Get out into the wild, discover the stunning heatherlands and experience the hikers' gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park.
On the Western outskirts of Maasmechelen is the wonderful landscape of Mechelse Heide, in Limburg’s Hoge Kempen National Park. The area is covered in heather, it's actually one of the largest heathlands in Flanders. Watch these beautiful heatherlands come to life as a sea of purple at the end of summer. It’s still gorgeous here all year round with the undulating hills, forest, heath and sand dunes. The variety means Mechelse Heide should definitely be on your hiking to-do list, if it isn’t already.
You’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to walking here. There are 7 hiking loops that start at the entrance gate at the Salamander campsite and an additional 5 walking loops starting from either at Station Eisden, north of the entrance gate, or Kikmolen campsite to the south. Get a sweat on to see some incredible views. Hike up to the panorama point, the highest point of the National Park at 104 meters above sea level. If you’re lucky and you picked a clear day, you can see all the way across into the Netherlands and even over to Germany.
One of our favourite hikes here is the 5.5 km loop. It takes you through the woodlands and heathlands, beginning at the car park. If you've got 2 hours or so to spare, this hike is a great choice!
- If you haven’t brought your own then you’ll be able to get a drink or a bite to eat from the cafés at the Salamder and Kikmolen camping sites.
- Let the kids play at the adventurous Beestige Boelbos play forest, located at the Salamander campsite.
- Nature lovers need to keep an eye out for one of the rare species that live here like the smooth snake and saddle grasshopper.
- Accessible to everyone - the Hourglass path (or Zandoperpad) is a paved, 1.5 km wheelchair-friendly route, making sure no-one misses out on the beautiful nature on display here.
- Get more out of your visit and explore with a Ranger. Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month a friendly Ranger is ready at one of the entrance gates to Hoge Kempen. You’ll pay a small fee in exchange for a guided tour of the area where you’ll learn all about the park’s history and its nature. Sorry non-Dutch speakers, these tours are only provided in Dutch. (Note: this covers the whole Hoge Kempen National Park, so check the calendar to make sure you get the right date and entrance gate.)
Tips and Tricks
- Bringing the pooch? Note, there is a zone where your well-behaved dogs can roam freely but they should be kept on a leash anywhere else in the park.
- You can view the walking routes around Mechelse Heide on the Wandelen in Limburg website, if you have GPS capabilities on your device then you can download directions, or you can try to print out a map of the route you want. The process is a little clumsy. Your best bet would be to pay the small fee and purchase a map online.
- It’s worth noting that unlike the other entrance gates to Hoge Kempen, there is not a visitors reception here. So, make sure to come prepared, purchase a map here for 2.50€.
Getting There
- By Car: parking is available at the Salamander and Kikmolen camping areas, as well as at the railway museum at Station Eisden
- By Bike: located on bike junction 60
Route details - 5.5km
Starting point: same as address
24/7
All seasons
Free
Open: Access to the play forest is restricted to children 12 and under and accompanying adults. Adults must maintain social distancing and only 20 children at a time are permitted to be in the area. All Ranger activities have been cancelled.
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