, cross-border landscape park covering more than 15,000 hectares. This area stretches from Kessenich in the north to Maastricht in the south. Along both banks, the river is flanked by beautiful Meuse villages. This combination of extraordinary nature and history makes RivierPark Maasvallei exceptionally unique in the Benelux.
Working together on flood protection
In the past, the Meuse villages regularly suffered from flooding. This was a result of the way in which flood protection was done at the time. The idea was that ever-higher dikes could hold back the water.
And then came the floods of 1993 and 1995. Entire villages were flooded and the inhabitants of the Meuse valley were confronted with the destructive power of the river… Afterwards, the insights into river management changed considerably. Gradually people began to realise that the Meuse needed more space. That is why, even today, major work is still being carried out in the winter bed of the Meuse. Large-scale gravel excavations mean that the Meuse can take up more space in its winter bed. As a result, surrounding Meuse villages are better protected against high water.
Today, the (Flemish) Meuse valley is one of the largest river restoration projects in Europe. Reclaimed areas are ‘made available’ to the Meuse, which it can occupy at high water. In addition, new river nature is created in these areas, which people can enjoy as much as possible with as little interference as possible.
Landscape park for nature lovers
The various nature reserves and Meuse villages in RivierPark Maasvallei are perfect for exploring by foot or by bicycle. Beautiful walking trails and a car-free winter dike ensure that you can enjoy the landscape freely.
There is also a lot to do on the water. You can rent a kayak, canoe or raft at several places. Prefer something less active? Then quiet sloops or whisper boats are a good choice. Supping, sailing and even spending the night on the water is also possible here.
MeuseExplorers
For those who want to dig a little deeper, there are the MeuseExplorers. True experts of the RivierPark, nature and culture lovers, mostly from the region itself. These guides are ready to take groups into nature for a real expedition with tasks, fun facts and even tastings!
More information can be found on the website about RivierPark Maasvallei.
