If you think Belgium is all about chocolate, waffles and beer, think again. There’s a hidden gem in the east of the country that will surprise you with its natural beauty and diversity: Hoge Kempen National Park.
If you’re looking for a natural escape in Belgium, then you should visit Hoge Kempen National Park, the country’s first and only national park. 🌲
This stunning park covers over 12,000 hectares of forests, heathlands, lakes, streams and offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll share with you some insider tips and tricks that will help you enjoy Hoge Kempen National Park like a local.
Hoge Kempen National Park is open all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. Here are some pros and cons of each season:
Spring: This is a great time to see the park’s flora and fauna come to life. You’ll witness the blooming of wildflowers, the buzzing of bees and the singing of birds. The weather is mild and pleasant and the park is not too crowded. However, you may encounter some rain and mud, so be prepared with waterproof clothing and shoes. ☔
Summer: This is the peak season for visitors as the park offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the city. You’ll enjoy the sunny and warm days, the lush and green scenery and the cooling waters of the lakes and streams. You can also join some of the guided tours and events that the park organizes during this time. However, you may also face some drawbacks, such as longer queues and more mosquitoes. 🦟
Autumn: This is our favorite time to visit Hoge Kempen National Park, as the park transforms into a colorful and cozy paradise. You’ll marvel at the changing hues of the leaves, the crisp and clear air and the cozy and romantic atmosphere. You’ll also have fewer crowds to deal with. However, you may also have to deal with some chilly and foggy mornings and shorter daylight hours. 🍂
Winter: This is the least popular time to visit Hoge Kempen National Park, but it can also be the most magical. You’ll experience the park’s tranquility and solitude and maybe even some snow. You’ll also have the chance to see some of the park’s wildlife, such as deer, foxes and owls. However, you may also have to cope with some cold and wet weather and some of the park’s facilities and attractions may be closed or limited. ❄️
Here are 9 secrets to enjoy this beautiful natural area
- Start your hike at one of the five gateways to the National Park, where you can find parking, information, cafeterias and additional attractions.
- Choose from 82 signposted loops that range from 3 to 14 km and combine them with hiking switches to create your own itinerary.
- Discover the diverse landscapes of the National Park, from pine forests and heathland to fens and lakes.
- Spot rare and exceptional animals, such as the slippery snake, the antlion and the European beewolf.
- Learn about the history and culture of the region at the moated castle in Pietersheim, the former mining site in Terhills, or even the Cosmodrome in Kattevennen.
- Enjoy a barefoot walk in Lieteberg, where you can feel the different textures of the soil, water, wood and stones.
- Try some local delicacies, such as the Limburgse vlaai (a fruit pie), the Maaslandse stroop (a syrup made from apples and pears) or the Kempense heidelikeur (a liqueur made from heather honey).
- Join a guided tour with a Ranger, who can tell you more about the flora and fauna, the geology and the legends of the National Park.
- Challenge yourself with some outdoor activities, such as cycling, mountain biking, or horse riding.
How to get there ?
Do you want to visit Hoge Kempen National Park by car?
No problem! Just take the E314 and look for exit 32 (National Park-West) or 33 (National Park – East). They’ll lead you straight to the park’s gates. Easy, right?
Do you prefer to take the train?
That’s cool too! Just check out www.nmbs.be and find the best time to get to Genk station. From there, you can hop on a bus G2 or G7 from De Lijn, www.delijn.be and you’ll be there in 30 minutes. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk the 3km route and enjoy the scenery. What do you prefer?
Is there a taxi service?
Do you wish to hike and be taken by taxi to the start or finish point? Then you can contact the following local taxi services:
- Ecotaxi Genk: 0468 27 27
- Taxi MM: 0477 77 72 88
- Taxi Maasland: 0485 28 21 93
What to do ?
