GR 561 Kempen - Maaspad

NL - GR 561 Kempen-Maaspad is one of the greenest long-distance trails in Flanders. It starts in Diest in Flemish Brabant and then travels via the Kempen through Antwerp and Limburg. The number of unpaved roads on this GR trail is particularly large.  

The route is a series of nature reserves, with wet meadows and swamps, fens and heathland. You walk along canals, richly vegetated riverbanks, stream valleys and water mills. The route makes a trip across the Dutch border and leads through dark Kempische forests and remnants of the miner's past. The climb to the Kempens plateau rewards you with almost endless views. And finally you descend to Maastricht, the most 'Belgian' of all Dutch cities.

EN - The GR 561 Kempen-Maaspad is one of the greenest long-distance trails in Flanders, connecting a particularly great number of unpaved roads. It starts in Diest (Flemish Brabant) and then travels through Antwerp and Limburg via the Kempen.

The route strings together nature reserves, wet meadows, marshes, fens and heathland. You walk along canals and lush riverbanks, through stream valleys and past water mills. When the route crosses the Dutch border, it leads you through dense forests and along remnants of the miners' past. The climb to the Kempens plateau rewards you with near-endless views. Finally, you descend to Maastricht, the most "Belgian" of all Dutch cities.