Terhills is the area where the Eisden coal mine operated at full capacity last century. Industry has now made way for nature. The grey slag heaps have been transformed into green hills and the gravel pits are now idyllic lakes, reminiscent of a Scandinavian landscape. This challenging purple loop combines the long slag heap with the ‘Tweelingterril’ (Twin slag heap). Start climbing!
You set off from the National Park Visitor Centre, where you can find out everything the Hoge Kempen National Park has to offer. While your legs are still fresh, climb one of the former mine's 24 m shaft towers. Trust me, this part’s a piece of cake.
Steeper climbs soon follow with the first 'long slag heap'. The effort rewards you with insane views of the surrounding Maas Valley landscape and National Park, as well as the Garden District and the colossal church tower. In autumn, it looks just like a painting. It’ll be a total hit on Instagram!
The descent takes you to Terhills Resort, where you look for the start of the second ascent along the Grote Plas. Full of enthusiasm you negotiate hairpin bends with the genuine allure of a mountain, to reach the highest point of this area at 133 m, on the 'Tweelingterril'. The fact that the climbs are real calf biters makes the views from the top that much more rewarding! Once back at the bottom, walk along the banks of the large gravel lake, keeping the Red slag heap on your left. This is a good idea because it is sometimes called the 'Vesuvius of Eisden' due to the internal self-combustion process. Feel free to enjoy the reflection of the green slag heaps in the water of the Grote Plas and the fact that all the climbs are now behind you.
- 9.8 km
- Intermediate
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Nationaal Park Visitor Center
Zetellaan 54
MAASMECHELEN