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Experience map Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide

Entry Gates

Visitor Centers & Museums

Walking Routes

Connecting Routes

Accessible by Public Transport

Temporarily Inaccessible

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Dogs Not Allowed

0-5km

5-10km

>10km

Less Mobile

At Visit Kalmthout, you can explore the Bee Exhibition "Honingsporen" (Traces of Honey). This exhibition tells the story of the centuries-long relationship between humans and bees.Entrance is through Visit Kalmthout.Groups can book a one-hour guided tour by appointment.Opening Hours*The Bee Exhibition is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.*During school holidays, the exhibition is also open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Bee Exhibition Honingsporen

At <a href=https://www.vvvessen.be/bezoek-de-tasberg rel="noopener noreferrer">De Tasberg</a>, the tourist information office of the municipality of Essen, you can find everything you need for walking, cycling, and more.Walking and cycling information: Pick up the best walking and cycling routes, including the visitor map of the Grenspark.Local food and accommodation: Discover where to stay overnight or enjoy a good meal nearby.Regional products: Visit the shop and buy delicious local products as a souvenir.Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.

Visitor Center De Tasberg

VVV Tourism Essen

<a href=https://visitkalmthout.be/ rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit Kalmthout</a> is a dynamic tourist information center for the municipality of Kalmthout. It’s a vibrant crossroads where both residents and (international) visitors can discover the charm of Kalmthout and the unique natural landscapes of this heathland community. Visit Kalmthout works together with various tourism partners in the municipality as well as in the broader tourist regions of Kempen and Flanders.Who is it for?<ul><li>For anyone who wants to discover (more of) Kalmthout The info center is the ideal starting point for visitors spending one or more days in Kalmthout and looking to explore the area around the Kalmthoutse Heide.</li><li>For those already familiar with Kalmthout Visit Kalmthout offers a fresh perspective, combining inspiring tourism experiences with delicious local products.</li><li>For ‘Heikneuters’ (locals) Locals who take pride in their nature and cultural heritage will find Visit Kalmthout a welcoming hub for getting involved in activities in their own community.</li></ul>Opening HoursMonday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1:00 PM – 5:00 PMSaturday &amp; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMNote: During the darker winter months (November, December, January, and February), Visit Kalmthout closes at 4:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM.

Vist Kalmthout

Tourist Information Office

At Entry gate Ravenhof, you’ll find a stately park forest rich in cultural-historical elements, stunning tree-lined avenues with notable trees, and varied landscape elevations.This picturesque part of the Grenspark was designed in the late Baroque style.You can enjoy a bite and a drink at this location.There is a wheelchair-friendly trail available, so visitors with limited mobility can also explore the beautiful park forest.For dog lovers, there is an off-leash dog area.

Ravenhof

A key feature of this area is the varied elevation, due to its location on the Brabantse Wal.This makes walking or cycling here more active and challenging! You can also expect beautiful forests, heathlands, ponds, and expansive polders. For the little ones, there is a play forest with adventurous play elements, as well as an off-leash dog area for your loyal companion.Currently, there are no food or sanitary facilities available at Entry gate Volksabdij, but hikers and cyclists can use this starting point for the many bike and walking routes that begin here.

Volksabdij

Entry gate De Vroente is an excellent place to start your adventure in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.Explore the vast heathland and discover special spots such as the fire lookout tower, Putse Moer, and Stappersven.Entry gate De Vroente also offers plenty of opportunities for nature education at De Vroente, the Sustainable Education Center. For practical information and local tips, you can visit Visit Kalmthout, where you’ll also find the Bee Exhibition “Honingsporen,” which tells the story of the centuries-old partnership between humans and bees.

