Munsterbos - purple - 17,9 km

In the Hoge Kempen National Park, 10 walking routes have been awarded the European quality label Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe, Day Walk, presented by the European Hiking Federation. These Top Trails meet strict quality requirements in terms of landscape variety, presence of natural and cultural values, signposting and infrastructure.

The Hoefaert nature reserve, managed by the Orchis nature association, is located on the westernmost foothills of the Kempen Plateau. The great variety of different types of forests, meadows, old fish ponds, pools and the fast-flowing Munsterbeek stream, which cuts deep into the landscape, make this area very valuable in terms of landscape and biology. Beavers have been at home along the Munsterbeek for several years now, building spectacular dams.

The ponds of the Munsterbos are a favourite habitat for marsh birds such as the bluethroat and the water rail. The bittern comes here in winter to search for food. The tree lark, tree pipit, stonechat and viviparous lizard find the ideal habitat in the heathland relics. The honey buzzard, goshawk, buzzard and hobby are breeding birds.

The Bonijterbos, on the other hand, is part of the Munster Valley. This is an important area, especially for birds of prey and forest birds.