Stage 5
De Maten > Bokrijk
Bokrijk
Bokrijklaan 1 (ingang Domein Bokrijk)
3600 Genk
Directions
The historic Slagmolen, dating back to 1523, marks the entrance to De Maten, one of Belgium's oldest nature reserves. Here, the landscape tells the story of De Wijers with its authentic chain of ponds, each connected to another with a “head” and “tail.”
The Stiemerbeek stream meanders further south to Patersbos, named after its former monastic residents, and the nature reserves De Dijken and Dauteweyers. Water remains the central theme, and on warm days, you might spot a sunbathing tree frog among the blackberry bushes along the banks.
From the active gateway to De Wijers at ‘Demerstrand,’ you walk through the Demer Valley and past the Miezerik Ponds to the Albert Canal, which you cross via the striking Cable-Stayed Bridge. Quiet streets then lead you back to Bokrijk, the final destination of the Wijers Trail.
Do you want to return to the starting point at De Maten by public transport? Then take Bus 12 towards Genk station at the stop 'Bokrijk Weg naar Domein' until the stop Genk Brug.
Elevation profile stage
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