The “European Hiking Federation” recognizes 10 hikes in the National Park Hoge Kempen as ‘Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe, Day Hike’.
These are a top collection of circular hikes that showcase the best of the National Park Hoge Kempen in the best possible way, with flawless signage and easy-to-hike paths. These ‘Top Trails’ vary in length from 9 to 18 kilometers. They form the cornerstones of a hiking trail network of nearly 100 hiking loops, together totaling 450 km of marked hiking paths in Belgium’s first National Park.
Quality over quantity
Since the start of the National Park in 2002, the focus has been on quality rather than quantity. Visitors coming to the Hoge Kempen region for hiking benefit from a ‘Best of’ selection of routes that introduce special nature in an engaging landscape in the most attractive way.
Quality criteria
The hikes are marked in both directions and lead through the diverse landscapes of the Hoge Kempen. To meet the high quality standards of the “European Hiking Federation,” new paths were created, existing paths improved or rerouted, resting places with benches provided, and information boards installed.
The quality criteria are quite strict. For example, the routes must be on at least 80% unpaved paths, with at least 35% natural paths, and remain more than 95% away from built-up, disturbed, or urban areas. Additionally, they include sufficient variety in nature and landscape, with viewpoints or natural ‘attractions’ such as ponds, heathland, dunes, or natural woodlands. They are re-evaluated every three years, requiring ongoing maintenance.
Top Trails
The selection took into account good spatial distribution and maximum variety. Those who hike the 10 Top Trails get a complete picture of what the Hoge Kempen has to offer.
In the heart of the National Park lies one of the largest heathland areas in Flanders, to be explored on the Top Trail Mechelse Heide (12.6 km).
The Top Trails of Thorpark (16 km) and Terhills (9.6 km) focus on climbing the mine terrils. The first also takes you to the largest juniper forest in Flanders (Heiderbos, As), while the other crosses the iconic floating bridge between the terrils of Eisden.
Lanaken is well catered for with two Top Trails in Pietersheim. One is a pronounced woodland hike in Pietersembos (11.4 km), the other a heathland hike in the Ziepbeekvallei (11.4 km).
On the border between Genk and Zutendaal runs the Top Trail Lieteberg (10.2 km), starting (or ending) at the biodiversity center at the toegangspoort Lieteberg.
The longest hike in the selection is the Top Trail Munsterbos (18 km), which starts in Munsterbilzen. It’s a hike that flirts with Haspengouw at the southern edge of the Hoge Kempen, although you do have to cross the Albertkanaal twice.
Far in the north of the Hoge Kempen, the elongated Duinengordel stretches from east to west, offering two Top Trails: one takes you over the Oudsberg, the highest continental dune in Flanders (12.6 km), the other introduces you to the charming Itterbeekvallei and the brewery village Opitter.
From Opoeteren, you explore part of the Bosbeekvallei via the Top Trail Bergerven (13.8 km).
Prepared for your hike
For those who like to plan their hike using a map, there is the Streekkaart Hoge Kempen (€8). This overview map includes all hiking routes of the National Park, with special marking of the Top Trails and is available for purchase via our webshop.
