Herkbeemden – yellow hiking route

Welcome to the Herkbeemden. A ‘beemd’ is a hayfield in the stream valley. The stream here is the Herk. You’ll need some good walking shoes on the yellow route, which passes through hayfields and rugged marsh forests!  

We enter the Broekbeemd from a charming picnic spot near the centre of Wellen. Here you’ll mainly find alder, willow and other trees that like to have their roots in the water. Winding through the rugged forest, you make your way along the wooden boardwalks that make this wetland accessible.  

Large parts of this area of the Herkvallei are managed by the Limburgs Landschap VZW nature association. They introduced the first Scottish highland cattle here to counteract the area's overgrowth and promote a greater variety of vegetation. 

And it is a success, as the resulting mosaic landscape and chalk marsh is very rare in Flanders. Therefore, it is naturally home to rare plant and animal species, which thrive in the fresh water that springs from numerous sources and dozens of pools along the Herk. The undisputed star of this show is the crested newt. But if you’re unable to spot this 'Water Dragon', the tough grazing Highlanders are certainly a good alternative. 

Tip from the locals: Come at dawn, when a low mist hangs over the area, and the morning sun is reflected in the water of the Herk. It’s magical!