With ART ON 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
What’s the best way to visit the sites? Where can you park easily? Can you bring your dog, and are the paths suitable for a pushchair or wheelchair?
The artworks are spread across five municipalities in Limburg, so good preparation is half the battle. On this page, we’ve compiled all the practical information, useful tips and route maps.
WHERE IS ART ON THE MEUSE LOCATED?
The six artworks are scattered across the five municipalities on the Flemish side of the Maas Valley River Park. The River Park is situated on the border between the two Limburgs, where the River Meuse forms the border between Belgium and the Netherlands.
You can find the exact locations of the artworks via the page for each artwork.
OPENING HOURS
All the artworks are located in public spaces, so there are no set opening hours.
The free ferries you can use to cross the Meuse do, however, have operating hours. They run at fixed times. If the water level of the Meuse is very high, the sailing times may vary.
You can find the most up-to-date ferry timetables here. Follow RivierPark Maasvallei on Facebook to minimise any surprises!
ACCESSIBILITY
The artworks in the ‘Kunst aan de Maas’ exhibition are often tucked away in the countryside or on car-free dykes. Although the locations themselves are therefore usually not directly accessible by car, you can get close to them by car or public transport.
BY CAR & PARKING
As you cannot drive right up to the artworks, we recommend parking at the official car parks of the RivierPark Maasvallei.
Local signage: on the details page for each artwork, you’ll find the nearest car park. From these car parks, the route to the artwork is clearly signposted with handy signs, whether you’re walking or cycling. (photo: see below)
You’ll find an overview of all the RivierPark Maasvallei car parks near the artworks on the map below.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Train
You can easily find your nearest station on the map below. Click on the symbol on the left-hand side of the map to open the legend.
For the northern area (Kinrooi/Maaseik/Dilsen-Stokkem): For visitors from the Netherlands, the stations at Weert (NL), Sittard (NL), Echt (NL) and Roermond (NL) are good starting points.
For the central and southern parts (Dilsen-Stokkem/Maasmechelen/Lanaken), you can travel via the stations at Genk and Bilzen in Belgium, or in the Netherlands via Maastricht, Bunde and Beek. From Maastricht, you can join the long-distance walk directly towards the artworks on the Flemish bank of the Meuse.
From the stations, you can continue your journey on a local bus service operated by De Lijn (in Belgium) or Arriva (in the Netherlands) to the various villages along the Meuse.
Check the rail companies’ route planners to plan your train journey and any bus connections (NMBS.BE – NS.NL)
Bus
There are regular De Lijn bus services from the train stations or from nearby towns and villages to the various villages along the Meuse. From the bus stops in the village centres, you can then set off on foot or by bike to explore the artworks.
Plan your route: check De Lijn’s route planner or Arriva’s journey planner in advance to find the right bus routes, up-to-date timetables and the nearest stops.
WALKING AND CYCLING IN THE AREA
You can explore Art on the Meuse at your own pace. Whether you opt for an active yet relaxing cycle, a brisk walk, an adventure on the water or a unique ride on an e-scooter: there’s something for everyone.
BY BIKE
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All the artworks are easily accessible by bike. As you cycle through the Maas Valley River Park, the area’s unique character and charm become immediately apparent. The winter dykes are car-free, so you can cycle for kilometres on end undisturbed whilst enjoying the stunning views to the full. It’s no wonder the Maas Valley is such a popular cycling region!
The various villages along the Maas are ideal starting points for an art-themed cycle tour in the RivierPark. There is always ample parking available, and you can visit the nearby tourist information offices to pick up a cycle map or find out more about the region. You’ll also always find a charging point for electric bikes a short distance from the starting points.
Cycle route network
Thanks to the extensive cycle route network in Belgium and the Netherlands, you can plan your own cycle route using junction points that are signposted in both directions. This allows you to decide for yourself which direction to take and how long your ride will be. The cycle route networks link up seamlessly. The system is the same; only the colour of the signs differs. In Belgium, you follow blue signs; in the Netherlands, green ones.