De Vroente

VVV Brabantse Wal is your starting point for exploring Bergen op Zoom and the Brabantse Wal region. Visit this location in the city palace Markiezenhof and get inspired by the VVV staff who know the area inside out. Set off with expert advice – you are warmly welcome!Here you can find:<ul><li>Group packages</li><li>Gift cards (VVV Gift Card, Cinema Voucher, <a href=http://Bol.com rel="noopener noreferrer">Bol.com</a> Gift Card, Podium Gift Card, and Book Voucher)</li><li>Postcards</li><li>Souvenirs from Brabantse Wal and the Netherlands</li><li>Tickets for Theater de Maagd and music venue Gebouw-T</li><li>Local ticket sales</li><li>Corporate gifts</li><li>Leaflets and brochures</li><li>City walking tours</li><li>Public transport information</li><li>Cycling and hiking routes</li></ul>

VVV Brabantse Wal

Arboretum Kalmthout – A Botanical Paradise Since 1856 The provincial green domain Arboretum Kalmthout is a magical 13.5-hectare tree garden with over 11,000 plant species from around the world. Every season offers something unique: from winter-blooming witch hazels to the vibrant autumn colors of Japanese maples. In spring, cherry trees, magnolias, and crab apples are in bloom, while summer highlights include the rose garden, the Garden of Sonia, and a fun scavenger hunt for children.Visitors can relax on benches or the café terrace, and enjoy browsing the plant center, gift shop, and bookstore.Arboretum Kalmthout is open every day (except December 25 and January 1) from 10 AM to 5 PM. Free access to the café, gift and book shop, and plant center.Info &amp; tickets for garden visits via <a href=http://www.arboretumkalmthout.be rel="noopener noreferrer">www.arboretumkalmthout.be</a>

Arboretum Kalmthout

Botanical garden

Since 1950, a unique collection of carts, wagons, and carriages has grown into the <a href=https://www.karrenmuseum.be/ rel="noopener noreferrer">het Karrenmuseum</a>. Discover the history of non-motorized transport through more than 300 vehicles.Take part in workshops in various traditional workshops, such as:<ul><li>Weaving techniques in the rope-making shop</li><li>Woodworking in the wagon-making workshop</li><li>Annealing metal in the blacksmith’s forge</li></ul>Join one of the many fascinating activities on the program.Opening hours: The Karremuseum is open from February to November. Tuesday to Sunday (including public holidays): 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Karrenmuseum

Museum & Expertise center

Entry gate Hemelrijk is the perfect gateway to explore the Grenspark and its surroundings by bike.Located near several cultural attractions like the KarreMuseum, it also houses the VVV office De Tasberg. Additionally, you’ll find a dog off-leash area, a Finnish trail, and a play forest.This access point is also an ideal spot to enjoy a drink and a bite at restaurant De Kiekenhoeve.

Hemelrijk

<a href=https://www.vlaanderen.be/duurzaam-educatiepunt/de-vroente-duurzaam-educatiepunt rel="noopener noreferrer">De Vroente, Duurzaam Educatiepunt</a> is an educational center that promotes and supports learning and training on the environment, nature, and sustainable development. Visit the engaging, interactive exhibition to discover everything about the unique flora and fauna of the nature reserve.Schools are welcome for educational visits.Opening HoursWeekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Weekends &amp; Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Between Autumn and Spring Break (Heritage and Carnival holidays): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Group visits outside these hours: by appointmentClosed: December 25 through January 1

Center for Sustainable Education

The Woodpecker trail runs along the Ruige Heide, an inhospitable area as the name 'Ruige' Heide (= ‘Rough’ Heathland) suggests. The area is particularly dry and the vegetation is typical for land dunes, dry heathland, dry grassland on poor sandy soil and acid oak birch forest. On a bright summer's day, when the sun mercilessly increases the temperature on the bare sand plains of the Ruige Heide, you will imagine yourself for a moment on another continent. Did you know that the Woodpecker trail crosses the Belgian-Dutch border? Can you discover where exactly you cross the border? If you’re in for a longer hike, you can combine the Woodpecker with the Squirrel trail (7.8 km).

Woodpecker

This trail takes you to castle Ravenhof. You stroll through an old park forest, designed in late baroque style. The straight lines, geometric shapes, avenues and scenic views immediately remind you of the stately 18th century. The trail comes to the old castle garden, the pond and the restored historic fruit wall. You can easily combine this trail with the Gloriëtte trail (2.5 km) to enjoy the stately oak and beech avenues even longer.

