RoutesHiking trails & RoutesBelgiumFlandersSouth LimburgHasseltHeusden-Zolder
De Galgenberg Nature Reserve – 't Kruiske Farm loop from Vroegere mijnschacht 1
RoutesHiking trails & RoutesBelgiumFlandersSouth LimburgHasseltHeusden-Zolder
De Galgenberg Nature Reserve – 't Kruiske Farm loop from Vroegere mijnschacht 1
Moderate
4.0
(1)
12
hikers
De Galgenberg Nature Reserve – 't Kruiske Farm loop from Vroegere mijnschacht 1
02:47
10.8km
50m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Vlaams Natuurreservaat Helderbeek-Terril
Waypoints
A
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1
514 m
Heusden Water Tower on De Galgenberg
Highlight • Monument
Here too, the water tower is on a mountain as you often see. Other examples: the water tower on the Klitsberg in Paal, the Balenberg in Baal and so on.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2
1.16 km
De Galgenberg Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
The Galgenberg is a small nature reserve a stone's throw from the parking lot of the mine spoil heap in Heusden-Zolder and the neighboring Lindeman, one of the first garden districts in Limburg. It is a remnant of the old heathland with trees and was spared from parcelization. If you are in the area you can always take a look at this piece of nature. It is still partly under development but there are already more than 14 species of grasshoppers and there is enough heather and broom to enjoy the colorful splendor in the spring. Two ponds have also been created in the part under development so that different species of dragonflies can find a home there.
Quote: "Nature reserve De Galgenberg is located north of (and partly on) the former mining site of Heusden-Zolder. De Galgenberg owes its name to the former custom of hanging criminals on high places - clearly visible! - Fortunately, this is no longer the case and you can enjoy the wooded heathland.
Along the edges of the nature reserve, native trees form a natural screen for the surrounding buildings. Once in the area, you will discover a heathland in which open areas of heathland and more closed areas with birch and summer oak alternate. No fewer than 14 different types of grasshoppers can be found in this small but varied area! The heath butterfly and the rare red wood ant also like to stay there. The southern part is still in full development into an open, heathland landscape. Two ponds have been created. These form an ideal habitat for various dragonfly species and the natterjack toad.
Nature reserve De Galgenberg is part of the dune complex 'De Lindeman' and is protected as a landscape.
Fortunately, the area is connected to the nearby former mine spoil heap, which is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests.
But the nearby business centre is also working on its green image through an ecological design with regional plants such as heather, broom and open spaces with sandy soil."
- limburgs-landschap.be/galgenberg
- visitlimburg.be/nl/wat-te-doen/galgenberg
Quote: "Nature reserve De Galgenberg is located north of (and partly on) the former mining site of Heusden-Zolder. De Galgenberg owes its name to the former custom of hanging criminals on high places - clearly visible! - Fortunately, this is no longer the case and you can enjoy the wooded heathland.
Along the edges of the nature reserve, native trees form a natural screen for the surrounding buildings. Once in the area, you will discover a heathland in which open areas of heathland and more closed areas with birch and summer oak alternate. No fewer than 14 different types of grasshoppers can be found in this small but varied area! The heath butterfly and the rare red wood ant also like to stay there. The southern part is still in full development into an open, heathland landscape. Two ponds have been created. These form an ideal habitat for various dragonfly species and the natterjack toad.
Nature reserve De Galgenberg is part of the dune complex 'De Lindeman' and is protected as a landscape.
Fortunately, the area is connected to the nearby former mine spoil heap, which is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests.
But the nearby business centre is also working on its green image through an ecological design with regional plants such as heather, broom and open spaces with sandy soil."
- limburgs-landschap.be/galgenberg
- visitlimburg.be/nl/wat-te-doen/galgenberg
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3
1.18 km
In memory of Father Landewald Janssen
Highlight • Monument
Landewald Janssen, a Franciscan Friar Minor, was an adept naturalist in various fields. His numerous publications, including those in De Wielewaal, Natura-Limburg, and
in publications of the Limburgs Landschap, dealt with plants, mushrooms, mosses, lichens, insects, and, not least, birds. As a follower of the teachings of Francis
of Assisi, he celebrated nature and creation in his lyrical poems, which appeared in various collections. He founded several important Limburg "Ornithological Study Centers," including Wijvenheide, Terlaemen, Kolberg, Ter Donk, Platwijers, Meylandt-Obbeek-Stabroek, Kelchterhoef, and Herkenrodebossen. Thanks to Landewald Janssen's work, these areas received the highest level of protection under the regional plan. Since then, they have partially or largely evolved into fully-fledged nature reserves. Janssen was also the founder of the Limburg Nature Conservation Action (NAL), along with fellow conservationists Gust Claes and René Neven. He would later oversee the protection of the Berkenbosbeek and Galgenberg streams (Heusden-Zolder).
