Mountain hut Halverwege / Institute of Cartopology

Mountain hut on the slopes of the Vaalserberg

It may not always be harsh, cold, and snowy at 246 meters above sea level, but still: no matter how you pass by or what your goal or destination is, the Institute of Cartopology always offers a warm welcome and a refreshing perspective on our surroundings! A true sanctuary in every sense of the word.

“Halverwege”

Halfway between a visit and science

The Institute of Cartopology is not only a meeting place but also a knowledge centre for maps. It may seem like a strange combination — a mountain hut and a place where research is conducted — but it’s actually not that unusual. Take the Capanna Margherita, for example, a mountain hut in the Italian Alps at an altitude of 4,554 meters. It serves both as a shelter for mountaineers and as a location where research is conducted, including studies on altitude sickness. Similarly, halfway up the Vaalserberg at the Institute of Cartopology, mapmakers, researchers, mountaineers, and tourists cross paths. It hosts artistic and educational research and serves as a meeting place and visitor center for the most mountainous region in the Netherlands.

Maps and Mountains

At higher altitudes, even halfway up the Vaalserberg, everything is more extreme. The weather, the views, the friendships, and the risks. You don’t venture into the mountains without carefully studying the map. And the more challenging the terrain, the more maps you often consult. A topographic map, a weather map, a map of a small village along the route, a geological map, and perhaps also a tourist map. Every mountain deserves to be studied from as many different perspectives as possible, and that includes the Vaalserberg.

Breathtaking View

Once you’re on your way, above the tree line, the mountain landscape constantly presents breathtaking vistas, an ever-changing palette of colors, and unique details and patterns in rock formations or underbrush. We at the Institute of Cartopology are always awed by it and continue to look around us. But doesn’t every mountain, regardless of its height, deserve to be viewed with such focus, fascination, and curiosity? Do yourself a favor, take a moment to look around, and pretend it’s a high mountain. Isn’t there so much more to see?

Come By and Join In

So, come visit us halfway up the Vaalserberg. The Institute of Cartopology offers shelter and a simple meal for the explorer. We regularly host workshops and expeditions. Stop by for a cup of coffee or to load a new route onto your GPS. Share your maps, and through maps, share your perspective on our living environment.

Like other mountain huts, our opening hours can be a bit unclear. But if we’re not out exploring ourselves, we’re happy to open our doors for everyone halfway up the mountain. Contact us or check our social media if you want to be sure of your well-deserved break or inspiration!