Nature enthusiast Danny recommends Schansbroek: 'Put on your walking shoes'

Volunteer Danny shares his passion for the Stiemervallei nature reserve and encourages visitors to explore its diverse routes.

A serene natural landscape in Flanders with wooden boardwalks through wet greenery and small dams in the water, illuminated by sunlight.
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A serene natural landscape in Flanders with wooden boardwalks through wet greenery and small dams in the water, illuminated by sunlight.

Danny, a dedicated volunteer, shares his love for the Schansbroek nature area in the Stiemervallei and invites everyone to experience its natural beauty.

Danny is a passionate fan of the Stiemervallei, with Schansbroek being his favorite spot. He spends time there regularly walking and volunteers to help maintain the area. 'If a plank on the boardwalk comes loose, we fix it. We also lend a hand in and around the water. We build small dams to retain more water, which is beneficial for the frogs,' he explains.
He knows the area inside out and believes it would be a shame to keep such a beautiful piece of nature to himself. Therefore, he advises everyone: 'If you've never been here before, I'd say: put on your walking shoes and just start walking. You don't really need to plan anything. Walk on the boardwalks, follow the water, and look around carefully.'
There are several walking routes through the area. The green route is the shortest at 4.1 kilometers, ideal for a quick stretch of the legs. Danny himself prefers the yellow route, which at 16 kilometers offers a substantial walk.
Along the way, there are various surprises to discover. 'Sometimes I stop here to watch the birds. Other times you see frogs in the water. And with a bit of luck, you might even encounter a deer. That's what makes it so enjoyable: you never know what you'll come across,' Danny states.
The area is also child-friendly. 'The playground along the way is ideal for a stop. This way, you don't have to walk the entire time, and there's still plenty to experience.'
Inspired visitors can discover Schansbroek themselves via the different routes: the green route (4.1 km), the blue route (7.4 km), and the yellow route (16 km). Parking is available at Thor Park.
Based on information from the official source: Stad Genk — Nieuws (09/10/2026)