The best running trails in Natuurreservaat De Maten

The cycle path through the water leads cyclists over a 212-meter-long and three-meter-wide concrete path, with water at eye level on both sides. Swans and other waterfowl swim along the banks, curiously watching the cyclists. Since its opening, interest in this unique cycle path has been enormous. On average, 800 visitors per day explore this unforgettable part of the Limburg cycle network, with peaks on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some days even up to 5,000 cyclists.

Ornithology or bird science is a specialization of zoology that deals with the study of birds. It includes the classification of species and observation of behavior, migration, song, and flight patterns. Birds are ringed, among other things, to learn more about their migratory behavior and age. An ornithologist is a practitioner of ornithology. A hobby ornithologist is a birdwatcher.

A cycle path crosses the site. A magnificent setting! Add it to your itineraries.

The Slagmolen (Slag Mill) is a centuries-old watermill building in Genk (Termien), situated right on the edge of the De Maten nature reserve and the Stiemerbeek valley. Dating back to 1523, it is probably the oldest existing building in the city and served as a functioning watermill for centuries. This mill was powered by the water of the Stiemerbeek stream and its tributaries, meaning the wheel turned as soon as there was sufficient water in the stream. This technique was typical of rural life in the past, and the stream was regulated to keep the mill running. This created the area around De Maten into a dynamic landscape of water features and ponds. Today, the Slagmolen is no longer a typical working mill, but its ambition is high: after a thorough renovation, the building will be operational again and serve as an official visitors center for De Maten, featuring an information desk, café, and meeting space for hikers and nature lovers. The opening of this center is planned for the summer of 2026.

A sunrise over the ponds in the De Maten nature reserve is one of the most magical nature experiences you can have in Limburg. 🌅✨ The ponds of De Maten, such as the Augustijnenvijvers Homeleswijer and De Hommelaar ponds, form a tranquil, mirror-like backdrop as the first rays of sunlight glide across the water. The reeds along the banks are slowly illuminated, birds begin their morning song, and the mist that sometimes still hangs over the water's surface gives the landscape an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The soft murmur of the Stiemerbeek stream in the background enhances the sense of tranquility and connection with nature. Bitterns, reed birds, and waterfowl are often most active around sunrise. With binoculars or a camera, you can observe them in action. The low sun casts a golden glow over the water and the reed beds. This transforms the landscape from gray and blue to warm shades of golden orange and soft pink. For other visitors, it's often still early, so you often have the path and viewpoints almost to yourself.

Homeleswijer is one of the characteristic ponds (wijers/ponds) you'll encounter during walks through the De Maten nature reserve in the Belgian province of Limburg. It lies within the watery landscape of the reserve, which is part of the larger De Wijers pond area, a network of natural and man-made ponds that originated from centuries-old fish farming traditions in the region. In De Maten, the Stiemerbeek stream and its tributaries formed the basis for pond complexes containing water features like the Homeleswijer. Dams and overflows made fish farming possible, creating a unique marsh and pond landscape full of reed beds, open water, and wet grasslands. Walking trails through De Maten—ranging from short loops to longer hikes—run along and around these ponds. They are true natural treasures: herons, waterfowl, and typical marsh plants can be found here, and information boards often line the path explaining the ecology and water management. Many walks along the Homeleswijer are signposted and start, for example, at the Slagmolen in Genk or at other access points in De Maten.

Along hiking trails in wooded and damp areas, they are sometimes immediately noticeable. Giant tree roots, rising straight up into the air, are exposed when a large tree has fallen. Where a massive trunk once stood, you now see an impressive wall of earth, roots, and stones. These natural sculptures tell a story of time, weather, and soil. The fall of such large trees often occurs in areas with wet or river-like soil, such as stream valleys and alluvial plains. The roots grow broadly but relatively shallow there because oxygen is scarce deeper in the soil. During heavy rainfall, high groundwater levels, or storms, the tree loses its grip and topples, pulling its entire root system out of the ground. The exposed root ball clearly demonstrates the complexity and branching of a mature tree's root system. Thick taproots extend into a network of fine root hairs, between which layers of soil, clay, and stones, have been pulled. Such a fallen giant reveals what normally remains hidden and offers a rare glimpse into the subterranean world of the forest. Ecologically, these fallen trees and their root balls are of great value. The root wall provides shelter for insects, spiders, and small mammals. Seeds can germinate in the loosened soil, while rotting wood returns nutrients to the soil. Over the years, moss grows over the roots, creating small micro-landscapes where new life can establish itself. For hikers, fallen giant tree roots are striking landmarks. They underscore the dynamic character of nature, and forests are not static backdrops but constantly in flux. What is a fallen tree today can be a breeding ground for young trees and plants tomorrow. In this way, loss becomes part of renewal. The sight of these giant roots is a reminder that even the largest trees are not invulnerable and that natural processes—wind, water, and time—continue to shape the landscape. In their silence, fallen tree roots tell a powerful story of transience and restoration.

On many walking and cycling routes in the green landscape around Bokrijk and De Wijers, you'll find benches specially placed in spots offering beautiful views of the ponds, reed beds, and water features. These resting places invite you to sit quietly, absorb the scenery, and listen to the sounds of nature. Walking or cycling along the paths, you'll often see these benches strategically placed in spots offering expansive views, for example, of open water or green fields, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy the surroundings. The benches are part of various signposted walking and cycling routes through De Wijers and Bokrijk, ranging from short loops along ponds to longer trips of several kilometers. What's special about these resting places is that they're more than just stops; they're integrated into the experience of nature itself. While you relax, you might hear reed birds, see dragonflies skimming the water, or simply experience the tranquility of the watery landscape. On some routes, such as walks around the De Wijers ponds or along the "Cycling through Water" route, these benches offer a vantage point perfect for a picnic break, taking photos, or simply enjoying the light on the water. The views and tranquility make these spots popular with walkers and cyclists of all ages.