Streek-GR Kempen

‘Streek-GR Kempen’ officially starts in Herentals, due to the practical reason that the GR5 and the GR565 also pass through the city. However, since it is a circular route, the starting point can be chosen to everyone’s liking. Herentals is also considered the cultural capital of the region.

Once departed from Herentals, the trail quickly encounters the first and probably one of the most impressive pine forests of this trek. Not long after, during stage 2, the trail will let you discover the small village of Gierle which is considered a protected heritage. Before entering Turnhout, the trail runs along the ‘Bels Lijntje.’ The ‘Bels Lijntje’ is now a cycling route but used to be a train network running from Turnhout to Tilburg in the Netherlands. Starting from 1990, the use of this network has stopped and the tracks have been broken up.

Turnhout is the largest city the ‘Streek-GR Kempen’ will walk through and it promotes itself as the capital of the region Kempen. Just outside of Turnhout, the trail passes an area full of fens, which is filled with different plants and animals. After passing the fens and a big forest, the trail will cross the border with the Netherlands to pay a visit to the peculiar town of Baarle-Hertog. Baarle-Hertog is a Belgian town, located in the Netherlands. Here the border of the Netherlands and Belgium will literally pass through houses and front doors. Make sure to take a picture of you standing in Belgium and the Netherlands at the same time before heading towards Hoogstraten.

Hoogstraten is internationally known for its strawberries, so it is no surprise that ‘Streek-GR’ Kempen will pass multiple strawberry fields. Make sure to buy a little box of strawberries at a vending machine from a local farm before entering the town itself. After paying a visit to the lovely beguinage and taking in the beautiful sight of the church (often considered the ‘Cathedral of the region Kempen’), the trail will enter Wortel Kolonie, a big forest that is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Walking further away from Wortel, the ‘Streek-GR Kempen’ will pass the church of Sint-Lenaarts, this church used to be a famous pilgrimage stop on the way to Santiago (St. James’ Way). Before arriving at Herentals again, the trail will treat you to one big and amazing forest in Zoersel. Don’t forget to visit the beguinage of Herentals, which is a perfect quiet and beautiful spot to reflect on your journey before heading home.

Belgium has moderate temperatures year-round. Therefore this trail can be walked any time of year. During the winter, around December until February/March it can be cold and occasionally snowy. During the summer months, from June until September, the temperatures are higher. However, the weather can be unpredictable so one should always be prepared for rain.

The ‘Streek-GR Kempen’ is located in a very flat landscape. The trail is not technically or physically demanding. That’s why it’s a perfect trail for beginners. However, do plan the stages to your fitness level. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and a good backpack to avoid any injuries.

The trail is marked in both directions and it’s never far from a village. But do bring your map or Topoguide and the official GPX file to make sure you don’t get lost in the woods when the waymarkings aren’t clear. In case of emergencies, it’s important to know your way back to the nearest village. Not all villages and nature reserves have cell phone service.