Hoge Kempen National Park, Limburg: Nature reserve
Visitor Fee
- Entry to the park is free
- Guided tours, special activities, and parking may have additional costs
Transportation
Hoge Kempen National Park is located in the Belgian province of Limburg, near the border with the Netherlands.
- By Car – About 1.5 hours from Brussels, Eindhoven, or Maastricht. Multiple entrance points with parking are available.
- By Train – The nearest train stations are in Genk and Maastricht, with local buses to park entrances.
- By Bus – Local buses connect nearby towns to the park’s visitor centers.
- By Bicycle – Extensive cycling routes lead into the park from surrounding towns.
Things to Do at Hoge Kempen National Park
- Hiking on Scenic Trails – Over 440 km of trails through forests, heaths, and lakes.
- Cycling Through Nature – Ride on well-maintained cycling routes through stunning landscapes.
- Explore the Heathlands – In late summer, the purple heather fields bloom beautifully.
- Wildlife Spotting – Home to deer, wild boar, foxes, birds of prey, and rare insects.
- Visit the Mechelse Heide – One of the most picturesque parts of the park with vast open heathlands.
- Enjoy Canoeing & Water Activities – Some areas offer kayaking, canoeing, or fishing in lakes and rivers.
- Climb the Terhills Panorama Viewpoint – Get spectacular views over the park and former mining sites.
- Discover the Park’s Mining History – Learn how former coal mines were transformed into natural reserves.
- Visit the Connecterra Entrance – A great starting point with an information center, walking trails, and viewpoints.
- Enjoy Horseback Riding – Designated equestrian trails wind through the forests and open landscapes.
Why People Enjoy Visiting Hoge Kempen National Park
- A Beautiful & Diverse Landscape – Featuring forests, lakes, dunes, heathlands, and hills.
- Great for Outdoor Adventures – Ideal for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
- Rich in Wildlife – A chance to see rare birds, butterflies, and mammals in a natural habitat.
- Peaceful & Relaxing Atmosphere – Perfect for escaping the city and enjoying fresh air.
- Interesting History & Conservation Efforts – Transformed from former mining areas into a thriving natural park.
How Old is This Place?
Hoge Kempen National Park was officially established in 2006, making it less than 20 years old. However, its landscape has been shaped over thousands of years, and some areas were used for mining in the past century before being restored to nature.
List of Activities
- Hiking across different trails and landscapes
- Cycling on dedicated nature paths
- Exploring the heather fields in bloom (seasonal)
- Climbing viewpoints for panoramic scenery
- Wildlife watching and bird spotting
- Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in designated areas
- Horseback riding through the park’s trails
- Visiting nature visitor centers and exhibitions
- Photography of stunning landscapes and wildlife
- Learning about the park’s past as a former coal mining area
Additional Nearby Attractions
- Maasmechelen Village – A luxury shopping outlet near the park.
- Genk – A former mining city with museums, parks, and cultural sites.
- C-Mine Expedition – An interactive experience about Belgium’s coal mining history in Genk.
- Alden Biesen Castle – A stunning 16th-century castle and gardens nearby.
- Maas River & Border Region – Enjoy boating, cycling, or visiting Dutch-Belgian border towns.
Hoge Kempen National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone seeking tranquility in Belgium’s beautiful outdoors!