The Netherlands: Vaalserberg (24/28)

When we tell people what we are doing a common response is “well what about the Netherlands they must have the lowest peak”. In fact Vaalserberg is the sixth lowest of the twenty eight peaks at 321m. Which is actually quite surprising.

The peak is close to the tripoint border of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. There actually used to be a fourth country at this border point called Neutral Moresnet which existed between 1816 and 1920. After the demise on Napoleon’s empire the Dutch and Prussian representatives could not agree where the border (between the Netherlands and Prussia) should be situated, mainly as both wanted the valuable zinc spar mine situated near Neutral Moresnet. In the end they decided the mine and the adjacent village would become a neutral ground pending a future agreement. The mining company was the main source of employment here but it also funded residences, shops, a hospital and a bank.

It was actually quite good to live in Moresnet and there was a lot of immigration from the neighbouring countries. Inhabitants could benefit from low taxes, no import duties, a casino (which were banned in Belgium), three gin distilleries and the avoidance of military service.

The First World War brought about the end of neutrality and in 1919 the treaty of Versailles awarded Neutral Moresnet to Belgium.

Although you can park at the Vaalserberg summit we decided to parked a little further away and walk through the woods. There are a few attractions here including the tripoint of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, a viewing tower, a sign post showing the distances to other high peaks and a small maze.

Unfortunately the peak was all we saw whilst in the Netherlands, but we would like to go back in the future to explore further north. Our next stop was a weekend of caving in Belgium.