De Wijers

Welcome to De Wijers, land of 1,001 ponds

You are here in one of Europe’s most valuable natural areas: De Wijers. A breathtaking landscape of more than 1,000 ponds where hundreds of rare animals and plants call home. This magnificent water paradise stretches across seven municipalities in the heart of Limburg.

Fish Farming
The ponds of De Wijers originated from fish farming, first by monks, later by fish farmers. Ingenious dikes and canals formed chains of ponds, many of which are still in use today. They support a unique array of flora and fauna.

Rich History
De Wijers is steeped in history, with sites such as the Herkenrode Abbey, castles, and old mining sites. Tourist attractions such as Bokrijk, Circuit Zolder, and Schulensmeer make the region even more appealing.

Active experiences
Explore De Wijers via cycling routes, hikes, observation towers, and water sports. The gateways help you get started in this enchanting blend of nature, water, and culture.

Dive into the history of De Wijers
For centuries, water has played an important role in De Wijers: as a source of energy, food, income, and even power… Discover short excerpts from the fascinating past of the land of 1001 ponds in 7 audio stories. Listen carefully, and perhaps you’ll unravel the mystery of the thousand and second pond…