The opening marked the culmination of an intensive ten-year process in which municipalities, the Province of Limburg, land managers, Visit South Limburg, and other partners collaborated on a network that aligns with the ambitions of the Vision VTE Destination South Limburg 2030 (refers to another website) (opens external website).

Artwork as a Lasting Memory

During the event, a new artwork was unveiled at Schin op Geul station, made from the old colored walking posts. Walking groups from all sixteen municipalities each brought a post, which were combined on-site into a lasting artwork by artist Patrick Kusters. The work symbolizes the farewell to the old network, circular reuse, and the collective building power of the region.

The artwork features a special poem about walking, written by poet Rouke van der Hoek. The poem expresses the peace, freedom, and connection that walking in South Limburg characterizes and was recited during the unveiling.

From Colored Posts to Freedom of Choice

Where walkers for years found their way via colored posts, the Knopen Lopen hiking network now offers maximum freedom: composing routes yourself, preparing digitally, and combining on the go.

According to alderman Kevin Rouwette (municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul), the new system fits perfectly with this time: South Limburg has been a top walking area for decades. With Knopen Lopen, we take the next step: more freedom of choice, more flexibility, and better aligned with how people walk and discover today.

Regional Cooperation as a Foundation

Mayor Eric Geurts (municipality of Beekdaelen) emphasized the joint nature of the project: This network shows what we as a region can achieve when we work together. Sixteen municipalities, the province, Visit South Limburg, partners, and residents have together built a basic facility that connects quality, experience, and sustainability.

The renewed network grew from 1,300 to 1,900 kilometers and was thoroughly reviewed for quality, distribution, and experience. It connects to nature areas, urban areas, and characteristic landscapes throughout South Limburg.

Investing in Broad Prosperity and Health

The Province of Limburg also played an important role in the realization. Deputy Stephan Satijn emphasized the broader social importance: Thanks to the renewed Knopen Lopen hiking network, even more people discover the beauty of South Limburg while walking. This increases walking pleasure and simultaneously strengthens tourism and the regional economy. Additionally, it promotes a healthy and enjoyable pastime for residents and visitors.

In total, approximately €1.5 million was invested in the network, one-third by the Province and two-thirds by the sixteen municipalities.

Visit South Limburg as Connector and Executor

Manon Luijten (general director of Visit South Limburg) reflected on the implementation and future of the network: With Knopen Lopen, walking in South Limburg is ready for the future. Together with municipalities and partners, we have renewed routes, developed maps, launched an online route planner, and introduced innovative applications such as QR codes. This network will continue to develop.

Visit South Limburg fulfills the role of director for quality, management, and experience of the hiking network with the Routepunt.

Knopen Lopen Hiking Network

The network contains 1,900 kilometers of two-way signposted sustainable biobased route posts and signs. The nine main long-distance walking routes are included in the network with their own signs. The signs are made in the fresh house style of Visit South Limburg, fitting into nature.

Herman Wehkamp (manager Routepunt Visit South Limburg) assures: The routes lead through the most fun and undiscovered walking paths throughout the South Limburg landscape with beautiful hills, valleys, and idyllic views. It has succeeded in including the most beautiful paths with respect for nature and residents in the network.

Four new walking maps and nearly 100 new route print works have been realized, now available at Visit South Limburg locations in the region.

Sustainable Travel, Moving Together

The opening was made possible in part by Arriva, which provided free public transport for walkers and guests. This emphasizes the regions combination of walking and sustainable travel.