Castle

Looking for lots of variety? Walking along narrow forest paths, between meadows, through heathland, and past many small ponds? Then the Frog walking trail is just what you’re looking for. The route passes through a water catchment area and visits the Brabantse Wal. The many elevation changes provide variety and challenge. It’s also a fun walk for children: the 11 small ponds are home to rare plants and animals. Depending on rainfall and the season, these ponds may be more or less filled, but you can almost always spot frogs here.P.S. The Kikker trail is marked clockwise.

Frog

Connecting trails allow you to combine different walks. This way, after completing one route, you can continue walking to another one!

connecting trail

Without a doubt, this is the trail that is most often hiked in the park. In less than 5 kilometers you can discover all the biotopes, which makes the trail ideal to explore the area with young and old adventurers. The path first takes you to the Putse Moer, a beautiful fen. Enjoy the peace and quiet while sitting on the bench by the fen. The trail then takes you through vast heathlands and comes to the fire watchtower. Climb the tower (25 meter) and enjoy the panoramic view. Return to the starting point through the forest and open sand dunes.

Dragonfly

Even with a physical disability it is possible to enjoy the silence and beauty of the heathland and moorland. The Caterpillar trail is accessible with a special electric off-road wheelchair or 'Cadweazle' which you can borrow free of charge upon reservation at De Vroente. With the easy-to-drive Cadweazle you will first explore the open sand and then come to the fen Putse Moer. Enjoy the tranquility and the shimmering water. The trail then takes you through the heathland and comes by the fire watchtower. Along the way you will enjoy singing birds and wide, open scenic views. Return to the starting point enjoying the silence of the forest and open dunes.PS: Because of the loose sand, the Caterpillar trail is not accessible with an ordinary electric wheelchair.'I didn't think I'd ever be able to see the heathland again, but thanks to the Cadweazle I can. Thank you very much.' Marie-Christine, 92 years old.

Caterpillar

This trail is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. The Dune trail takes you to the heart of silence in the Grenspark. You first walk through vast heathlands. This is a landscape with an everchanging face: it is grey in winter, quiet and deserted but in late summer it blooms in beautiful purple colours. Land dunes await you further on. The sand is sprayed by the wind and has many surprises in store: fast beetles, beautiful solitary trees but also the scenic view of tranquil, wide sand plains. You pass the Vossenbergen and Wilgenduinen, which were once much higher sand dunes, but were lowered by sand exploitations in the past. You then shortly walk along Verbindingsstraat. Climb the new watchtower of Natuurpunt to spot birds in the area and on the fen (Stappersven). While returning you come across meadows and the quiet forest of De Markgraaf. This trail traverses a grazing area. Dogs are therefore not allowed.

Dune

This walk takes you to a unique area in the Grenspark, the Noordpolder. The Netherlands is known as a flat country, but here you can see that’s not always true. This abrupt elevation on your right is the Brabantse Wal, and on your left lies the Noordpolder of Ossendrecht. The most striking feature is the sharp transition from the higher sandy grounds to the lower sea clay polders. This steep edge reaches heights of about 20 meters. It likely formed through erosion by the Scheldt River and the sea.Because of the contrasts between high and low, dry and wet, sand and clay, this landscape is unique and home to special plants and animals. Walk among fields with ditches and pollard willows. Enjoy the view over this wet natural gem from the panoramic table, and be sure to bring your binoculars. From here, you can easily spot the pheasant, which gives this route its name. Many other birds like the marsh harrier, grey heron, and numerous geese also call this place home. In spring, flowers and butterflies create a true palette of colors.

Pheasant

Closed during the breeding season from March 15 to June 30 and during grazing.

In the Grenspark, there are two signposted and semi-paved trails suitable for wheelchair users and strollers.One trail starts at Entry gate De Vroente in Kalmthout. This walking path, Klein Zwitserland, leads through the Withoefse Heide and offers beautiful views of the heathland. Along the way, you’ll find an (accessible) picnic table for a well-deserved break.Another semi-paved trail starts at Entry gate Ravenhof/Moretusbos in Putte/Stabroek and takes you past Ravenhof Castle, the old castle garden, and through grand avenues lined with majestic trees.

