Orientation made revolutionarily simple
What is the junction node system?
→ A sign at every intersection
The classic signposting of hiking routes (long-distance hiking trails or themed trails for instance) has a decisive disadvantage: the same few routes are used over and over again whilst others are left aside. In the junction node system, each junction point has its own number. These numbers can be found on a map in the online hiking route planner.
On site, they can be seen on wooden posts that are placed at many crossroads. With this system by numbers, everyone can now plan their own hiking tour by arranging the numbers according to their wishes about the length and difficulty of the tour. This gives the junction node system users a variety of possibilities to plan their routes.
What the junction node system looks like ?
The number of the node is attached at the top of the column (white dot, green background) and shows you where you are. The signposts below indicate the direction to the neighbouring points (dark blue background).
The name of the municipality you are in can be found at the top.
At the very bottom, you find a link to the hiking route planner website and the emergency number 112.
How to plan a route on the node network?
At the spots where two or more hiking trails meet, a "junction point" has been given a number. On the signs, these numbers are depicted with a white circle on a green background. Hikers can choose any of these starting points and plan their route accordingly. With the practical digital route planner "Nodemapp Hike", junctions can be connected and round trips and routes can thus be designed individually within a very short time.
The sequence of node-numbers should be noted or remembered in the correct order. Then, one could go to the self-chosen starting point and simply follow the signs to the next node. There are junction signs and intermediate signs to lead hikers. At the junctions, several directional alternatives are possible. The intermediate signs only point into one direction, namely the direction of the next junction.
The big advantage is that you can decide yourself how far you want to walk. You can also shorten, lengthen or reschedule the route at any time, depending on your wishes. This way, you can experience customized hiking routes in East Belgium. You quickly get to know the most beautiful paths and no longer run the risk of getting lost.
How were the junction node points created?
The junction node system for hiking tours comes from Flanders, where it is very popular and widespread. At the end of the 1980s, Hugo Bollen, a Flemish engineer from Limburg developed a completely new orientation system. The nodes were first developed for cycle paths and later transferred to walking routes, which are connected to each other at the crossing points (nodes) by means of a number. The aim of the node system is to simplify orientation.
The junction node system has been available in the German-speaking municipalities in East Belgium since 2013. In 2019, the hiking signs were physically installed in the southern municipalities. Those in the North will be placed in spring 2021.
What to do if a sign is missing or damaged?
The junction node system in East Belgium covers about 1,370 km. All routes and signs have been checked carefully and are regularly maintained. Nevertheless, experience has shown that there can always be problems with the signposting or routing.
If you have discovered a missing, dirty or damaged signpost along the way, please do not hesitate to contact us to keep the junction node system up to date.
Don't feel like planning your route?
We have alternatives.
Pleasure tours
26 hiking routes
For all those who do not want to plan their tour themselves, we provide pleasure tours through East Belgium.
These represent a selection of the most beautiful hiking routes in East Belgium, some of them are based on the junction node system.
