Great day trips Belgium - Nature
"Between every two pines, there is a doorway to a new world." - John Muir
22 places with beautiful nature in Belgium. Change categories for more day trips and activities in and around Belgium.
1. High FeNS
The High Fens [Hoge Venen/ Hautes Fagnes] are part of the massive national park 'High Fens - Eifel' - A large (2,485 km2) and divers park with forests and Heath located in the province of Liege. A great place to visit during any season.
TIP: walk the wooden paths, going straight through the Heath and forests.
One of the places where you can park your car and start the wooden path trail is 'Baraque Michel'. But also a little bit further at Mont Rigi. Take note that these are of course the most touristic starting points. If you want to stay away from the crowds, start your trail at another point or simply walk a few minutes further away from the parking lot.
TIP: walk the wooden paths, going straight through the Heath and forests.
One of the places where you can park your car and start the wooden path trail is 'Baraque Michel'. But also a little bit further at Mont Rigi. Take note that these are of course the most touristic starting points. If you want to stay away from the crowds, start your trail at another point or simply walk a few minutes further away from the parking lot.
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2. Limburg FRUIT ORCHARDS AND ART
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Limburg, if you ask me, is one of the most beautiful provinces in Belgium. There are many natural parks, and fantastic places to hang out.
Limburg is also the 'fruit tree hotspot' of Belgium. During spring and specially in april, the blossoms bloom and the fields become a colorful and bright painting. Which makes it a perfect moment to visit. But also in other months, the province has a lot to offer. This picture was taken in Borgloon in early March, when the first trees started to bloom. You can also visit one of the many art pieces in Limburg surrounded by nature. Some great art spots to see: - Reading between the lines (Borgloon) - Helshaeven (Helshoven, close to Borgloon) - Cycling through the trees (Hechtel-Eksel) - Cycling through water (Bokrijk) - Vlooyberg tower (Tielt-Winge) - ... Google them, you won't be dissapointed. All locations are surrounded by nature. |
3. Kalmthoutse heide - HEATH LANDSCAPE
The Kalmthout Heath is of the largest and oldest nature reserves of Flanders. It is located in the province of Antwerp, at the border with the Netherlands. It is one of my favourite places on this list. The park is very large and has a lot to offer, sandy dunes, Corsican pine trees, sheep and of course heath [heide].
The heath blooms and turns purple from mid august until early September. This is the best moment to visit this incredible nature reserve. The adjacent park at the Dutch side is slightly different and is also worth a visit.
The heath blooms and turns purple from mid august until early September. This is the best moment to visit this incredible nature reserve. The adjacent park at the Dutch side is slightly different and is also worth a visit.
4. The hinterlands of bruges: FOREST AND CASTLES
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The landscape in the west of Flanders is plain. The Province of West-Flanders is known for its flat farmlands and beaches. It is quite hard to find big forests and lakes. But the area around Bruges is different. "The hinterlands of Bruges". There are forests of deciduous trees and even pine trees. Within these forests multiple castles can be found. For more information about Bruges and its hinterlands. Visit the official website. Some of the forests: - The castle forests and tilleghembos - Bulskampveld - Ryckevelde - Wijnendalebos - Provinciedomein 't veld ... |
5. ARDENNES DURING WINTER
In the hilly Southeastern part of Belgium in the provice of Liege and Luxembourg, the winters are colder and wetter than other parts of the country. Therefore snowfall is quite common and even skiing is possible. Check out my post about skiing in Belgium (activity category).
Because of the hills and forests, the winter scenery in the Ardennes is picturesque and winter hiking is incredible.
To check the snowheight, or to know when snowfall is scheduled, I always have a look on the website of the Maasmechelen weather station. Click here to check the current snowheight.
Because of the hills and forests, the winter scenery in the Ardennes is picturesque and winter hiking is incredible.
To check the snowheight, or to know when snowfall is scheduled, I always have a look on the website of the Maasmechelen weather station. Click here to check the current snowheight.
6. COASTLINE DUNES
The Belgian coast, many people think about an ugly concrete wall, full of boring and grey buildings from the 70's. Or they think about tens of thousands of tourists laying on the beach. That is partly true, but the 60 km long Belgian coast has much more to offer.
I think that especially the dunes between Ostend and De Haan, more specific between Bredene and De Haan, are the most beautiful in Belgium. The dunes are wide and high and they connect to the beach. It's a perfect location to watch the sunset and have a romantic date, or a chill drink with your friends, cause even when it's kinda windy, you can find a shelter for the wind. Don't leave your rubbish when you leave.
