We welcome the early summer
What has happened so far?
The sky did not disappoint us! It opened up in a glorious blue and showed us its sunshine, so that even in the early morning the hiking mood rose to the heavens! First, a few more laps around the wonderful market in Aubel, where it's just lovely to stroll past all the delicacies and artisanal products! Then at 13:00 we met at the starting point! Everyone was there, the walking sticks stuck into the ground and the walkers set off! After just a few meters, Kathrin and Felix, our hiking guides, turned off the main square onto a side path and nature took us in! From there, an indescribably beautiful trail began, with views that always made our hearts beat faster. It was really wonderful! Kathrin took short breaks along the way to explain what formed this landscape, its special features and historical background. It was an instructive moment to get to know the culture behind it in the middle of nature. We listened with interest. The feedback said that this way of walking, which is also interrupted by certain small explanations, was particularly well received. So! We'll keep doing that! During the short break at the chapel, Ambassadeur Jörg took the opportunity to recite a poem he had written himself: The philosophical tree! Philosophically amused, we climbed the high point of the hike from there, meant literally, but also intended as a view. The remains of a bunker from the Second World War offered us a wonderful view from its roof, but also the memory of a creepy story. It's good to remember both in order to do everything for peace. Then the descent into Val Dieu! Past the church of Saint-Jean-Sart, past the trusting horses and down into the valley of God, Val Dieu, to the beautiful abbey. On the terrace of the mill, a long table offered us the opportunity to share our impressions and refresh ourselves with a fresh Belgian beer! A great meal was also served quickly and safely. We then had the opportunity to go to the abbey or to buy some delicious local produce in the old mill! Mariëtte and Nikolas picked up our buses! Great! Everything worked out! One last photo in front of the bus! Back in Aubel, a warm farewell and a lot of joy about the successful day! Everyone goes off in different directions again, but with a shared memory of a divine day and? a fond and grateful memory of Fritz, who brought all this to life, and of all the members of the Catharinengilde and friends who have continued to cultivate this path of cross-border friendship in the past!
For up-to-date pictures of the hike, scroll through the photos in the bar above. For another nice summary of the eventful day, take a look at the videos at the end of the blog entry.
Announcement of the hike
The Stichting HLP would like to invite you to an early summer guided walk from the pretty town of Aubel to the venerable Benedictine abbey of Val-Dieu, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Wallonia.
On Sundays, a traditional market with regional specialties is held in the center of Aubel. It's worth strolling through the market before the hike and letting yourself be tempted by the delicious artisanal offerings for a little hamster shopping.
The hike of around 8 kilometers starts in Aubel and leads us through the beautiful meadow landscape of the Herve country via meadow paths with revolving doors and old hollow paths to the "Knuppelstock" orientation table with an impressive view over the Herve plateau. From there, the route continues through the picturesque village of Saint-Jean-Sart to Val-Dieu Abbey. During the hike, you can take short breaks and learn interesting facts about this particularly beautiful and popular section of the Duke Limburg Trail.
Once you arrive in Val-Dieu, you have the option of stopping for refreshments at your own expense in the restaurant of the old mill or within the monastery walls. If you don't want to eat, you can pay ascetic homage to the evening by visiting the monastery church, which is absolutely worth seeing, as well as the beautifully landscaped park. Either way, all participants will look back on a special day filled with meditative impressions of nature and mind-enriching observations of the unique cultural monuments of our Duchy of Limburg.
But let's not forget the most important thing! Hiking strengthens the soul and the heart! Hiking together unites souls and hearts in friendship! So let's get going and put on those nice sturdy shoes!
Program
13:00 Start of the hike, starting point in front of the restaurant Le Berry, Place Antoine Ernst 22, Aubel
Approx. 16:00 Arrival at Val-Dieu Abbey, approx. 1.5 hour stay
17:30 Return journey from the parking lot at Val-Dieu in minibuses to Aubel, cost for the return journey: € 3.00/person.
Please register by e-mail to Felix Gremse: gremse@gmx.net stating "Hike Aubel - Val-Dieu" and at the same time transfer the return journey costs to the following account
Stichting Hertoglimburgpad, IBAN: DE80 3905 0000 1077 1752 20 BIC: AACSDE33XXX
The registration deadline is May 30, 2023. Your registration is valid upon receipt of the return travel costs. No money will be refunded.
Finally, we would like to point out, perhaps unnecessarily, that - as always - you take part in the walk organized by us at your own risk.
We look forward to seeing you again on this walk and to giving you a warm welcome!
Your hiking guides Kathrin, Felix and Jörg of the Duke Limburg Path Foundation