The best traffic-free bike rides around Oupeye

Beautiful place for hikers and cyclists on the left bank of the Maas. On one side the Maas with all its aquatic life, the other side shy buildings that do not fear or are prepared for the sometimes high Maas water.

in exceptionally warm weather, lovely in the shade

This monumental piece of industrial heritage was once a chocolate factory. The architect of the factory was Florent Rosmeulen. He designed the Art Nouveau building with a large, striking rose window. Above the window is a relief with a squirrel. It was one of the first buildings in Belgium to be made of reinforced concrete. Chocolate was produced here until 1934. During the Second World War, the building was reused for military purposes, and in 1948 a loom manufacturer moved in. In the seventies, a metal foundry was established. Today, it is a residential area.

Natuurreservaat De Kevie is one of Haspengouw's most important nature reserves due to its valuable flora and fauna and its location in the Jeker Valley. More than 300 plant species can be found here, including orchids, water violets, and arrowhead. Animal species include breeding birds, various fish species, and amphibians.

Wine terrace and bar at Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen. The cozy terrace of the wine castle is a lovely place to relax with a beautiful view of the garden and the pond. You can taste all the products of the wine castle, and coffee, regional beer, lemonade, and snacks are also available.

The Maas forms the border between the Netherlands and Belgium for a distance of forty kilometers. Here the river has free rein and can be quite wild. A maze of old riverbeds, banks, rapids, and gravel banks creates a wild, untouched landscape. And where there is water, there is life! Konik horses and Galloway cattle graze on the banks, while rare butterflies flutter by. This cross-border nature reserve is a paradise for hikers with over 200 kilometers of trails. There is also an extensive network of cycle paths! Discover not only the natural beauty but also the idyllic villages along the Maas and cross the river via a bridge or ferry. These large herbivores play a crucial role in managing the natural environment. Together, they create a diverse landscape. In winter, the cattle graze on trees and shrubs, while the Konik horses feast on the shorter grass and the best herbs. This unique combination prevents the area from being overgrown by pastures and creates a dynamic mosaic of open meadows, rough scrub, and forests. This keeps nature constantly in motion! The Maas is a rain-fed river, which means that the hiking trails in RivierPark Maasvallei sometimes experience floods during periods of heavy rainfall. This can affect the accessibility of the trails.

This section, together with the water lock and the outer bailey, belongs to the oldest parts: in the Apostles' House, remains of the late Gothic ordinance from the second half of the 16th century from the building campaign of Land Commander Wijnandt van Brijel have been preserved. The complex is located at the highest point of the domain, on the eastern side of the commandery. Seven avenues converge at the gate, symbolizing the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Mary. To the right of the gatehouse was the now disappeared Apostles' House; it was an L-shaped building of two storeys, with a chapel on the ground floor, and twelve rooms for needy men, hence the name Apostles' House; late Gothic core from the second half of the 16th century, enlarged and adapted in 1716-1726, under Commander Damian Hugo von Schönborn, as indicated by a facade stone. After World War II, the Apostles' House slowly deteriorated but has since been restored.

Kasteel Ter Hove is an elegant, historic castle domain, hidden amidst the gently rolling landscapes of Heers. The current building, which primarily bears 18th-century features, exudes a subdued grandeur. The symmetrical facades, the tranquil inner courtyard, and the surrounding green structures make it a charming anchor point in the region.