I think that especially the dunes between Ostend and De Haan, more specific between Bredene and De Haan, are the most beautiful in Belgium. The dunes are wide and high and they connect to the beach. It's a perfect location to watch the sunset and have a romantic date, or a chill drink with your friends, cause even when it's kinda windy, you can find a shelter for the wind. Don't leave your rubbish when you leave.
Nieuwpoort
7. Lommelse Sahara
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The Lommel Sahara is a special location in the middle of a coniferous forest in the province of Limburg.
When you walk through the forest, suddenly the forest stops and you arrive at an open place where there is only sand left, when you walk slightly further, you'll arrive at a big lake. The change of vegetation is incredible and makes it a special place to visit. There is a panoramic tower which offers a wonderful view over the surrounding landscape. The 'desert' was actually created due to nature pollution, a long time ago. Now the place looks magical. In the forest around the 'desert' you can find interesting art creatures. |
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8. TERHILLS
Limburg, once again. Not far away from the National park 'Hoge Kempen', in Maasmechelen, you can find 'Terhills', formerly known as Connecterra. It used to be a coal mine site, but since the mines were closed, it has transformed into a beautiful park, which offers an incredible panorama, as you can see on this old picture below. Saddly, they are building a large luxury bungalow park next to the hills.
They are also building a floating bridge, which will open soon. While this bridge is definitely usefull for some hikers and bikers, I feel like the place is losing some of its charm.
TIP: if you're visiting with a group and a few people prefer shopping, Maasmechelen village shopping center is located right next to the entrance of Terhills. Now everyone is happy!
The entrance of Terhills is now free (dd. November 2024).
They are also building a floating bridge, which will open soon. While this bridge is definitely usefull for some hikers and bikers, I feel like the place is losing some of its charm.
TIP: if you're visiting with a group and a few people prefer shopping, Maasmechelen village shopping center is located right next to the entrance of Terhills. Now everyone is happy!
The entrance of Terhills is now free (dd. November 2024).
Panorama from one of the highest points at Terhills
9. VENNBAHNThe Vennbahn used to be a railway line. Now it's a biking and walking path. It is located in the province of Liege. The strange thing about the Vennbahn, especially the part around Monschau, is that the territory of the railway line is entirely Belgian, even though it goes straight through German territory. Because of that, multiple German exclaves were created.
The railway line goes straight through forests and national parks and therefore it is definitely worth the ride. This is one of the only places on this list that I didn't visit myself. I did however visit parts of the natural sites and villages where the path goes through. |
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10. HallerbosThe Hallerbos [Haller Forest], also called "The purple forest", is located in Halle, in the province of Flemish Brabant, close to Brussels. The forest is 552 hectares big.
Every spring around mid April til the beginning of may, the hyacinths bloom and become a blue/purple carpet in the forest. Don't google this place too much. Don't get me wrong, the place is incredibly beautiful, but many Instagrammers like to edit their pictures of the forest to unknown levels, the colors are often way too exaggerated. Also please don't step on the flowers. The flowers will be killed and won't return the following year. |
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11. Castle hunting IN WALLONIA
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Wallonia has loads of fairylike castles. Actually, Belgium is one of the countries with the most castles per square km. Therefore, it is a perfect place to go castle-hunting. Visit the most beautiful castles of Wallonia on a castle tour. Let me know which castles you saw on your way, and which ones you thought were the most beautiful.
To give you some ideas: - The castle of Celles-Vêves, close to Dinant. - The castle of Freÿer-sur-Meuse, also close do Dinant - Fortress of Bouillon - The castle of Annevoie, close to Namur - Castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne - The castle of Jehay located in Amay, close to Liège - Fortress of Reinhardstein, close to Ovifat At the end of June, I finally made a castle trip around Dinant. I visited three castles close to each other. It is possible to visit all of these castles by foot during one hike, but I recommend taking a car between the castles and hiking around each castle separately. I drove to Dinant and started my tour at the castle of Freÿe-sur-Meuse. I parked at the other side of the River. There is a great panorama over the castle and its gardens. The castle itself is not that spectacular, but the gardens are. When I was there, all the castles were closed due to the pandemic. Then I drove a few kilometers further to the castle of Walzin. This castle is located on the edge of a massive rock. I recommend hiking around the castle and forests. On one of the cliffs, you'll find an incredible panorama over the castle. There is also a small ruin of a fortress on top of the cliffs, which has a great viewpoint. To get there, you can either follow the river up, cross a railway and take the path up the hill, or you can take the other way around. Not too far away, you can also visit Aiguilles de Chaleux, a rock formation. Or you can rent a Kayak at the Lesse river. I drove a little bit further to the castle of Celles-Vêves. It's a beautiful castle, but the surrounding area is not that spectacular. However, a few kilometers further we found an incredible strange spot. I will make a separate topic about it soon! Number sixteen in this list. |
12. FLEMISH ARDENNESDon't get me wrong, yes I know, the Ardennes are mentioned many times in this list, but the Flemish Ardennes are located almost 150 km more to the West in the probince of East-Flanders.
