Slenaken lies in the Gulp Valley near the Belgian border. Two aspects of the area are particularly clear when planning a trip: walking routes through varied landscapes and in different directions, and historic buildings with specific dates and functions. This can help you decide whether you would rather focus on trails through forests and valleys or on the area's history of villages and mills during your stay.
Walking routes between valley, forest and border
The “Groote Boschroute Slenaken” explores the area north of Slenaken and the Groote Bosch, a wooded area of more than 60 hectares. The route passes through the Gulp Valley and occasionally offers views of the Gulp, a tributary of the Geul. The route includes varied landscapes with a diverse range of plants and animals. This trail brings together forest, valley and watercourse as distinct landscape features.
The “Langs groen en blauw in het Gulpdal – Slenaken” walking route offers another perspective on the landscape. It follows the water through a varied landscape of deciduous forests, grassland and orchards. The Gulp Valley is home to beavers and badgers, and their tracks can be spotted along the route. Those who pay attention to landforms and possible animal tracks while walking will find plenty of specific features to look out for here.
The cross-border “Grenzeloos wandelen bij Slenaken” walking route leads south of Slenaken through the wooded surroundings of the Onderste Bos and crosses the Belgian border in the direction of Teuven. Its direction sets it apart from the “Heuvelland (Day 1)” route: this one climbs from the Gulp Valley to the Groote Bosch and then follows the meandering Gulp to Slenaken. You can choose between a trail that crosses the border and a route that takes you through a valley, a higher-lying wooded area and along a river. Route details may change; check them before setting out.
A chapel, mill and church as historic landmarks
In Schilberg near Slenaken, the Sint Annakapel stands at a crossroads beneath a large chestnut tree. This small brick wayside chapel dates from 1715. Its location, design and date give its history a concrete context: it is a chapel by the road, not a large church in the village centre.
The Broekmolen adds to this picture with its milling history. It lies just outside Slenaken, at the foot of the slope of the “Grote Bos” and on the road from Slenaken to Gulpen. Originally, it served as a grain and oil mill with an overshot waterwheel. “Overshot” describes a design in which water is directed onto the wheel from above. This identifies both the mill's former use and its method of operation.
The Roman Catholic church in Slenaken also has a clear historical connection: it was built in 1793 by the Brussels architect Wincqs. The chapel, mill and church therefore represent different aspects of local history—from a wayside chapel and the processing of grain and oil to the architectural history of the church. Together with the different walking routes, these places and landscapes give your stay in Slenaken specific themes around which you can shape your interests.
Discover more destinations: Eys, Wittem, Reijmerstok, Mechelen, Epen, Elkenrade, Wijlre, Heijenrath
Go to the main travel guide: Gulpen-Wittem.
