If you’re looking for a unique and lesser-known hiking experience in Belgium, Terhills in Limburg is the perfect destination. This former coal mining site has been transformed into a stunning nature reserve, offering breathtaking views, lush landscapes, and well-marked trails. Located within the Hoge Kempen National Park, Terhills is known for its rolling hills, serene lakes, and panoramic viewpoints that make every step worthwhile. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, this hidden gem has something for everyone.
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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TERHILLS
Terhills is a nature reserve of 356 hectares located in the Limburg region in Belgium next to Maasmechelen. This beautiful area located at the border of Belgium’s only National Park, the Hoge Kempen is still relatively “unknown” to many people. However, since the construction of the Terhills Resort, it is rapidly growing in popularity.
Here are some interesting facts about this “hidden gem” in Belgium.
- Terhills was formerly a coal mine, but today, it has been beautifully transformed into a nature reserve where you can hike and relax near the lake.
- This stunning area is one of the 4 main entries into Belgium’s only national park, the Hoge Kempen.
- From the terrils or mining stone hills, you’ll get stunning panoramic views that stretch as far as Germany and the Nethernalds on clear days.
- The mining pits, have been filled up with water and converted into a clear lakes.
- Despite being turned into a natural reserve, the former mining activity is still visible in the area. Two mine shaft towers are still standing and welcoming you into the park.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIKE
Let’s focus on the practicalities of the hike. How do you get there? Do you need any specific equipment? Well, just keep reading to find out.
HOW TO GET THERE?
As mentioned before, Terhills is located next to Maasmechelen in Limburg. The easiest most convenient way to reach it is by car. However, if you don’t want to drive, you can also reach it with public transport.
🚗 By Car
From Brussels, you’ll have to take the E40 highway until Leuven and then change to the E314 highway direction Genk. Take exist 33 and follow the directions towards Terhills.
🅿️ Parking: There is a big parking next to the hike’s trailhead so finding a parking spot should not be too complicated.
🚌 By Train + Bus
If you don’t have a car, then you’ll have to use a combination of train and bus to reach the trailhead. Get on a train from Brussels to Genk. At Genk, you’ll have to take bus line 44 and get off at the stop Maasmechelen village.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
The hike is not difficult at all. However, here is a list of things that will make your hike more enjoyable and guarantee a fantastic time.
- Proper hiking shoes. A big part of the trail runs next to the lake. If it has been raining recently, you’ll have big chances of it being muddy. You’ll be happy to have some water resistant hiking boots.
- A reusable water bottle. Hydration while hiking is key and during the summer months even more. Make sure to bring plenty of water for the complete hike. I used this Klean Kanteen Water bottle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE THE HIKE
Since the construction of the Terhills Resort, part of the hike actually goes through the resort. It is possible to skip this part by using the floating bridge that crosses the lake but this means, you’ll have to do a little detour to rejoin the ascent towards the second and third terrils.
HIKING IN TERHILLS, LIMBURG
HIKE STATS
Trail Start/End – Terhills Cablepark Parking
Distance – 10,6 km
Elevation Gain – 251 m
Level – Easy – Moderate
Route Type – Circular Route
Estimated Time Needed – 3 hours and 30 minutes. This includes plenty of time to stop for a picnic, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Best Time To Visit – All year round! However, I would recommend a sunny day to enjoy as much as possible.
HIKE MAP
HIKING IN TERHILLS - STEP BY STEP GUIDE
The Large Terril
The hike begins with a short walk next to the Terhills Cablepark and as soon as you reach an intersection, you have to turn right and you will immediately start ascending to the first terril, which is known as the Large Terril. The ascent is not too demanding and there are some stairs to facilitate the elevation gain, so after 10 minutes, you will reach the top.
The first viewpoint you’ll encounter will offer some nice views over Maasmechelen and a part of the lake. There are some big benches available to rest and enjoy the view.
If you continue walking along the top of the hill, you will reach a second viewpoint with a better view of the lake and the new “Biking between Terrils Bridge”. It is definitely a beautiful panoramic view. It’s just a pity that part of it is spoiled by the Terhills Resort.
Biking Between Terrils Bridge
Once you’re done admiring the view, it is time to go down the hill until you reach the new and insta-famous bridge. Here you can choose whether you want to continue bordering the lake or cross the bridge.
The original hike does not include crossing this bridge but I recommend you do to skip having to walk through the resort. We only crossed half of the bridge to check it out and enjoy the views and then returned to follow the marked trail. Looking back on it, you can definitely skip the resort part.
The Twin Terrils
No matter which route you decide take, to continue the hike you’ll have to go uphill again to the Twin Terrils. This ascent to these terrils is quite steep. These hills are not very high but the altitude gain is quite strong in a very short distance so don’t rush yourself and take your time.
💡 Tip: If you’re not used to hiking steep hills, I recommend going up and down to the Twin Terrils through the descend trail since it is less steep.
At the top of these two hills, you’ll also find a two benches to rest and enjoy the views. It is the perfect spot to have a snack while you enjoy the views.
Walking by the lake
After enjoying the views for a little while, it is time to go back down the hill until you reach the lake. From this point onwards the rest of the hike is just bordering the lake until you reach the starting point. However, this doesn’t mean it is monotonous at all. Every few hundred meters, there is an opening in between the trees where you can get beautiful views over the lake, the terrils and the resort on distance.
We just took it slow and stopped to rest and relax whenever we felt like it.
Due to the big amount of rain we have had this year in Belgium, some parts of the trail were a bit flooded and we had to get a bit creative to progress but this made it more fun.
OTHER THINGS TO DO NEAR TERHILLS
If you have some extra time in the area, here are some other things you can do nearby.
- Shopping in Maaasmechelen Village. Nothing like a little shopping spree to complete your weekend.
- Hike some more in the Hoge Kempen, Belgium’s only National Park.
- Cross the Netherlands border and visit beautiful city of Maastricht.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR TERHILLS
Want to stay overnight? Then I would recommend you book yourself a room at the Terhills Hotel, located only 100 meters away from Maasmechelen Village. This elegant and comfortable 4 start hotel is just what you need to relax after a day of hiking.
Photos from Booking.com
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
HIKE SUMMARY AND INFOGRAPHIC
No time to read the full blog post? Here’s an infographic I’ve created with the most important information about this hike.
And that’s it for my blog about Terhills. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy hiking!
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