Heumensoord, Ossenbroek, Reichswald and Sterrenberg Loop

This is a long, mostly low-relief loop of forest, heath, and river-landscape walking that links four distinct areas—Heumensoord (south of Nijmegen), Ossenbroek (near the Ooijpolder floodplain), the Reichswald (Germany’s large border forest), and the Sterrenberg ridge area—into one continuous circuit. At roughly 130 km / 81 mi with about 400 m / 1,300 ft of total ascent, it’s “easy” in terms of gradients, but it’s still a multi-day endurance hike: the main challenges are time on feet, foot care, navigation at trail junction density, and wet/soft ground in lowland sections.

Where the hike starts (and a practical “nearest landmark”)

“Near” isn’t fully specified, but this loop is most commonly anchored on the south edge of Nijmegen where Heumensoord begins. A reliable, easy-to-find start landmark is:

• Heumensoord / Jachtslot Mookerheide area (near Molenhoek–Mook), or the southern Nijmegen edge near the Heumensoord forest entrances (often accessed from the Nijmegen–Molenhoek corridor).

If you share the exact coordinates (or a GPX), I can convert the start point to the nearest specific address/parking area and tailor the access instructions precisely.

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

By public transport (typical approach via Nijmegen): - Take rail to Nijmegen Centraal Station (major hub with frequent Dutch intercity/regional connections). - From Nijmegen, use local bus or regional rail toward Molenhoek/Mook-Molenhoek depending on which Heumensoord access you choose. From there, it’s usually a short walk to forest entrances and signed paths.

By car: - Aim for parking at a Heumensoord trailhead car park on the south side of Nijmegen or near Molenhoek/Mook. These areas generally have established forest access points and are well-suited for a loop start because you can return to the same place after several days.

(Exact parking names vary by chosen start node; with coordinates I’ll pin the closest official lot.)

What the terrain feels like over 130 km / 81 mi

Expect a fast-walking surface mix: compact forest tracks, sandy paths, occasional paved cycleway connectors, and softer sections near floodplains. The elevation gain (~400 m / 1,300 ft) is spread out in small rises—short, gentle climbs rather than sustained hills. The “easy” rating fits the profile, but the distance makes it physically demanding.

A sensible way to plan is 4–6 days depending on pace and daylight: - 25–35 km / 16–22 mi per day is common for fit hikers on lowland terrain. - If you’re carrying a full pack and want time for stops, 20–28 km / 12–17 mi days are kinder on feet.

Navigation and wayfinding

This region has dense path networks (especially in managed forests), where multiple tracks run parallel and junctions come quickly. Plan to navigate with HiiKER and download offline maps before you lose signal under canopy or near border forest sections. Pay attention to: - Frequent “T” junctions where the “main” track isn’t obvious. - Border-area trail continuity (some paths change surface/labeling as you cross between the Netherlands and Germany). - Seasonal closures or forestry operations that can force short detours.

Section-by-section expectations (landmarks, nature, and hazards)

Heumensoord: woodland, sandy soils, and quiet military/estate history

Approx. 25–40 km / 16–25 mi of the loop depending on routing.

Heumensoord is a broad, green buffer south of Nijmegen with mixed woodland (oak, beech, pine) and long straight forestry lanes alternating with more winding single paths. Underfoot you’ll often get sandy, well-draining soil, which is pleasant in wet seasons but can feel energy-sapping in dry, loose stretches.

What to look for: - Heath and open glades that break up the forest monotony. - Subtle micro-relief—small ridges and shallow hollows that account for much of the “hidden” ascent.

Watch-outs: - Soft sand can increase calf/Achilles load over long days. - After storms, expect fallen branches and occasional reroutes around forestry work.

Wildlife: - Roe deer are common at dawn/dusk. - Woodpeckers and songbirds are frequent; in quieter corners you may spot buzzards circling above clearings.

Ossenbroek and the Ooijpolder edge: floodplain character and big-sky walking

Approx. 15–30 km / 9–19 mi depending on how much floodplain you include.

As you swing toward Ossenbroek and the lowlands near the Waal/Rhine system, the landscape opens. This is classic Dutch river-country: dikes, wet meadows, reedbeds, and drainage channels. The walking can be very fast on dike tops, but conditions change quickly with season.

What to look for: - Wide river vistas and the engineered geometry of dikes and polders. - Waterfowl concentrations—geese, ducks, and waders—especially in migration seasons.

Watch-outs: - High water / saturated ground: some low paths can be muddy or temporarily impassable after