In den Brand - red - 5,5 km

The dune area In den Brand owes its name to the woodcutting. People from Hechtel-Eksel used to collect their firewood here. These hiking routes form a breathtaking journey through the largest sandbox in Flanders, along high dunes and through beautiful deciduous woodlands. Children can freely play in the sand or climb wooden giant insects!

Starting along the vast large sand plain, you hike through a beautiful deciduous woodland planted on an old continental dune belt. And you will notice that now and then in your calf muscles! The many mosses and lichens in this area are a real feast for the eyes. In addition, there are also very rare species present. You also hike along old, slow agricultural roads for a stretch.

You are of course very welcome in this hiking area with your dog on a leash. Want to let your dog run free in the woodlands for a while? Then there is a 2 ha dog park for you. The zone is fully fenced and is located in a piece of woodland near the dunes of In den Brand. There are two separate zones: one for large dogs and one for smaller dogs. Hungry from all that hiking? No worries, at the starting point you will find a large picnic area where you can satisfy both small and big appetites while enjoying the greenery.

At the picnic area you will find unique wooden play equipment shaped like insects found in the area. This way your child can get to know the green dune beetle, the spotted dune beetle, the red wood ant, and the heath butterfly.