Friday 15/8 →
Sunday 24/8
Vaals (NL)
Theme 2025:
SOURCES
Will you join us on a journey along natural, cultural, and cartographic sources in a festival full of maps, stories, and imagination?
From mountain peak to river, from water spring to source of knowledge: discover the origin at MAPAWAY.
PROGRAM
View/download a PDF timetable
Program subject to change – keep an eye on this website and social media in case of last-minute changes.
ALL DAYS: EXHIBITIONS (Fr. 15/8 – Su 24/8)
Summit on Slippers
Mountains capture the imagination – rugged, high, untouchable. But height is relative: for some, a sand dune will do; others aim for nothing less than the roof of the world. The Vaalserberg forms a scenic backdrop for a wide range of climbers, as shown by the colourful array of outfits spotted on its slopes. From alpine-ready to fresh-from-the-pool, Summit on Slippers presents the full spectrum of Vaalserberg gear and playfully asks: what makes a mountain a mountain – and what do you wear to climb one?
Theme: Source of Inspiration
Practical info
When: Throughout the festival
Where: At the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Free (no ticket needed)
Turning the Tide
Water connects. Rivers, seas, and springs have shaped routes, borders, and landmarks for centuries. But climate change is shifting our relationship with water: what once felt self-evident is becoming uncertain. Turning the Tide presents maps from Vienna, Gdańsk, and Evia, where our connection to water is visibly changing. These maps trace a reorientation and offer an invitation to look anew – also here, in this landscape of sources around the Vaalserberg.
Theme: Re-sources
Practical info
When: Throughout the festival
Where: At the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Free (no ticket needed)
In the Clouds
In the Netherlands, we’re used to orienting ourselves by NAP – the Amsterdam Ordnance Datum – which defines what counts as ‘zero’. Even here in Vaals, 246 metres above sea level, we still refer to that distant, invisible baseline. But what if we let go of it? In a hilly landscape where the sea feels far away, the clouds – just as changeable, but always nearby – might be a more fitting reference. In the Clouds is an exercise in rethinking: what happens when we base our maps not on what lies beneath us, but on what floats above?
Theme: Source of reference
Practical info
When: Throughout the festival
Where: At the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Free (no ticket needed)
Resources of Mt. Vaals
What if you could only use what is found right here, on and around the Vaalserberg? This work explores the materials the mountain has to offer – from dyes to fibres. Together with textile artist Sofie Hermans and fashion designer Nina Führer, we trace the possibilities of local production: a swatch book of what grows, colours, and felts. In the 19th century, a thriving wool industry emerged here, made possible by soft river water and open pastures. What can we rediscover, create, and wear today – using only the mountain’s own resources?
Theme: Re-sources
Practical info
When: Throughout the festival
Where: At the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Free (no ticket needed)
ALL DAYS: DIY-EXPEDITIONS (Fr. 15/8 – Su 24/8)
Sourcitis Retreat DIY
Prefer to re-source at your own pace? MAPAWAY offers the Sourcitis Retreat as a self-guided DIY expedition. Follow the same route as the guided MAPLAB, but explore independently using a specially designed field guide. Along the way, you’ll visit a series of springs and streams, each with its own qualities, meanings, and refreshing energy. A nourishing experience for both body and mind – whenever it suits you.
The guidebook is available in multiple languages and includes everything you need: a route map, short texts, reflection exercises, and a towel.
Theme: Re-sources
Practical info
When: Available daily from 15 to 24 August
Where: Starts at the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Languages: Guide available in multiple languages
Price: €12 (incl. guide, route, exercises, and towel)
Tickets: For sale at the festival grounds
Map Collage Art DIY
Create your own map using collage techniques. This kit includes a personally curated collection by Helen Hartmann & the Institute of Cartopology and everything you need to make your own map.
Theme: Source of Reference
Practical info
Where: At the festival grounds
Tickets: €5 (incl. take-home kit)
Languages: Kit available in multiple languages
Sample Kit Mt. Vaals DIY
Create your own embroidered map of Mt. Vaals! This DIY kit includes a pattern, clear instructions, and special thread sourced from the Vaalserberg. The result: a unique stitched landscape representing your version of the mountain.
Practical info
When: Available throughout the festival
Where: At the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: for sale at the festival grounds
Cartopological Hikers Log DIY
Mountains have long inspired awe, challenge, and reflection — from scientific exploration to spiritual metaphors. This logbook invites you to trace that legacy through five mountain perspectives: the sublime, the scientific, the heroic, the metaphorical, and the ecological. Along the way, you’ll be encouraged to observe, reflect, and map your own encounters with mountainous landscapes, wherever you may find them.
Practical info
When: Available throughout the festival
Where: At the festival grounds
Tickets: Price of Logbook t.b.a.
TUESDAY 19/8
WORKSHOP: Spinning & Dyeing w. Nina Führer & Sofie Hermans
Sofie Hermans en Nina Führer lead this hands-on workshop where we process locally sourced materials – from nettles to wool – into usable threads. From harvesting to spinning and natural dyeing, you’ll experience the full journey and get to know Mt. Vaals’ resources up close.
Practical info
When: Tuesday 19/8 14:00h
Where: At the festival grounds
Duration: 3h
Languages: Dutch, German, English
Max. 15 participants
Tickets: free admission
FRIDAY 22/8
WORKSHOP: Cooking with Nettles w. Ward Willems
In this workshop, designer and artist Ward Willems invites you into the wondrous world of the stinging nettle. From picking to tasting, you’ll discover just how surprising this plant can be – both savoury and sweet. A sensory exploration full of unexpected delights, straight from the roadside.
