Three Countries, One Hiking Trail Network
Aachen: Node Network Points
Hiking by numbers
In Aachen you can create your own tours based on node network points. Since the early 2010s the city has systematically signposted its hiking trail network using node network points. The Aachen Forest was the first area to be covered. The BorderTrails, serving as central connecting trails, provided links to the hiking node systems in East Belgium and the Netherlands. You can now also hike to network points in the northern part of Aachen city in Richterich—with connections to neighboring Bocholtz, Haaren, and Verlautenheide—as well as Kornelimünster.
Along the Worm River Valley, the network of node points in the Aachen City Region extends all the way to Herzogenrath, and along the Broichbach Valley all the way to Alsdorf.
Along the way there are hiking information boards at the starting points. Suggested routes are listed in the hiking app and on the Aachen Region hiking portal.
You can find attractive cross-border hiking trails based on node network points under “More Touring Tips – More Boundless Hiking.”
Eastern Belgium: Node Network Points
Hiking by Numbers
Since 2021 Eastern Belgium has had a network of hiking trails based on node network points. A total of 1,380 km have been signposted in this node network system. With signage in both directions, hikers can walk from any node network point to any other. The network connects to both the network of the city of Aachen (Germany) and that of Zuid-Limburg (Netherlands). Our BorderTrail routes largely follow the trails of the node network points within Belgian territory.
„Genusstouren“ (Enjoyable Hikes) is the East Belgium Tourism Agency‘s motto and headline for their most beautiful hiking trails and paths through East Belgium. The forest, water, panoramic, and high-altitude hikes are also organized according to node network points.
Pays de Herve: Points-nœuds – Node Network
Not yet available - currently in development
Zuid-Limburg: Knopen lopen (“walking along network points”)
In South Limburg, NL, a cleverly interconnected network of hiking trails spanning approximately 2,000 kilometers is waiting for you. With the Knopen Lopen system you can easily plan your routes, hike them as you please, and adjust them flexibly at any time.
The network spans the triangle formed by Sittard, Vaals, and Eijsden-Margraten and is seamlessly connected to the node network points in Echt-Susteren, the Voerstreek, the Aachen Forest, the Aachen City Region, Plombières, and Selfkant. This creates an extensive hiking area that stretches from North Limburg deep into Luxembourg—ideal for boundless hiking experiences.