National Park Trail Hoge Kempen

You start at the entrance gate to the park, called “Kattevennen,” where there are a lot of sports activities going on: there is a large equestrian center and also a dry slope. Each entrance of the park has its own identity and offers a glimpse into the region’s culture, history, or natural heritage. The rest of the first stage leads through a vast forest. A statue of the Virgin Mary along the way, in the beginning, offers a nice spot for reflection. Soon after, the route passes near Lanaken, where you can find accommodations such as campgrounds and hotels.

The second stage takes you to the Mechelse Heide, which is one of the largest heathlands in Flanders and a highlight on the route. With nice, wide views and gentle hills, it’s a perfect place to pause and take in the peace and quiet of the landscape. The open heathlands, where the purple heather blooms in late summer, are a typical landscape for the Hoge Kempen. Just beyond this lies the National Park Visitor Center, at the main gate of the park. Inside, you can pick up maps, get advice on hiking stages, or buy some local products and souvenirs in the shop. There is also a café where you can relax after the walk. Nearby, there is a place for wild camping or a more comfortable overnight stay in the Terhills Hotel.

Just like the previous stage, the third stage runs along the edge of the Kempen Plateau. Here, you’ll climb two slag heaps: the Tweelingsterril (translated literally: ‘Twin slag heap’) and the ‘Lange terril’ (‘Long slag heap’). They have been rewilded and now serve as great panoramic viewpoints.

The final stage begins with a series of land dunes and fens, followed by heathlands and forest. You’ll continue your route via the mining hills of Thorpark, which is a former mining site now beautifully renovated. Its industrial architecture offers a great atmosphere for a well-deserved break. From here, you can choose to finish your journey or walk the remaining 10 kilometers back to the Kattevennen entry gate, completing the full loop.

The best time of the year to walk the National Park Trail would be during spring or autumn, because of the mild weather conditions in Belgium during these periods. But in fact, the trail is accessible all year round. Although you might want to make different choices concerning the accommodation, depending on the season. If you were to walk the trail once in each season, these would be four different hikes!

Before heading out on the National Park Trail, it is important to be well-prepared. Although the trail is clearly marked and very well-maintained, the full 100-kilometer distance crosses a variety of terrains and remote natural areas, so the correct gear is essential for your safety and comfort.

Good hiking shoes with ankle support are a must because some parts of the trail include steep climbs up slag heaps and uneven forest paths. The weather in the Hoge Kempen is typically Belgian, so bring layers of clothing and be prepared for some rain with a waterproof jacket. A map (which can be bought in the National Park Visitor Center) or a GPS device is recommended, especially if you plan to hike less popular sections or venture off the main route.

Carry enough water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Mobile coverage is generally good, but downloading offline maps is a smart backup. If you’re hiking in summer, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat will help protect you from sunstroke. Always check the park’s website for up-to-date trail information or temporary closures before starting your hike. (A few days before we started, there had been a heather burn.)