Spotting Purple Heathland in Limburg
The heathlands of Limburg are turning purple a little earlier this year. Due to the persistent dry weather, the heath may be flowering a little less abundantly in some places than in previous years, but it remains one of Limburg’s most beautiful summer spectacles. So don’t wait too long to discover the heathlands: put on your walking shoes and head out. We’ve selected some beautiful heathland walks for you.
Rudi Van Beek
Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen
- At Thorpark, discover mining slag heaps amidst heathland and pine woodlands, a beautiful stream valley, junipers, continental dunes, and some striking buildings. Start here the yellow Top Trail of 16 km.
- The Oudsberg, the highest and largest open drifting dune in Flanders, is surrounded by stunning heathland, stately woodlands, and butterfly-rich grasslands. Depart from starting point Zavelbos for the blue route of 7 km.
- The Mechelse Heide is the perfect gateway to explore the blooming heathland. No fewer than 7 hiking loops start here. For heathland as far as the horizon, we recommend the yellow hike of 5.5 km.
- Dive into the past at the former princely estate Pietersheim. From starting point La Butte aux Bois, choose the purple Top Trail of 11 km with the most beautiful views over the purple heathland.
- Lieteberg is especially known for the adventurous Barefoot Path, but many hiking loops also start here. Choose the blue hike of 8.5 km and quietly discover purple heathland relics here and there.
Kobe Van Looveren
National Park Bosland
- The Heuvelse Heide is a small, hidden heathland gem near Lommel-Kolonie. From Jachthaven De Meerpaal, three hiking loops start. We recommend the orange loop of 7 km or the red loop of 9 km for a solid hike.
- The Kattenbosserheide area is a natural gem with breathtaking heathland landscapes. On the orange route of 7.5 km you hike along a magnificent heath reserve that even hosts some juniper bushes. Or choose the red hike of 9 km, a varied tour through a landscape of old, wooded continental dunes where heathland is getting new opportunities.
- The Sahara area truly lives up to its name; those hiking here will feel like they are in the desert. On the red hike of 11.5 km you pass one of the most beautiful, unexpected landscapes of the Lower Kempen: a pond, a vantage point tower, an architecturally impressive hiking bridge over the canal, and … a stunning heathland area.
Regionaal Landschap Lage Kempen
De Wijers
- Discover via the 3 km themed route ‘the Rendierjagerspad’ how prehistoric man lived here 11,000 years ago and hunted reindeer on the heathland in Zonhoven.
- De Maten is one of the oldest nature reserves in Belgium. Start from the Slagmolen, one of 8 toegangspoorten of the Wijers, and choose the orange hike of 4 km or the red of 10 km to get acquainted with the beautiful ponds and heathland.
- On the orange route of 5 km from Ten Haagdoorn you will discover the purple rolling heathland and pass some mysterious wet swamp woodlands. At early dawn, you have a chance to spot roe deer here.
- Discover the beautiful heathland of De Teut – Ten Haagdoorn on a node route of 19.5 km. This route takes you past blooming heathland, silent woodlands, and open landscapes.
Unesco Mens & Biosphere Reserve KempenBroek
- The orange route of 9 km in the hiking area 'Dorplein and Boshoverheide' takes you through the Weerter- and Budelerbergen, starting at the Wildenberg. It is a varied hike with woodland, heathland and drifting sand, you also pass a pond. Occasionally you have to hike firmly through the loose sand.
Geniet van de heide, maar wees extra voorzichtig
De aanhoudende droogte laat zich ook voelen in onze natuurgebieden. Door het verhoogde brandgevaar geldt momenteel code oranje in de Limburgse natuur. Ga je wandelen? Blijf dan steeds op de aangeduide paden, maak geen vuur en rook niet. Merk je rook of vuur op, verwittig dan meteen de hulpdiensten.
Zo genieten we samen op een veilige en respectvolle manier van de Limburgse natuur.