Willems Route Central

Cycle the story of the canal
This 122-kilometer-long canal was dug by hand in just four years at the beginning of the 19th century. The Zuid-Willemsvaart became a shorter and more reliable alternative to the often unpredictable and unnavigable Meuse River.
The canal connects Maastricht with ’s-Hertogenbosch and runs for a significant stretch through Belgian Limburg.

The construction of the Zuid-Willemsvaart resulted in one of the most striking landscape interventions in this area. The canal connects the three beautiful nature reserves: RivierPark Maasvallei, Hoge Kempen National Park, and Grenspark Kempen~Broek.

You’ll pass by the region’s most beautiful spots and can enjoy fascinating stories and photos about the canal’s history.
Also discover the Willemsroute NORTH and SOUTH!

This project was realized by De Vlaamse Waterweg in collaboration with Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland as part of Platteland Plus.

📏 28.6 km
🕑 2 hours 30 minutes (non-electric)