Wheelchair-accessible path

This hike of about an hour and a half allows you to stroll on the high sandy grounds of the Brabantse Wal, a striking elevation in the landscape. You'll immediately experience how sloping the landscape is. Let the green, peaceful surroundings do their work and stop at the fens, smaller heathlands and meadows to fully enjoy what this trail offers. Upon completion of your hike, you can stroll in the butterfly garden of the Volksabdij. Enjoy the scents and colours, especially in spring and summer.

Peacock

Verbindingspad

The Blueberry trail is characterized by long, straight avenues with American oaks. In autumn the leaves turn deep red. Stroll through the stately avenues. You'll immediately feel like you're back in the glory days of the estate ‘De Boterbergen’ and the old park landscape that surrounds it. Have you seen the blueberry bushes growing along the path? Enjoy the peace and quiet of this wooded area and listen to the singing of numerous birds.

Blueberry

This short walk (2.1 km) through the relatively young nature reserve Kortenhoeff meanders through woods and heathlands. Enjoy the peace and quiet on a deck bench near one of the fens. On quiet, early mornings the deck bench is almost a magical, mysterious place. Among other things, you’ll pass the Wasven, a fen that got its name because sheep and their wool used to be washed here. Due to impoverishment of the soil and variation in the terrain, various rare plant species can be found here, such as sundew, peat moss and shoreweed.

Forest lovers will surely find what they are looking for here. The trail starts in a wooded dune landscape covered with birch, Scots pine and pedunculate oak. Various ferns, lily of the valley and Solomon's seal are nice extras during your hike. You'll also pass a number scattered heathland areas along the way. Enjoy the tranquility of the heathland and search for birds of prey or songbirds sitting on a birch or flying around. You return through a pine forest with maritime pines. Can you find the big cones of the maritime pine? Or squirrels in the trees? They like the seeds of the maritime pine very much. Scattered around you can find cones that have been gnawed on by squirrels.

Hiking path Mammoth leads you through the various landscapes of the Meiduinen area in Ossendrecht. Pass by sandy plains, smell fens, forests and heathland and discover the steep edge, where the history of the West-Brabant landscape literally lies beneath your feet. Remnants of as much as 2 million years ago have come to the surface through excavations of the former brickworks. Combine hiking path Mammoth (2.2 km) with trail Frog (6.3 km). Start at Volksabdij - Abdijbossen and follow the signs Frog and Mammoth.

Mammoth

If you want to discover the Mont Noir walking trail (6 km), you first need to walk part of the Scheep or Roe deer. Mont Noir is located deeper within the Grenspark, hidden on the former private estate Mont Noir.Mont Noir refers to a piece of land historically known as the Black Hill. In the 19th century, the Brussels industrialist Mignot purchased a pavilion after a World Exhibition and had it moved to his estate, which he named ‘Mont Noir.’ At the same time, he reclaimed the heathland and created a park with avenues, ponds, columns, and statues. All of that has since disappeared, except for the columns, which still stand. It is no coincidence that three columns are depicted on the purple trail markers—a fitting reference to the former estate.

Mont Noir

This trail is rather unique: not only is it the sole trail on the other side of Putsesteenweg, but it is also a trail created for the visually impaired. With the app Vlinderpad (Android or iOS) the blind and visually impaired can follow the trail and enjoy expert information about nature and history. The trail is well maintained so it is accessible at all times. Natural elements such as tree trunks demarcate the path and ensure that white canes can function well. Count on at least an hour to an hour and a half to complete the trail. You are not visually impaired but you are curious about how the blind or visually impaired experience nature and this trail? Then come to De Vroente and borrow simulation glasses and white canes to experience the trail yourself.