Source: provinciaalnatuurcentrum.be/files/Kennisbank/Avifauna-preview-spreads.pdf
in publications of the Limburgs Landschap, dealt with plants, mushrooms, mosses, lichens, insects, and, not least, birds. As a follower of the teachings of Francis
of Assisi, he celebrated nature and creation in his lyrical poems, which appeared in various collections. He founded several important Limburg "Ornithological Study Centers," including Wijvenheide, Terlaemen, Kolberg, Ter Donk, Platwijers, Meylandt-Obbeek-Stabroek, Kelchterhoef, and Herkenrodebossen. Thanks to Landewald Janssen's work, these areas received the highest level of protection under the regional plan. Since then, they have partially or largely evolved into fully-fledged nature reserves. Janssen was also the founder of the Limburg Nature Conservation Action (NAL), along with fellow conservationists Gust Claes and René Neven. He would later oversee the protection of the Berkenbosbeek and Galgenberg streams (Heusden-Zolder).
Source: provinciaalnatuurcentrum.be/files/Kennisbank/Avifauna-preview-spreads.pdf
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4
1.77 km
Rossi Ice Cream Bar
Highlight • Cafe
Close to the Lindeman residential area where mainly Turkish and Italian (descendants of) miners live and the first mosque in Western Europe can be found. And when it comes to ice cream, that of course means gelato.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5
3.04 km
't Kruiske Farm
Highlight • Historical Site
The Grauwe Steenstraat, where 't Kruiske is located, is in fact the border between Lillo and Helchteren. Technically speaking, the farm is located in Helchteren, but the residents of Lillo have always considered 't Kruiske as a part of Lillo. The farm was called 't Kruiske because the Cruys family used to live here. In 1964 the Claes family bought the property and had it used as a campsite for youth groups. Numerous Flemish Chiro and Scout groups have spent their holidays in this long-facade farm in the middle of Lillose nature. The farm currently has a new owner and is used as a private home.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6
3.69 km
La Reine Sucrée
Highlight • Cafe
La Reine Sucrée is a green oasis where you can relax in a pleasant atmosphere. The cycling terrace is located between junctions 308 and 316 of the Limburg cycle network. Enjoy homemade quiches and cakes. For a refreshing drink, there is a wide selection of beers and homemade lemonades. The ideal stop for cyclists and hikers!
Showing Translation
Tip by
7
4.91 km
Domeinbos De Kraanberg
Highlight • Forest
Domain forest De Kraanberg is one of the many (natural) areas throughout Limburg where at some point people started planting conifers to meet the ever-increasing demand for mine timber. And like many of these areas, this was originally a heathland (with some birch groves and some agricultural land). It is now gradually evolving into a mixed stock with more deciduous trees (pedunculate oak and birch). Furthermore, there is mainly Corsican and Scots pine. Information board with more information at this location. Part of the area here was planted with pines by senator J.L.Ch.M. Leirens-Eliaert who built the villa nearby: komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/6358004
Next to this was a domain that was owned by the abbey of Sint-Truiden. Some people made a lot of money with the mines (and also with the reconversion after their closure). They rarely went down into a mine, and certainly not to extract coal.
Next to this was a domain that was owned by the abbey of Sint-Truiden. Some people made a lot of money with the mines (and also with the reconversion after their closure). They rarely went down into a mine, and certainly not to extract coal.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8
5.01 km
Villa Leirens-Eliaert (ca. 1860)
Highlight • Historical Site
Villa, according to the current resident from about 1860 or a little later, built northwest of the now disappeared Helchteren station as a summer residence by senator J.L.Ch.M. Leirens-Eliaert (1828-1913), member of a family of textile industrialists from Aalst, who purchased extensive heathland in Helchteren in the second half of the 19th century, which he planted with pine trees. Acquired in 1898 by the Aalst senator Ch.A.F. Liénart (1847-1921), banker, horse breeder and son-in-law of the client. The complex is located on the edge of the Hoeverheide domain, which once belonged to the abbey of Sint-Truiden. The estate originally covered 550 hectares, but now covers 70 hectares. Initially a heathland landscape, it was planted with pines based on the nearby mines. Some dunes refer to this primitive condition. More information at inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/80607
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
10.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.63 km
2.15 km
1.90 km
1.12 km
Surfaces
4.72 km
2.48 km
2.12 km
1.29 km
193 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Tuesday 14 July
30°C
18°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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