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Zondereigen · Belgium and the Netherlands
Valley of the Merkske · Circular walk
Border shopping continues
the Valley of the Merkske
A hidden borderland full of silence, tree frogs, wet grasslands and unpaved paths.
A silent border walk full of biodiversity.
This makes the route special
- Many unpaved paths
- Chance of tree frogs and salamanders
- Deck path through the wet area
- Silence, enclaves and open views
- Alternating forest and grassland
To take into account
- Parts can be swampy when it rains
- Waterproof shoes are indispensable
- There are no catering facilities along the way
A hidden borderland
Walking through the Merkske Valley
The Vallei van het Merkske is a hidden gem on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands, with approximately 1,900 hectares of nature, rich biodiversity and a striking tranquility.
My walk of about 8.5 kilometers started in the Belgian village of Zondereigen. You can easily park your car at the starting point.
The route passes through wet grasslands, scrub, forest and open fields. If you are looking for more walks, you will find them on my overview of walks in the Netherlands.
The Death Wire recalls a dark border history from the First World War.
The Death Thread
An impressive starting point
Close to Zondereigen is the Peace Memorial De Dodendraad, a reconstruction of the electric wire barrier that the German occupier built during the First World War to separate Belgium from the neutral Netherlands.
The wire was high voltage and killed hundreds of fleeing people. The monument makes this tragic history visible and provides an impressive start to the walk.
After a short stretch of asphalt, the unpaved nature trail begins.
Over the border
A landscape of enclaves
You move unnoticed between Belgium and the Netherlands. The many enclaves make this quiet border region as special geographically as it is naturally.
A rich nature reserve
Tree frogs, salamanders and birds of prey
In the sunlit brambles along the path I found about eight small, bright green tree frogs. Their presence is a sign of the excellent natural quality in the Merkske Valley.
In addition, small newts, toads, meadow birds and birds of prey such as the buzzard and sparrowhawk live here. In spring, dragonflies dance above the pools and wet grasslands.
Small, bright green and often well hidden between the leaves.
Pools and grasslands provide space for endangered species.
Seasonal
Wet feet in wet times
In wet weather, the lower parts can become quite swampy. You then regularly walk through muddy areas or puddles. After a period of rain, waterproof shoes are really indispensable.
Fortunately, there are many benches in strategic places along the way. Ideal for resting and enjoying the surroundings in silence.
“No cars, no motorcycles, just birds and the soft rustling of leaves.”
Easy to pass in dry times, a lot more adventurous after rain.
Through the wettest part
The boardwalk between the meadows
One of the most beautiful parts of the walk is the boardwalk. You literally walk through the wet meadows and have an unobstructed view of the watery landscape.
At high tide the wooden path is necessary to keep your feet dry. It is an attractive section that makes the walk through the Merkske Valley extra special.
Important habitats for frogs, salamanders and dragonflies.
A wooden line through the wettest part of the border valley.
The natural cycle
The dead tree full of fungi
On the last part of the route there is an impressive dead tree full of fungi.
Dead wood continues to live here as a breeding ground for mosses, mushrooms and insects. Nearby is a bench with a view over the open landscape. A perfect place to complete the Merkske walk in peace and quiet before walking back to Zondereigen.
Captured along the way
Photos of the walk
A border walk where silence, history and biodiversity come together.
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