Butterfly

Different starting points possibleAnyone who’s in for a challenging but beautiful hike opts for the Roe deer trail. This daytrip takes you across the Belgian-Dutch border and traverses all biotopes of the Grenspark. Forests, open sand dunes, vast heathlands and fens are part of this special daytrip. Take your picnic with you for a trip of about 6-7 hours and move away from your daily concerns. Experience the tranquility of the Bronven, the rustling of the trees near the Stappersven and the enchanting silence of the Kriekelareduinen. Enjoy the ambient sounds and the surprising variety the various biotopes offer you.Wandelroute Ree start je best vanaf parking Noord (B) of Kortenhoeff (NL). Vanaf de Vroente kan je ook starten maar reken op 2 km extra aanlooproute.PS: Did you know that marathon runners and trail runners often make use of the Roe deer Trail? The trail is never dull and is even quite challenging for experienced hikers/runners because of the loose sand.

Roe deer

This trail initially takes you through the Gemeentebossen with mainly pine trees. The trail then takes you to the fen Putse Moer where you can enjoy the peace and quiet and see how the sun is reflected in the water. The trail then meanders through dry and sandy heathland. From mid-August until the end of September you can enjoy the purple colour of the heather plants. Return to the starting point via Duitse Weg.

Forest

Attention: Due to maintenance work, the Fuut walking trails will be temporarily closed starting from November 18, 2024.Hiking trail Grebe starts at the Brabantse Wal barn located at Abdijlaan. The trail offers you a nice round trip around the Kleine Meer, a fen restored in 2016. From the forest you suddenly get a nice, open view over the wide fen. Take your binoculars with you: in wet periods you can spot water birds (grebe, little grebe) on the fen. If there is enough water in the fen, you can also find (rare) shore weed here. On your route you will also come across craters from the Second World War.

Grebe

closed due to maintenance until march 2026

This short trail around the Volksabdij (30 minutes) runs through the stately forest park and a small piece of heathland. You'll experience the height differences of the Brabantse Wal. Along the way you'll pass many fens that are the habitat of rare plants and animals. If you want to extend your walk, you can do so by switching to the Frog trail (6.3 km). You can also stroll in the butterfly garden of the Volksabdij and enjoy the scents and colours, especially in spring and summer.PS: This walking route is waymarked anticlockwise.

Abbey

If you like a quiet walk along old oak avenues and forest edges, then you will most definitely love the Oak trail. The walk takes you along former peat canals showing traces of the rich peat history of the Grenspark. Between the middle of the 13th and 18th century peat was exploited on a large scale in the Noorderkempen. Peat was extracted from the marshy peatlands and used as fuel. The peat blocks were transported to cities such as Roosendaal via dug canals. The Oak trail shows you the traces of peat navigation and also introduces you to the Stappersven, one of the largest fens in Flanders. Take a look at the edge of the fen and discover that the water attracts many different kinds of water birds. Afterwards the trail traverses a wooded area until you reach the end point.

This is a superb trail if you like variety and challenge! The Ant trail is characterized by the presence of three biotopes: forest, heathland and open sand. The open, loose sand makes this hike a real challenge, especially in dry periods. Take your time and above all: enjoy the wide, scenic views you'll find here. This is where silence rules. The wind blowing over the sand plains and heathland and the tranquility make this hike worth the effort. The shade of the forest is welcome during the warm summer months. If you want to continue this beautiful hike after 6.5 km, you can easily combine the Ant trail with the Sheep trail (heathland, forest, fens, dunes, Putse Moer and watchtower) or Hare trail (similar to Ant: open sand with heather and wide views).PS: This walking route is waymarked anticlockwise.

In the park, there are two marked and semi-paved paths suitable for wheelchair users and strollers. One path starts at the De Vroente Entry gate in Kalmthout. This walking trail, called ‘Klein Zwitserland' (Small Switzerland), passes through the Withoefse Heide, a beautiful heathland area. Along the way, you’ll find an (accessible) picnic table for a well-deserved break.Another semi-paved path begins at the Ravenhof/Moretusbos Entry gate in Putte/Stabroek and takes you past Ravenhof Castle, the old castle garden, and stately avenues lined with majestic trees.

