National Park De Maasduinen 20 km

We’re heading out for a beautiful 20 km loop hike from Afferden through the gorgeous Nationaal Park De Maasduinen.

This route takes us through a striking Limburg landscape of forest, sandy paths, open heathland, river dunes, and wide views.
Along the way, we pass the ruins of Kasteel Bleijenbeek and climb an uitkijktoren for a panoramic view over the Maasduinen landscape.

One of the special features of this hike is that we cross the Maas river twice by small ferry. These crossings give the route an extra sense of adventure and connect the Maasduinen landscape with the village side of the river.

After one of the crossings, we continue to the village of Vierlingsbeek, where we’ll take our longer break for a drink. After the break, we make our way back toward Afferden, completing a varied loop through forest, heathland, castle history, river scenery, ferry crossings, and quiet Limburg countryside.

A hike with forest energy, open heathland, castle ruins, a lookout tower, two Maas river crossings, and a relaxed village drink stop.

📍When and where to meet?
We’ll meet at 11h15 at Busstop "Afferden, Veer naar Sambeek" https://maps.app.goo.gl/kcg4hBvRsHoUjBSa6

⏰ We start walking a few minutes after meeting up
We don’t wait for latecomers, as we have a long route ahead and want to enjoy the full day properly.

🚗 Coming by car?
Please check your parking options beforehand so you arrive on time.

⏸️ Planned Breaks
After 4 km: break at watchtower (5 min)
After 7 km: Having a lunchbreak at ruins of Castle Bleijenbeek (25 min)
After 13 km: Ferry over the Maas
After 14 km: Drinks at bar in Vierlingsbeek (50 min)
After 20 km: Ferry back over the Maas

(bring small change to pay the ferry)

I still need to confirm or make a reservation at the bar.

💸 Payment
Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space.

🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5.

Please pay here: https://tikkie.me/pay/hn1r44v9kl99o9agck71

👟 Good to know

• Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 5 June at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable.
• Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits.
• If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably.
• At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities.
• Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily.
• Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay.
• What to bring: Snacks and enough water
• Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike.
• T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.