Daily tips Vroenhoven

WINE AND MUSHROOMS IN THE MARGINAL LAND

18.1 km

This walk uses the GR 5.

The Romans already used the marl in this region to build their villas. In the late Middle Ages and during the Ancien Régime, the caves were systematically mined. Centuries of extraction led to a kilometer-long network of tunnels that are generally 4 to 5 m wide and 6 to 10 m high. With their constant temperature and humidity, they now form an ideal environment for mushroom cultivation. The St. Pietersberg also has several marl caves. The ENCI (Eerste Nederlandse Cement Industrie) FACTORY created an artificial mountain there called D’n Observant, which is visible far and wide. The strategic significance is evidenced by Fort Sint-Pieter on the eponymous mountain and the Fort of Eben-Emael. An engineering masterpiece is the connection between the Meuse and the Albert Canal, with the lock of Lanaye (Stop of Ternaaien). This connection allows for a beautiful boat trip (info at the tourism offices).