Ever heard of Mettekoven? I myself did not know Mettekoven at all until someone gave me the tip to go for a walk there. I was told Mettekoven is a true hiking paradise, especially if you want to spot the fruit blossoms in spring. So I had to check it out!
In the meantime, I can confirm that it is a beautiful walking spot. The rolling hills, blooming fruit fields and rural atmosphere make Mettekoven an idyllic hiking destination. Moreover, not far from it, you will also find the artwork ‘the Floating Chapel’, or Helsh(ae)ven, definitely worth a detour during your walk!
The village of Mettekoven has 4 different hiking trails from 1.5 to 7 km long. Nothing? By linking several routes together, you can spend a wonderful day hiking. I myself did the 4 km long orange route that literally guides you through the fruit fields. Beautiful to see in the spring, but also when the fruit starts to grow in the summer. Halfway you can extend the route for another one and a half kilometres and also pass the Floating Chapel. So plenty to see!
Practical Info:
- Distance: 4 km
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: easy
- Start: Mettekoven
- Signs: orange sphere
- Download GPX
Starting in the village centre of Mettekoven
Mettekoven is not big at all, so finding the starting point of the hike is certainly not difficult. Right opposite B&B Hoeve De Brieser you will find a large sign with all the hiking routes on it. Here you can view the different routes and choose the one you like best. I recommend the orange route, of course. A little further in the village you can also just park your car for free on the side of the road and then walk!
The orange hike in Mettekoven
The orange walking route starts immediately uphill. But don’t worry, during the walk there are no steep climbs, just the occasional ups and downs of the rolling hills. You first pass a meadow, where you have to go through a gate to ascend. During my hike, this was a big mud puddle and it took me 10 minutes to figure out how on earth I would get past it. I finally succeeded, but I can tell you that mudproof shoes are a must.
The hike goes up a ledge between the foliage until the branches give way to a beautiful view of the surrounding fields. Here there is a bench to enjoy the view, although that may be a bit fast for about a few hundred metres from the starting point. At the very top, you eventually end up in the first fruit orchard. Here they grow pears and they were already in bloom at the time of my visit – at the end of March. Wonderful!
The path really leads you all the way through the fruit trees, past the many symmetrical rows of plants and the huge piles of wooden fruit bins waiting to be filled. I found this the most beautiful part of the route. Once you are through the fruit plantation you arrive at a paved road. Here you will have the chance to either continue the route to the right or make a small detour past the Floating Chapel. In the latter case, turn left and add at least another kilometre and a half to your route. If you have never seen the artwork before, this is definitely a must. Also keep your camera at the ready for a nice ‘floating’ photo.
On the right, the hiking route continues between the fruit plantations, past 2 proud symbols of the village: monument Tjenne and a little further on the Tjenne tree. At this point, turn right to walk back down towards the village. You pass a lot of fruit orchards and walk down via unpaved, sometimes somewhat muddy, roads. Eventually you arrive back in the village.
Do you still have energy left? Then choose another walk! The 7 km long red route takes you all the way to Veulen, the 3 km long blue route takes you past an old water mill through a nature reserve to Klein-Gelmen. Or just enjoy a drink and snack on the terrace of Brasserie Martenshof!
Good to Know
- Dogs are more than welcome to walk with us between the fields.
- Doing the orange walk with a buggy is not possible. Some paths are too muddy or too narrow to pass. Then choose the short green route of 1.5 km.
- Sturdy hiking shoes that can withstand dirt and water are an absolute must!