It's a hilly landscape where forests and agricultural fields alternate in a line of 20 km, from Kluisbergen to Brakel. It's a great location for an afternoon nature walk. It's also a perfect location for bikers. I drove to Hotond - Scherpenberg, close to Ronse, and started my nature walk at the Hotond Sporthotel. It's located in the middle of the green line. You can pass the following forests during your hike or bike trip: - Kluisbos - Hotondbos - Muziekbos - Brakelbos - Livierenbos - Hayesbos |
Flemish Ardennes during Spring
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13. MECHELSE HEIDE
A beautiful and diverse landscape located within the National park Hoge Kempen in Limburg.
It is one of Flanders' largest heathlands. Spanning over 700 hectares, it offers a mix of rolling hills, vibrant heathlands, and peaceful pine forests. In late summer (august) the landscape transforms into a purple sea of blooming heather, but also in other seasons the landscape is stunning!The area is rich in wildlife, including deer and various bird species, saddly the only animals we saw were mosquito's :'). There are multiple trails in the park. A visit to the Mechelse Heide is a tranquil escape into Belgium’s natural beauty.
It is one of Flanders' largest heathlands. Spanning over 700 hectares, it offers a mix of rolling hills, vibrant heathlands, and peaceful pine forests. In late summer (august) the landscape transforms into a purple sea of blooming heather, but also in other seasons the landscape is stunning!The area is rich in wildlife, including deer and various bird species, saddly the only animals we saw were mosquito's :'). There are multiple trails in the park. A visit to the Mechelse Heide is a tranquil escape into Belgium’s natural beauty.
14. Creek route ostend
Of course I have to include a nature topic about my hometown Ostend in the province of West-Flanders. Back in 2020, I walked the Creek route myself. It's a beautiful trail of almost 14 kilometers, going through fields and small forests around Ostende. It's not the most spectacular trail on this list, but for people living in the region, it's definitely a must do.
As the title says, you'll walk next to Creeks, small and big ones. You'll walk through some small young forests and you'll find a long straight path on your way, which is called "the green 62". This used to be a train track between Ostend and Torhout. Even though from "the green 62" you'll have a great view over the surrounding area. For this trail I must advice not to walk on it, instead, it's better to walk just straight next to the track, which is on a lower level. It's way more quiet and beautiful, since on "the green 62", many bikers pass by which might be annoying, especially when you are accompanied by a dog.
By the way, the "green 62/green axis" is a beautiful trip on itself. It's a 22 km long track between Ostend and Torhout, which is perfect to visit with a bike. On the way you'll find some beautiful stops, including a few castles and a mill. For more information about this track, visit the website of Westtoer.
As the title says, you'll walk next to Creeks, small and big ones. You'll walk through some small young forests and you'll find a long straight path on your way, which is called "the green 62". This used to be a train track between Ostend and Torhout. Even though from "the green 62" you'll have a great view over the surrounding area. For this trail I must advice not to walk on it, instead, it's better to walk just straight next to the track, which is on a lower level. It's way more quiet and beautiful, since on "the green 62", many bikers pass by which might be annoying, especially when you are accompanied by a dog.
By the way, the "green 62/green axis" is a beautiful trip on itself. It's a 22 km long track between Ostend and Torhout, which is perfect to visit with a bike. On the way you'll find some beautiful stops, including a few castles and a mill. For more information about this track, visit the website of Westtoer.
My girlfriend and her dog at the Creek route
15. Le fOndry des chienSThe name sounds a bit weird, and I don't know exactly where it comes from, but the place itself is definitely worth a visit. About 20 minutes south of Charleroi, close to a village called Nismes in the province of Namur, you can find 'Le Fondry des Chiens'. It's actually a sinkhole of 100 meters in length and a depth up to 20 meters. The area is surrounded by forests and fields.
