2-day hiking weekend in Limburg

Who says a motorhome trip always has to be long? Not at all, just one night away can be perfect. Add two full days, a nice place to stay, and you've truly escaped the daily routine. With our Chausson, we went off to explore the beautiful nature of Limburg.

“We” means Sylvie, the enthusiastic driver of the Chausson, and her two equally enthusiastic Dutch university friends, Annemieke and Marl. Since we don’t get to see each other that often anymore, we make it count when we do — and this time we’re off on a motorhome trip to Limburg.

This little getaway includes two long hikes and one overnight stay, complete with drinks by the water and a cosy dinner at a campsite. We head straight to our final destination: Camping Zavelbos in Opoeteren, a district of Maaseik. It's also known as "the most beautiful nature campsite in Belgium." We get a warm welcome and soon park our Chausson on a spacious pitch, close to the facilities, restaurant and pond.

Hiking through the stunning Duinengordel

First, we lace up our hiking boots, grab our backpack with lunch, and head off — starting point? Right next to the campsite. It couldn’t be easier! Camping Zavelbos is ideally located for cyclists, hikers and riders who love spending full days outdoors. It borders the Duinengordel, a 3,000-hectare area of heathland and forest that's part of the Hoge Kempen National Park.

With fresh legs, we pick the longest route: 14.6 km, following the yellow hexagon signs. The trail takes us through fields, pine forests, heathland and eventually the dunes — literally and figuratively the high point of the hike. You walk over the Oudsberg, the highest (85 m) and largest open drifting dune in Flanders. An incredibly beautiful and rare landscape. Truly worth it.

Drinks by the water

We return to the campsite, recharged and happy. One by one we take a shower and all come back impressed. The sanitary block is incredibly clean and pleasantly warm. Wonderful! Things get even better when we set our table by the water in the evening sun. Camping chairs, a chilled bottle of wine and some crisps you get the picture. A perfect little moment of happiness.

We enjoy a nice meal at the restaurant and then turn in early, content after a wonderful day in nature.

"Premium" hiking in Pietersheim

Day 2 starts with breakfast, packing lunch, and off we go. Everything runs smoothly. Before we know it, we’re at the start of our second hike in the Pietersheim area, beginning in Lanaken, right next to the chic hotel La Butte Aux Bois.

We go for the “premium” route, 11.4 km marked by a purple trapezoid. It’s almost entirely unpaved, passing through forests, heath and past ponds. Why is it labelled premium? Probably thanks to the variety, boardwalks, gentle hills and breathtaking views over the Ziepbeek Valley. You can enjoy the scenery from a high viewing seat. Sitting there, surrounded by nothing but green nature, you feel truly disconnected from the world.

So there you have it, you don’t have to go far or travel long to feel like you’ve had a real break. And another bonus: less driving means your mini-holiday starts right away. Curious to know where this story takes you next!