The new staircase will serve as a unique meeting and resting point with views over the Oude Maas river. The project, expected to be completed in the spring of 2027, will provide a significant boost to the main gateway of the RivierPark Maasvallei. The existing winter dike will be widened and complemented by a green staircase that naturally integrates into the landscape.
This area will offer walkers, cyclists, nature enthusiasts, and school groups an attractive place to pause, relax, and experience the landscape from a new perspective. The staircase will provide distinct recreational and tourist added value to the region, enhancing the experience, accessibility, and appeal of this special location in the Maas Valley.
The project, part of the broader initiative 'Het RivierPark Maasvallei op dreef: De Wissen als dijk van een onthaalpoort', is co-financed by Interreg Flanders-Netherlands and Limburg Sterk Merk (LSM). The total cost amounts to 1,016,051.36 euros, excluding VAT. This financial support underscores the supra-local importance of De Wissen as a tourist gateway.
Construction work began on Monday, October 19, 2026, and will be carried out in two phases to minimize disruption. During the first phase, the visitor center will remain largely accessible. From January 2027, the winter dike will be temporarily closed, but Visitor Center De Wissen and Brasserie De Wissen will remain accessible. Visitors are asked to respect the construction site signage.