Practical info
When: Friday August 22, 18:00h
Where: On the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Duration: 2 hours
Languages: Dutch, German, English (adapted to the audience)
Tickets: Included with a day or week ticket
MAPAWAY official opening event
Opening of the festival weekend with a little official talk and some of unofficial drinks.
Practical info
When: Friday August 22, 20:00h
Where: On the festival grounds
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: free admission
SATURDAY 23/8
WORKSHOP: Map Collage Art w. Helen Hartmann
From time to time, the Institute of Cartopology receives a donated map – and by now, the collection has grown to over 300! During MAPAWAY, this unique archive will be publicly accessible for the very first time. Is there a map you’d like to borrow? Or perhaps you have one at home that must be part of this collection? Bring it along!
Together with artist and map enthusiast Helen Hartmann – who was born in Zuid-Limburg – we’ll explore the collection and use it as a starting point to create new maps. We’ll work with both existing and contributed material, and question what makes a map a map. Best of all: this workshop is fun for the whole family!
Practical info
When: Saturday 23/8 at 14:00 (the workshop starts with the talk ‘Sources of Maps’)
Duration: 3 hours
Where: at the festival grounds
For whom: Open to all ages
Maximum participants: 15
Tickets: Included with a day or weekend pass
TALK & WORKSHOP: Reading the Weather w. MWIS UK
What does a weather map tell you? In this workshop by MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service), you’ll learn to look at the sky through the eyes of a forecaster. Together, we’ll decode weather symbols, interpretation techniques, and the art (and uncertainty) of predicting conditions in mountainous terrain.
MWIS has been providing reliable weather forecasts for hikers and climbers in the British mountains for years. During MAPAWAY, they’ll share their practice: how is a useful weather map made? What choices does a forecaster make? And how does local knowledge influence interpretation?
This workshop is for curious outdoor people, weather nerds, and map readers of all levels.
Theme: Source of Reference
Practical info
When: Saturday 23/8 at 14:00h
Duration: 3 hours
Where: At the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Language: English (questions in Dutch and German are welcome)
Maximum participants: 20
Tickets: Included with a day or weekend pass
TALK: Sources of Maps by Institute of Cartopology
In the talk Sources of Maps, researcher and cartopologist Marlies Vermeulen of the Institute of Cartopology guides you through a series of maps that, if you look closely, raise more questions than they answer. Where do maps come from, and who or what decides what becomes visible? In a world where nothing is as it seems, it’s high time we take a closer look at the sources of our maps.
Practical info
When: Saturday, August 23, 14:00h
Where: On the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Duration: 1 hour
Languages: Dutch, German, English (adapted to the audience)
Tickets: Included with a day or weekend ticket
SUNDAY 24/8
WORKSHOP: Sourcitis Retreat I w. Frederieke Peters
Come and re-source yourself during MAPAWAY by joining the one and only Springwater Retreat in South Limburg. Theatre-maker and wellness expert Frederieke Peters will guide you on a walk along various springs and streams – each with their own powers, qualities, and meanings. From head to toe and heart to mind, it promises to be a refreshing journey filled with humour and deep insights.
Practical info
When: Sunday 24/8 at 10:00h
Duration: 1.5 hours
Where: Starts at the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Maximum participants: 12 per session
Tickets: Included with a day or week pass
WORKSHOP: Sourcitis Retreat II w. Frederieke Peters
Come and re-source yourself during MAPAWAY by joining the one and only Springwater Retreat in South Limburg. Theatre-maker and wellness expert Frederieke Peters will guide you on a walk along various springs and streams – each with their own powers, qualities, and meanings. From head to toe and heart to mind, it promises to be a refreshing journey filled with humour and deep insights.
Practical info
When: Sunday 24/8 at 11:30h
Duration: 1.5 hours
Where: Starts at the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Maximum participants: 12 per session
Tickets: Included with a day or week pass
WORKSHOP: Samples of Mt. Vaals w. Sofie & Nina
Together with Sofie Hermans en Nina Führer, you’ll explore techniques for repairing and transforming worn clothing. Depending on the material and damage, you’ll learn mending skills like felting, embroidery, and more. Give an old garment a new and meaningful life.
Practical info
When: Sunday, August 24, 14:00h
Where: On the festival grounds (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Duration: 3 hours
Languages: Dutch, German, English
Bring: Clothing in need of repair
Maximum: 15 participants
Tickets: Included with a day or weekend ticket
PRACTICAL INFO
Travel and parking
Preferably, come to MAPAWAY using public transport. You can take bus 350 between Maastricht and Aachen. Get out at stop ‘Maastrichterlaan/Bosstraat’ and walk the Bosstraat all the way up for 10-15min till you see the Institute of Cartopology.
Do you come by car, please make use of the parking areas as indicated on this website.
Food and drinks
Alongside drinks and bites, there will be basic breakfast-, lunch- and dinner options. Quite a lot of them are expedition-proof so they can be taken along with you on one of the guided tours or workshops. All food and drinks are vegetarian, most even vegan.
TICKETS
Early bird weekend
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Map A Way day one (Fr 22/8, excluding DIY expeditions)
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Map A Way day two (Sa 23/8, excluding DIY expeditions)
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Map A Way day three (Su 24/8, excluding DIY expeditions)
Early bird day
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One Map A Way day of choice (Fr 22/8, Sa 23/8 or Su 24/8), excluding DIY expeditions
MAPAWAY 2025 is made possible with the support of the following partners and funding bodies:
EN 
NL