Boscafé 't Hijgend Hert

For lunch, Riet & Noël reserved a table in, yes, the only mountain hut in the Netherlands.

As early as 1933, a hospitality business was established at this location, a liquor license was applied for, and also a permit to expand the building, which is described as “ein kleines Bauerngehöft”, with a “geschlossene Veranda”, the café of that time. German names were very common in this area at that time, and the café was named “Haus Waldesruhe”.

After a few years, it was already expanded with an open-air dance floor, a so-called “wiep”, and dancing was in full swing in the woods. During the Second World War, people still danced at “Waldesruhe”. After the war, the name “Waldesruhe” was changed to “Bosrust”. In the 1960s, large groups of Belgians would regularly come to “Bosrust”. They often brought a “kwetschbuul” (accordion) with them and provided the necessary dance music, many a vleka and polka were danced, and occasionally a bit of rock and roll.

From the 80s onwards, a “petting zoo” or children's farm was started here. In the 90s, this children's farm, after having changed owners several times, went out of business.

In 1999, Hank and Anja van der Vleuten fell in love with the now overgrown ruin in the forests of Vijlen. They saw potential in the beautiful spot in the Vijlenerbos and moved from Brabant with their 3 small children (5, 4, and 1 years old) to the southern tip of Limburg and embarked on a great adventure. From the foundations of the old ruin, Boscafe ’t Hijgend Hert arose, and on the spot where a beer has been enjoyed since 1933, new life came!

They started with a modest terrace, a few chairs, and a canopy by the shed. “At that time, you didn’t have small mountain cafés in Limburg.” The canopy grew larger and walls were added. ’t Hijgend Hert grew rapidly and is now the “only mountain hut in the Netherlands” that we all love. You can now enjoy a delicious glass of specialty beer, a good lunch, or dinner here. Enjoying nature by foot or bike. On a date, with a group of friends, family, or alone, everyone can enjoy and unwind at this unique place.

21 years later, in 2022, the time has come for the second generation to take over. Proud of what their parents have built.

Dirk Vervaet