Small Switzerland

This beautiful trail takes you along avenues with old pines, stately beeches and ancient oaks. You stroll through the Moretus forest. The forest was named after the owner of the former estate, the famous Antwerp printer Jan Moretus. The estate was restored to its former glory and the forest park with rhododendrons exudes tranquility and mystery. With a little imagination you’ll find yourself in the 18th century, when noble ladies and gentlemen strolled in the avenues around the baroque pleasure resort. The Gloriëtte, an 18th century showpiece that belonged to Ravenhof castle, used to be a teahouse and has been a protected national monument since 1990. It offers a magnificent view on the surrounding avenues and the castle.

Gloriëtte

The Buzzard trail takes the walker on a 6.6 km journey through forested areas, along old tree-lined lanes, and open farmland. You’ll walk a short stretch through the heathland, but the Buzzard trail mainly introduces you to the meadows of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.This walk is located in the Steertse Heide. The starting point is at the Noord parking lot on Verbindingsstraat, on the Essen side. The sounds of birds and the wind in the trees accompany you throughout the walk, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a buzzard or a roe deer. On this trail, you’ll likely find some of the quietest spots in the entire Grenspark. That’s because the Buzzard trail is the furthest away from existing (main) roads. Much of the Buzzard trail runs alongside a bridle path.

Buzzard

This walk showcases the diversity that the Grenspark holds. The trail meanders through forests, across the open Kambuus and Hazeduinen dunes, through heathlands, and along ponds. Pause for a moment at the edge of the Putse Moer, one of the most well-known ponds of the heath. If you look closely, you might spot sundew — a small red carnivorous plant that grows along the pond’s banks. On the way back, you’ll pass the fire lookout tower. Climbing this 25-meter-high tower offers a beautiful view over the vast heath. Listen to the rustling of leaves and grasses in the wind and to the silence that has rightfully made this area a designated quiet zone. The walk takes you to the heart of tranquility on the Kalmthoutse Heide and partially passes through grazing land. For this reason, dogs are not allowed.

Sheep

Do you like to combine woods and open spaces? Then you will love this trail. The trail first takes you through forests that grow on sand dunes. You'll find both old and young forest and you'll immediately experience why you're walking through the so-called 'Stoppelbergen'. The ‘stubbles’ (‘stoppels’) or sloping dunes have an altitude difference of up to 5 to 10 meters in some places and are typical of the Brabantse Wal, a striking elevation in the landscape. There are many maritime pines in this area. They can be recognized by the very long needles and large pine cones. Further on, the trail will take you to open spaces and the agricultural areas of the Koude Heide. If you would like to hike longer, you can combine the Squirrel trail with the Woodpecker trail (4.3 km).

Squirrel

Verbindingspaden laten je toe om verschillende wandelingen met elkaar te combineren. Zo kan je na het voltooien van één wandeling, doorwandelen naar een andere!

This short walk (1.7 km) starts at the former sheep pen in the nature reserve Kortenhoeff. Dry and wet moors alternate. You will come across an old fruit shed. A fruit orchard was created here after the Second World War, but without much success due to the poor soil conditions. Enjoy the peace and quiet around the Bronven. The fen is surrounded by a few beautiful solitary trees and invites you to stop for a moment and take in the peace and quiet. Dragonflies and damselflies feel perfectly at home here.

Mouse

Afgesloten tijdens broedseizoen van 15/3 tot 30/6

The route starts at the Hemelrijk site (Moerkantsebaan 50), near De Kiekenhoeve, the Karrenmuseum, and the Essen tourist office, and leads you through peaceful lanes and avenues into the Grenspark, where you can connect with other walking routes.Thanks to this trail, the most remote access point of the Grenspark is linked to the nature reserve. The signposts show an image of a “hoge bi” — an early version of the modern bicycle. This refers to Henri Calmeyn, who owned most of the Essen-Hoek district in the early 20th century. He was the first person from Essen to own a bicycle and used it to ride to the Stappersven for hunting ducks and geese.

Calmeyn

Just like the Ant trail, this is a superb trail with a challenging character. You start your hike in dense forests but soon you’ll walk in the most beautiful heathlands and enjoy the panoramic views, the overwhelming silence and singing birds. In dry periods, the loose sand guarantees a challenging hike, even for experienced hikers. This trail of 4.6 km can easily be combined with the Ant trail (6.5 km) to create a longer loop of about 11 km.