People with disabilities
In the National Park, we want to make nature experienceable and accessible for everyone, including those who depend on a wheelchair due to disabilities.
Hiking trails & gateways
Terhills
- Semi-paved path, up to large pond (1.5 km only)
- Heritage walk [1] Eisden Garden District (4 km)
- National Park Visitor Centre has accessible sanitary facilities (open during opening hours)
- There is no possibility to park right at the building, large car park at Tourist Info Maasmechelen. From the car park the route is accessible up to the Visitor Center
Mechelse heide
- Hourglass path [2]: paved loop (1.5 km) through a former sand quarry: a bird-watching wall, a platform and some extra challenges make the trip even more fun
- Parking for wheelchair users provided
- Adapted sanitary facilities at restaurant Salamanderke
Pietersheim
- Green walk [3] of 3.7 km, starts at Waterburcht Pietersheim. The route is unpaved, but feasible.
- Terrain children's farm is easily accessible by wheelchair + adapted sanitary facilities available
Bergerven
- Green walk [4] of 2.1 km, start at Kapel van de Weerstand, Brugstraat z/n, Dilsen-Stokkem
- No sanitary facilities
Thorpark
- Energy walk [5] of 1.7 km, start at Thorpark, André Dumonlaan 67, Genk
- Accessible parking present
- Accessible sanitary facilities in the foyer of Thor Central, open during weekdays from 8h30 - 17h. On weekends, the foyer desk is not manned but the hall is open when the catering facilities are open (Partaasch): Saturday from 17h - 22h and Sunday from 11h30 - 22h
- For variations catering opening hours, please contact +32 89 69 95 90 or
Lieteberg
- The visitor centre is fully accessible by wheelchair, including Entomopolis, Butterfly Dome and the cafeteria. There are adapted sanitary facilities.
- Parking at the building is accessible via Zuurbroekstraat 16, Zutendaal (i.e. not the main car park on Stalkerweg). You need to report at the barrier and use your parking ticket.
Wheelchair towers
For adventurers in wheelchairs who want to explore our beautiful countryside, we rent out wheelchair Towers. These are devices that you can attach to a wheelchair, pulling you through sandy and even hilly areas. Accompanied by a National Park Ranger, you can hire one of these wheelchair tractors and set off into the National Park. Book your towerhere. [7]
Rangers
- Experiencing nature for people with disabilities. This activity is possible at all gateways, except for wheelchair users. They can go on the ‘Zandloperpad’ (Sandpiper Path) of the Mechelse Heide.
For more information: click here [8].