Ferry timetables
Why not take a small ferry to the other bank during your cycle ride? There are four places where you can cross the Meuse by bike. There are three cycle and foot ferries, as well as one large ferry that is open to motor vehicles. Please note that the cycle ferries only operate during the summer months (May–October). Be sure to check the timetable page before you set off.
ART ALONG THE MEUSE CYCLING ROUTES
Three ART ON THE MEUSE cycle routes were developed.
THE NORTHERN LOOP
- 41 km
- This tour takes you past the works of Laure Prouvost, Adrien Tirtiaux and Koen Vanmechelen.
- Cycle junctions: start at the Bastion in Kinrooi, where you’ll also find Moeder! Oui dream till the end. Continue on to junction 21 -> 22 -> 25 -> 24 (turn-off to: Echoes of a Landscape) -> 26 (here you’ll pass: Future Fossil) -> 46 -> 19 -> TP (here you cross the Meuse on a ferry) -> 13 -> 3 -> 1 (here you cross the Meuse again on a ferry) -> 22 -> 21 -> follow the ‘Kunst aan de Maas’ signs back to the Bastion.
THE SOUTHERN LOOP
- 50 km
- This tour takes you past works by Koen Vanmechelen, Germaine Kruip, Jennifer Tee and Mark Dion.
- Start at the De Wissen Visitor Centre (Dilsen-Stokkem) -> 49 -> 46 (follow the arrows here to Future Fossil) -> TP -> 19 -> (here, take the ferry to the Netherlands) -> 27 (here, cross the Meuse again by ferry) -> 50 -> TP -> TP (pass Reflections here) -> TP (turn-off to Womb of Time at Leut Castle) -> 56 -> 57 -> 51 -> 52 -> 53 (turn-off to: Tree of Life) -> 52 -> TP -> (Here you take the ferry to the Netherlands at Uikhoven) -> 17 -> 45 -> 80 -> 83 -> 27 -> 50 -> (Here you take the ferry back to Belgium) -> 49 (here you pass the final stop, Visitor Centre De Wissen)
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH (AND BACK)
- 45 km (or 90 in lus)
- Passes by all the works of art
- Start at the Bastion in Kinrooi, where you’ll also find Moeder! Oui dream till the end. Continue on your way to junction 21 -> → 22 → 25 → 24 → turn off towards Echoes of a Landscape → 24 → 26 → you’ll pass Future Fossil → 46 → 49 → 49 → 50 → follow the dyke along the Meuse, you’ll pass Reflections → TP → TP → here, turn back towards 50 to find Womb of Time at Leut Castle, then continue on your way → 56 → 57 → 51 → 52 → 53 → follow the signs to the Tree of Life
- Would you like to return to the starting point, but not via the same route? If so, during the ferry season you can take the cycle ferry to the Netherlands from junction 52 in Uikhoven. Continue your route via the Dutch cycle junction network → 17 → 45 → 80 → 83 → 27 → 19 → 13 → 3 → 1 (here you take the ferry back to Flanders) → 22 → (BE). In total, you will have cycled 90 km from start to finish and back to the start.
- You can find the route here on the Visit Limburg route planner.
- You can also cycle the route in the opposite direction without any problems. Plan your own route here.
ON FOOT
The Maas Valley River Park features over 200 km of well-maintained and fully signposted circular walking routes. Some of these pass directly alongside the monumental installations of ‘Kunst aan de Maas’.
It’s best to start your walk from one of the Belgian ‘starting points’. Here you’ll find a car park and an information board with a detailed map of the walking area.
If you’d like to know how to reach a specific artwork, the exact walking distance from the car park or what the terrain is like, click through to the details page for that artwork for specific walking instructions. All routes can be found on Wandeleninlimburg.be.
TIP: Most of the artworks are situated directly along the award-winning 137-km long-distance walking route. If you’d like to experience this trail but don’t have the time or inclination to plan everything yourself, you can make use of a ready-made package.
