This year, we’re introducing a fresh approach to the Autumn Walk. The event will be spread across two days, giving you greater flexibility and a more enjoyable experience. Simply choose the day that works best for you and join us when it suits your schedule.
Please note: registration is limited to one day only.
South Limburg is renowned for its stunning hilly landscape. Nestled in the valley of the Eyserbeek stream, you’ll find the municipality of Simpelveld: a place of steep slopes, open plateaus and sweeping panoramic views. A truly unique corner of the Netherlands. So close by, yet it feels a world away.
This charming village offers far more than its gentle hills. There’s the iconic station of the Miljoenenlijn, where a nostalgic steam train puffs its way through the countryside. Delve into a Roman past, discover age-old heritage like Huize Loreto or walk through the hillside forest with its Stations of the Cross, Lourdes Grotto and little chapels along the way.
Hidden among the hills of South Limburg lies a place where time moves just a little slower: New Loreto in Simpelveld. What was once a monastery is gradually finding a new purpose. A place steeped in history, quiet and character, but most of all, a place where you feel it the moment you arrive: here, you’re free to simply stop. Space to wander, to breathe, to empty your mind and find yourself again.
With care and attention, this place is being gently reshaped into a space where peace and personal growth meet. You don’t need any skills or agenda. Just to be.
And that is precisely what makes it such a natural starting point: a chance to release the weight of daily life, before stepping outside and into the open nature.
Copilot said: This accessible 4-kilometre walking route introduces you to the rich history of Simpelveld. Starting at the impressive New Loreto, you will pass a number of historic landmarks that bring the village’s story to life.
Along the way, you will discover Signal House Post II, a unique national monument where railway traffic was once controlled manually. You will also pass the famous Miljoenenlijn, South Limburg’s nostalgic heritage railway, where historic steam and diesel trains still operate today. This family route also takes you past a playground!
Follow the green arrows.
Be surprised by the diversity of the Limburg countryside on this beautiful 7-kilometre walk. The route takes you through green stream valleys, along peaceful forest trails, across open fields and past stunning views.
Along the way, you can enjoy the tranquillity, nature and distinctive South Limburg atmosphere that makes this area so special. This route also takes you past a playground!
Follow the orange arrows.
Discover the very best of Simpelveld and Eys on this 16-kilometre walk.
Along the route, you will enjoy views of the Eyserbeek and pass several highlights of the historic Miljoenenlijn, including its characteristic railway tunnel and railway viaduct overlooking the Geul Valley.
One of the route’s highlights is the viewpoint at Doeveberg, offering stunning views over Eys and the surrounding hills. The route also takes you past the distinctive vineyards of Eys.
Follow the blue arrows.
Walking times
Mind-Walk is a safe and effective way to improve your health and wellbeing. It is suitable for both beginner and experienced walkers, regardless of your fitness level. At its heart, Mind-Walk is about walking with intention: tuning in to yourself and to the natural world around you.
You walk outdoors at a relaxed pace, alternating with exercises drawn from both Eastern and Western movement practices. Expect gentle movement, breathing techniques, moments of relaxation and quiet meditation.
The Mind-Walk method is based on six core pillars:
Did you know that a Camino route to Santiago passes right through Leeuwarden? Jacqueline Smeets, the heart and soul behind Mind-Walk®, trained in Leeuwarden and was amazed to discover that this route, which winds its way across the entire world, also passes through her own backyard.
This route connects to the Camino de Santiago, where Mind-Walk was first born.
On her pilgrimage, Jacqueline discovered how to work with the constant flow of thoughts in her mind and the meditative walking techniques she developed along the way proved so powerful that she knew she had to share them. As word spread, demand grew, and she began passing these techniques on to a new generation of trainers.
In Limburg’s beautiful landscape, between the historic cities of Maastricht and Aachen, you will find the Museum de Schat van Simpelveld. This museum, located in a monumental convent, houses a large art collection. The museum’s collection of highly refined embroidery from the 19th and 20th centuries known as needle painting, ranks among the absolute best.
In addition, the museum shows a splendid collection of paintings, golden chalices, wax figures and medieval sculptures. You will be given a glimpse of conventual life in the early 20th century.
This additional activity is made possible in part by Stichting FSI.
Time for a quick pit stop at the playground! Children can burn off some energy on the zip line, slide and swings before continuing the walk.
Collect lovely autumn treasures along the way, such as colourful leaves, chestnuts, acorns and twigs. Take them with you to the finish line and create your own autumn masterpiece. Let your imagination run wild and take a little piece of autumn home with you! 🎨
During your walk, we will make sure you have everything you need. All participants will be welcomed at the start with coffee and Limburg pie (vlaai), offered to you by New Loreto. For participants joining the 5 km and 7 km routes, catering will be provided in the chapel of the monastery.
Participants on the 16 km route will have access to a refreshment stop along the way.
Do you have dietary requirements? No problem! Please indicate this two weeks in advance by sending an email to: info@ods-vitaal.nl
In support of sustainability, please bring your own water bottle. You can refill it with fresh water at the monastery.
The start and finish location is New Loreto. Upon your arrival, please report to the ODS-Vitaal information desk. On presentation of your ticket(s), you will then receive your walk description and consumption tokens.
The venue is fully facilitated. This includes:
New Loreto
Kloosterstraat 68
6369 AE, Simpelveld
Entrance to New Loreto
On the map, you’ll find the designated car parks for the ODS-Vitaal Autumn Walk. You can also easily walk to New Loreto from these car parks. Please refer to the legend on the map.
Everyone is welcome to help us bring the ODS-Vitaal Autumn Walk to the attention of colleagues. Use the downloads below that you can share at work, in the canteen, via socials and much more.
We are happy with your promotional help. Thank you!
