The Wijers, Land of the 1001 Ponds
Zonhoven, BelgiumPart of the Airbnb Animals collection
Animal experience hosted by Michel
3 hours
Includes drinks, equipment
Up to 10 people
Hosted in English, French, Dutch
What you'll do
Visit of the Wijers , LAND OF 1001 PONDS.
An unique water landscape in the heart of Limburg. The ‘Wijers' is an area of outstanding beauty, even on an European scale. In fact, it is so important that large parts of it have been included in the Natura 2000 network. Immerse yourself in the land of 1001 ponds.
The Wijers is a region where the real nature lover is at home. The ponds – we call them the ‘Wijers’ - are a paradise for many rare waterplants and animals (Eurasian bittern and tree frog ). They form a breath-taking backdrop for hikers alike.
We'll do 6 km ( 4 miles) trail during 3 hours, starting at the Heidestrand Carpark. Easy level. I will tell you about the history of the landscape, the culture in the surroundings and the beauty of the ponds.
Amazing panorama from the look-out tower and the bird-watching view houses over the water-reserve. Get also a glimps from the fish farming with the water birds. Enjoy the Dragonflies and damselflies, the Water bugst, the Reed and bog birds, the Common redshank, the Little ringed plover, the great crested grebe and the northern pintail. Mid-walk we'll stop at the Pelgrim's Chapel, ending up for a drink at the campersite Heidestrand.
Other things to note
Do not forget Binoculars
An unique water landscape in the heart of Limburg. The ‘Wijers' is an area of outstanding beauty, even on an European scale. In fact, it is so important that large parts of it have been included in the Natura 2000 network. Immerse yourself in the land of 1001 ponds.
The Wijers is a region where the real nature lover is at home. The ponds – we call them the ‘Wijers’ - are a paradise for many rare waterplants and animals (Eurasian bittern and tree frog ). They form a breath-taking backdrop for hikers alike.
We'll do 6 km ( 4 miles) trail during 3 hours, starting at the Heidestrand Carpark. Easy level. I will tell you about the history of the landscape, the culture in the surroundings and the beauty of the ponds.
Amazing panorama from the look-out tower and the bird-watching view houses over the water-reserve. Get also a glimps from the fish farming with the water birds. Enjoy the Dragonflies and damselflies, the Water bugst, the Reed and bog birds, the Common redshank, the Little ringed plover, the great crested grebe and the northern pintail. Mid-walk we'll stop at the Pelgrim's Chapel, ending up for a drink at the campersite Heidestrand.
Other things to note
Do not forget Binoculars
Visit of the Wijers , LAND OF 1001 PONDS.
An unique water landscape in the heart of Limburg. The ‘Wijers' is an area of outstanding beauty, even on an European scale. In fact, it is so important that large parts of it have been included in the Natura 2000 network. Immerse yourself in the land of 1001 ponds.
The Wijers is a region where the real nature lover is at home. The ponds – we call them the ‘Wijers’ - are a paradis…
An unique water landscape in the heart of Limburg. The ‘Wijers' is an area of outstanding beauty, even on an European scale. In fact, it is so important that large parts of it have been included in the Natura 2000 network. Immerse yourself in the land of 1001 ponds.
The Wijers is a region where the real nature lover is at home. The ponds – we call them the ‘Wijers’ - are a paradis…
Michel's commitment to safety
This host has committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines – including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practising good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
Guidelines created with World Animal ProtectionLearn more
What's included
- Drinks
- Equipmentwalking poles, trail maps, magnifying glass
From £35
/ person
- 3 Reviews
- Identity verified
I'm a Nature Guide and Coach. Passionate about trees and birds, with a special focus on waterbirds. I'll explain about biodiversity , evolution theory ( heterotroof/autotroof species) and ecology with the focus on bird-migration to the south, as well as their nidification in the breeding season ( making a nest).
I bring nature again into your live, the time of an amazing walk in this wonderful water-land . Let's share well-being, let's feel free to enjoy this secret nature-paradise with the waterbirds, waterflowers and trees. I will tell you about rare species like the Great Cormorant, the Eurasian Spoonbill and the Ferruginous Ducks. Discover the 1001 ponds in Limburg Kempenland. Also fishfarms are active in this area, much appreciated by the Blue Heron. I will share my knowledge and expertise about the food pyramide for birds and fish
I bring nature again into your live, the time of an amazing walk in this wonderful water-land . Let's share well-being, let's feel free to enjoy this secret nature-paradise with the waterbirds, waterflowers and trees. I will tell you about rare species like the Great Cormorant, the Eurasian Spoonbill and the Ferruginous Ducks. Discover the 1001 ponds in Limburg Kempenland. Also fishfarms are active in this area, much appreciated by the Blue Heron. I will share my knowledge and expertise about the food pyramide for birds and fish
I'm a Nature Guide and Coach. Passionate about trees and birds, with a special focus on waterbirds. I'll explain about biodiversity , evolution theory ( heterotroof/autotroof species) and ecology with the focus on bird-migration to the south, as well as their nidification in the breeding season ( making a nest).
I bring nature again into your live, the time of an amazing walk in this wonderful water-land . Let's share well-being, let's feel free to enjoy this secret nature-paradise with t…
I bring nature again into your live, the time of an amazing walk in this wonderful water-land . Let's share well-being, let's feel free to enjoy this secret nature-paradise with t…
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Responsible interactions
All hosts must follow guidelines created with World Animal Protection.
Caring, expert hosts
Learn from biologists, conservationists, farmers, and more.
Diverse animals
Meet over 300 kinds of animals, from alpacas to zebras.
Where you'll be
Startingpoint is the Wijers' car parking ( tourist info center).
Our 3 hours walk starts here.
After 1,5 hour we reach the " look-out Tower " for a 15min break.
45 minutes later we'll arrive at the forest Chapel ( de Altijd Durende Bijstand) where a restroom ( toilet-WC) is available, with a 15 minutes stop.
At the end we share a drink at Heidestrand ( recreation park) and then back to the Parking at a 5 minutes walk
Our 3 hours walk starts here.
After 1,5 hour we reach the " look-out Tower " for a 15min break.
45 minutes later we'll arrive at the forest Chapel ( de Altijd Durende Bijstand) where a restroom ( toilet-WC) is available, with a 15 minutes stop.
At the end we share a drink at Heidestrand ( recreation park) and then back to the Parking at a 5 minutes walk
Rated 4.67 out of 5 from 3 reviews.
Choose from available dates
10 available
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Activity advisory
Expert industry partners
Every adventure follows industry guidelines. We partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, expert leaders in adventure travel, to define best practices and standards for safety.
Know your comfort level
Please note that outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Government ID
You’ll need to take a picture of yourself that matches the photo on your ID. This is so Airbnb can confirm who’s actually going on the experience. You’ll only have to do this once.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests ages 6 and up can attend. Parents may also bring children under 2 years of age.
What to bring
Hiking shoes, umbrella, water, binoculars, magnifying glass