Vrijdag 15/8 →
Zondag 24/8
VAALS
Thema 2025:
BRONNEN
Ga je mee op pad langs natuurlijke, culturele en cartografische bronnen in een festival vol kaarten, verhalen en verbeelding?
Van bergtop tot rivier en van waterbron tot kennisbron, ontdek de oorsprong op MAPAWAY.
PROGRAMMA
Bekijk/download het programma als pdf
Het progamma kan nog wijzigen - meer details worden in de komende weken toegevoegd.
ALLE DAGEN: TENTOONSTELLINGEN (Vr 15/8 – Zo 24/8)
Summit op 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 op 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?
Thema: Bron van Inspiratie
Praktische info
Wanneer: Gedurende het hele festival
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Gratis (geen ticket nodig)
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.
Thema: (Water)bronnen
Praktische info
Wanneer: Gedurende het hele festival
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Gratis (geen ticket nodig)
In de Wolken
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?
Thema: Referentiebron
Praktische info
Wanneer: Gedurende het hele festival
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Gratis (geen ticket nodig)
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?
Thema: (Water)bronnen
Praktische info
Wanneer: Gedurende het hele festival
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Gratis (geen ticket nodig)
ALLE DAGEN: 'ZELF OP PAD' ACTIVITEITEN (VR 15/8 – Zo 24/8)
Sourcitis Retreat DIY
Prefer to re-source at your own pace? MAPAWAY offers the Sourcitis Retraite 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.
Thema: (Water)bronnen
Praktische info
Wanneer: Iedere dag van 15 t/m 24 augustus
Waar: Start op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Talen: Guide available in multiple languages
Prijs: €12 (incl. guide, route, exercises, and towel)
Tickets: Te koop op het festivalterrein
Map Collage Art DIY
Create your own map using collage techniques. This kit includes a personally curated collection and everything you need to make your own map.
Theme: Source of Reference
Praktische info
Waar: Op het festivalterrein
Tickets: €5 (incl. take-home kit)
Talen: 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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Gedurende het hele festival
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Tickets: Te koop op het festivalterrein
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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Gedurende het hele festival
Waar: Op het festivalterrein
Tickets: Price of Logbook t.b.a.
TUESDAY 19/8
WORKSHOP: Spinnen & Verven met 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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Tuesday 19/8 14:00h
Waar: Op het festivalterrein
Duur: 3h
Talen: Nederlands, Duits, Engels
Maximaal aantal deelnemers: 15
Tickets: Gratis toegang
VRIJDAG 22/8
WORKSHOP: Koken met Brandnetels met 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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Vrijdag 22 augustus, 18u
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Duur: 2 uur
Talen: Dutch, German, English (adapted to the audience)
Tickets: Inbegrepen bij een dag- of weekticket
MAPAWAY Officiële opening
Opening of the festival weekend with a little official talk and some of unofficial drinks.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Friday August 22, 20:00h
Waar: On the festival grounds
Duur: 1 hour
Tickets: free admission
ZATERDAG 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!
Praktische info
Wanneer: Saturday 23/8 at 14:00
Duur: 3 uur
Waar: at the festival grounds
Voor wie: Open to all ages
Maximaal aantal deelnemers: 15
Tickets: Inbegrepen bij een dag- of weekticket
WORKSHOP: weer(kaarten) lezen met 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
Praktische info
Wanneer: Saturday 23/8 at 14:00h
Duur: 3 uur
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Taal: English (questions in Dutch and German are welcome)
Maximaal aantal deelnemers: 20
Tickets: Inbegrepen bij een dag- of weekticket
LEZING: Bronnen van Kaarten door het 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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Saturday, August 23, 10:00h
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Duur: 1 hour
Talen: Dutch, German, English (adapted to the audience)
Tickets: Included with a day or weekend ticket
ZONDAG 24/8
WORKSHOP: Sourcitis Retraite met 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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Sunday 24/8 at 10:00 & 11:30
Duur: 1.5 hours
Waar: Start op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Maximaal aantal deelnemers: 12 per sessie
Tickets: Included with a day or week pass
WORKSHOP: Spinnen & Verven met 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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Sunday 21/8 14:00h
Waar: Op het festivalterrein
Duur: 3h
Talen: Nederlands, Duits, Engels
Maximaal aantal deelnemers: 15
Tickets: Included with a day or week pass
WORKSHOP: Textiel repareren, Vaalserberg editie
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.
Praktische info
Wanneer: Sunday, August 24, 14:00h
Waar: Op het festivalterrein (Gemmenicherweg 36)
Duur: 3 hours
Talen: Dutch, German, English
Bring: Clothing in need of repair
Maximaal aantal deelnemers: 15
Tickets: Included with a day or weekend ticket
PRAKTISCHE INFO
Reis en parkeren
Kom bij voorkeur met het openbaar vervoer naar MAPAWAY. Je kunt bus 350 nemen tussen Maastricht en Aken. Stap uit bij halte 'Maastrichterlaan/Bosstraat' en loop de Bosstraat 10-15min omhoog tot je het Institute of Cartopology ziet.
Kom je toch met de auto, maak dan gebruik van de parkeerplaatsen zoals aangegeven op deze website
Eten en drinken
aast drankjes en hapjes zijn er ook eenvoudige ontbijt-, lunch- en dinermogelijkheden. Veel daarvan zijn ‘expeditie-proof’ en kunnen dus makkelijk meegenomen worden tijdens een van de begeleide tochten of workshops. Alle eten en drinken is vegetarisch, en het meeste zelfs veganistisch.
TICKETS
Early bird weekend
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Map A Way dag één (Vr 22/8, exclusief de Zelf op Pad onderdelen)
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Map A Way dag twee (Za 23/8, exclusief de Zelf op Pad onderdelen)
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Map A Way dag drie (Zo 24/8, exclusief de Zelf op Pad onderdelen)
Early Bird dag
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Eén Map A Way dag naar keuze (Vr 22/8, Za 23/8 of Zo 24/8), exclusief de Zelf op Pad onderdelen)
MAPAWAY 2025 wordt mede mogelijk gemaakt door de steun van de volgende partners:
NL 
EN