The Gerendal is a nature and hiking area in Valkenburg a / d Geul. During this short but spirited walk you will pass the local orchid garden and continue along hillside forests, orchards, meadows and hedges. The grazing herd of Mergelland sheep complete this idyllic landscape.
Distance: 6 km.
Time: 2h00.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: 145 meters.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: Red walking poles.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Orchid Garden.
You leave the starting point along the paved road and soon you turn left and you start the climb to the plateau. Here you have beautiful views. You also walk along a number of old and young high-stem fruit trees, meadows and hedges. You return and eventually arrive at the Orchid Garden. This is the biggest attraction in this area. Now it's just a little bit back to the starting point.
Download PDf for route description.
Well marked.
POI 1 - Orchid garden.
In Gerendal's orchid garden, a large proportion of orchids still found in the Netherlands are collected in the wild. A total of 23 native species can be found here. These parasites, because they are actually orchids, thrive excellently on the poor soil. The garden is in a valley on lime grassland. The flowers are pollinated by moths, who use their tongues to extract the nectar from the flowers. Open from the beginning of May to the end of June (the flowering time of the orchids), daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance is free. There is a guide available who can provide you with information. VVV Zuid-Limburg regularly organizes excursions to the orchid garden in May, June and July.
Staatsbosbeheer.
www.staatsbosbeheer.nl