E-SCOOTER
E-Adventure rents out e-scooters and offers carefully planned tours complete with a roadbook.
EAT, DRINK & STAY
Along the route, you’ll find plenty of charming cycle cafés, culinary hotspots and unique places to stay.
For the most up-to-date overview of the best restaurants, cycle cafés and accommodation near the artworks, please contact the tourist information offices of the five Meuse municipalities:
You can also find plenty of information via Visit Limburg
Be sure to go and soak up the atmosphere on the Dutch side of the river too. You can find some great places to visit on Visit Zuid-Limburg and Hart van Limburg.
ROCK ART
The River Maas has scattered boulders here and there around the artwork. For children, there is an inspiring little text on these boulders that encourages you to look at the artwork and the surrounding landscape with fresh eyes.
ACCESSIBILITY
We want everyone to be able to enjoy Kunst aan de Maas to the full and without any worries. As the artworks are situated in the heart of the beautiful, yet sometimes unpredictable, natural surroundings of the Maas Valley River Park, accessibility varies from location to location. Please plan your visit carefully using the information below.
SITE AND SUBGRADE
The artworks are scattered across various landscapes. Some are situated right next to the smooth, paved cycle path (asphalt or concrete) on the winter dykes. Others invite you to venture into the floodplains via unpaved footpaths, grasslands or gravelly ground. Always check the page for the specific artwork to see what to expect.
WHEELCHAIRS AND PUSHCHAIRS
Not every location is equally easy to reach by car. Please check the artwork’s page for location-specific details.
DOGS WELCOME?
Your four-legged friend is, of course, welcome to come along, but must always be kept on a lead. In the Maasvallei River Park, Konik horses and Galloway cattle roam freely. Always keep a distance of at least 25 metres from the animals and ensure your dog remains calm.
AUDIO, VIDEO & GUIDES
Would you like to delve even deeper into the stories behind the artworks? Let yourself be swept away by the artists’ own stories, or set off with an expert who brings the landscape to life.
VIDEOS, PODCASTS & AUDIO GUIDES
Next to each artwork, you’ll find an information board with a QR code. Scan the code with your smartphone and watch the artist videos to discover the story behind the artwork. Some artworks also have a specific podcast or podwalk. You’ll find the links to these on the relevant artwork page. (Dutch pages of Germaine Kruip & Jennifer Tee). You’ll hear the artists talk about their inspiration and the local residents discuss their connection to the river.
!!! Don’t forget to bring your earphones or headphones with you on your trip, so you can listen in peace and comfort whilst surrounded by nature
OUT AND ABOUT WITH A MAAS EXPLORER
Are you visiting Kunst aan de Maas with a club, family, school or group of friends? Then book a guided walk with an official MaasVerkenner. These guides know the region inside out and will tell you not only all about 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 lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Walks can be adapted to suit the group’s walking pace.
- More information
A DAY OR TWO OF ART ON THE MAAS
From Kinrooi to Lanaken — a wonderful mini-adventure in the Maas Valley River Park
One river, five municipalities and a string of artworks — carefully curated by Z33 — that effortlessly carry you upstream. In a single long day, or spread over two leisurely days, you can discover the Maas Valley River Park: from Kinrooi in the north to the open river landscapes around Lanaken, with inspiring stops that let you experience the landscape in a different way.
Ready for your micro-adventure along the Meuse? We’ve already mapped out the ideal route for you.
You can find more information here.
MORE ART AND HERITAGE
Would you like to make your visit to the Meuse Valley even more rewarding? As well as the permanent outdoor installations, there’s plenty more culture and history to discover in the region.
Z33
From an artistic perspective, Art on the Meuse is organised by Kunstenhuis Z33 in Hasselt. Are you curious about their other projects, or would you like to visit one of their excellent, high-profile exhibitions afterwards? Discover all the current exhibitions on the Z33 website