Hoge Kempen National Park has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for relaxation, recreation, or education. You can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, discover its rich history and culture,and enjoy its various activities and attractions. Here are some of our suggestions:
Hike: Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the park’s natural beauty and diversity. You can choose from over 200 km of marked trails, ranging from easy to challenging and covering different themes and areas. You can also join some of the guided walks that the park offers, such as the sunrise walk, the night walk, or the nature walk. 🥾
Bike: Biking is another great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and diversity. You can choose from over 140 km of marked routes, ranging from flat to hilly and covering different themes and areas. You can also join some of the guided tours that the park offers, such as the mountain bike tour, the e-bike tour, or the tandem bike tour. 🚲
Kayak: Kayaking is a fun and relaxing way to experience the park’s waterways and wildlife. You can rent a kayak or a canoe from one of the park’s providers and paddle along the Maas, the Zuid-Willemsvaart, or the Albert Canal. You can also join some of the guided tours that the park offers, such as the sunset kayak, the moonlight kayak, or the wildlife kayak. 🛶
Relax: Relaxing is a must-do activity in Hoge Kempen National Park, as the park offers plenty of opportunities to unwind and recharge. You can enjoy the park’s near wellness facilities, such as the sauna, the hammam, or the massage. You can also enjoy the park’s gastronomy, such as the local beer, the Limburg pie, or the game meat. You can also enjoy the park’s scenery, such as the panoramic views, the starry skies, or the cozy fireplaces. 😌
What else ?
- Do you think you have to pay to enter Hoge Kempen National Park
- Think again! The park is free for everyone and invites you to discover its amazing nature without spending a dime. How awesome is that?
- Do you want to bring your furry friend to Hoge Kempen National Park
- That’s possible and truly awesome! But please remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times. That way, you can protect the park’s animals and people. Fair enough, right?
- Do you feel like having a picnic in Hoge Kempen National Park?
- Go ahead! But please stick to the designated areas. That way, you can savor your food and the park’s scenery and create some wonderful moments with your family and friends.
- Are you a fan of fishing?
- Sorry to disappoint you, but you can’t fish in Hoge Kempen National Park. That’s because the park’s ecosystem is very fragile and needs to be protected. But don’t worry, you can still find some great fishing spots in the rivers and lakes around the park.
Where to stay ?
Hoge Kempen National Park has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday homes and even treehouses. Here are some of our recommendations:
Hotel Stiemerheide: This is a four-star hotel located near the entrance of the park, offering comfortable and elegant rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a spa and a golf course. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to combine luxury and nature. 💎
Carbon Hotel: This is a modern and stylish hotel located in the city center of Genk, offering spacious and chic rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a wellness center and a rooftop terrace. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to combine urban and nature. 🏙️
Hotel Zuid: This is a cozy and friendly hotel located in the south of Genk, offering comfortable and colorful rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a garden and a bike rental service. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to combine culture and nature. 🚲
M Hotel: This is a classic and elegant hotel located in the Molenvijver Park of Genk, offering cozy and luxurious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center and a lake view. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to combine relaxation and nature. 🌊
Do you need a place to park your campervan? Don’t worry, they’ve got you covered. You can find some camper spots near the end/start points of the park, or you can check out the nearby campsites. Where do you want to stay?
What to avoid ?
Hoge Kempen National Park is a wonderful place to visit, but there are also some things that you should avoid doing, to ensure that you have a safe and respectful experience. Here are some of our tips:
Don’t litter: Littering is not only bad for the environment, but also for the park’s animals and plants. Please dispose of your waste properly, or better yet, bring your own reusable containers and bags. 🚮
Don’t feed the animals: Feeding the animals is not only bad for their health, but also for their behavior. Please respect their natural diet and habits and observe them from a safe distance. 🐿️
Don’t pick the flowers: Picking the flowers is not only bad for their growth, but also for their beauty. Please appreciate their colors and shapes and leave them for others to enjoy. 🌼
Don’t make noise: Making noise is not only bad for your peace, but also for the park’s atmosphere. Please keep your voice and music low and listen to the park’s sounds. 🎵
Conclusion of the Hoge Kempen National Park
Hoge Kempen National Park is a natural treasure that offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to explore its diverse landscapes, discover its rich history and culture, or enjoy its various activities and attractions, you’ll find something to suit your mood and energy level.
By following our insider tips and tricks, you can make the most of your visit to Hoge Kempen National Park and enjoy it like a local. We hope you have a wonderful adventure in this amazing natural wonderland! 🌲
I hope this article was clear and you learned something. If you are interested you can read 8 Reasons To Travel The World. Meanwhile I will wish you a safe and happy travel.