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16. Mysterious place around dinantNot far away from Dinant, in the province of Namur, I found a special place on google maps. It's an abandoned quarry [steengroeve]. Nature is starting to regrow around a green lake. An extra location to pin when you're around Dinant.
Update: when I was there a few years ago, it was not clear whether it is allowed to visit this place or not, since it is private property, because of that, I won't put the location here. |
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17. Castle hunting in flanders
Castles are often surrounded by beautiful fields and forests and therefore I include this topic in the nature category. During the past months I've searched for beautiful castles in Flanders. Some of them I've posted on my Instagram page. These you can find in the list below. Feel free to let me know if there are other beautiful castles in Flanders that have to be mentioned. I will definitely add some more during the coming months.
- The castle of Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde - located close to Bornem at the 'Oude Schelde' river and surrounded by forests.
- The castle of Ooidonk - Deinze - surrounded by forests
- The castle of Ryckevelde - located inside the Ryckevelde forest. I really loved this forest. There is a lot of variety in trees and fauna.
- The Tilleghem castle - located close to Bruges, inside the Tilleghem forest. Read my post about the Tilleghem castle and forest: number 4 in the nature category.
- ... (more to be added soon)
18. NATURE RESERVE 'DE TEUT'Nature reserve 'De Teut' is located in Zonhoven, in the province of Limburg. Together with the nature reserve 'Tenhaagdoornheide' at the other side side of the highway, they form a Heath area of above 2000 hectares.
As I mentioned earlier at the topic about 'the Kalmthout Heath', the heath blooms and turns purple from mid august until early September. That is the best moment to visit Heath landscapes. |
Heath landscape in De Teut
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19. NATURE RESERVE 'DE WESTHOEK'
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Nature reserve 'De Westhoek' is located near 'De Panne' in the province of West-Flanders. It is the oldest nature reserve in Flanders and covers almost 350 hectares. The vegetation consists mainly of dunes and coastal vegetation. The park also continues beyond the French border. Of course, the park borders the beach and North Sea directly, so it's a perfect day trip. The reserve is also called 'the Sahara', because of the many extensive sand dunes. There are certain zones in the park where large grazers roam: horses, Scottish Highlanders, .. There are also a few paths in the meadow.
I've started the hike in the middle of the Groene-Biezenlaan, where you can park for free (dd 2021). The park borders the Calmeyn forest, from where you can also start the trails, even by public transport the park is easily accessible. 
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20. Le Rocher de bieley - beautiful spot near the belgian/german borderYou've probably seen this beautiful location on social media before, but did you actually visit the place yourself?
It is located near the Elsenborn military camp in the province of Liege. To reach it, you actually have to walk or drive a bit through Germany. Now and then, when there are military trainings ongoing in the area, it is impossible to reach the panorama. It is important to be well-informed when you are planning to go there. I was actually very lucky there wasn't a training ongoing when I visited the place. You can see the training shedule here. The rock is called 'Le Rocher du Bieley' |
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21. The HérouNot far away from the beautiful village of La-Roche-en-Ardenne, located in the province of Luxembourg, you can find The Hérou. A stunning location with forests and rocks around the Ourthe river.
From the top of the steep rock, you have a wonderful panorama view. The rock is on the right side on this drone-picture. There is even a little adventurous climb with chains during the hike. Practical: When you drive from Nadrin, there is a small free parking called "parking du belvédère de Nadrin" from there you can start your hike. If you watch closely on the drone-picture, you can see a building in the upper central part of the picture, there is the parking. We walked anti-clockwise next to the river and climbed back up with the chains. The whole region around La-Roche-en-Ardenne is stunning with green hills and not many buildings around. It takes you back in time with the many castles and historical sites. |
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22. Le TOMBEAU DU GéANT
"The tomb of the giant" is a remarkable natural landmark located in the beautiful Ardennes region of Belgium, near Bouillon, in the province of Luxembourg.
According to a local legend, it is said to be the final resting place of a giant who, following his defeat in a battle against the Romans, opted to leap into the void rather than die in the Colosseum's gladiator arena.
According to a local legend, it is said to be the final resting place of a giant who, following his defeat in a battle against the Romans, opted to leap into the void rather than die in the Colosseum's gladiator arena.
