Hiking
Fancy a short or long walk, in the morning or evening? We offer six themed walks in the immediate area, mapped out by the Wandelknooppunten/Hiking Network Kempische Kolonies.
These regional walks often go through nature reserves that originated from clay extraction by the old brickworks in the area.
Cycling
Cycling along the banks of the Dessel-Schoten Canal, which flows through Beerse like a blue vein, is a pleasant experience.
Het Bels Lijntje, a cycling route alongside an old railway track, is also very popular.
The nearest knooppunt (cycling junction) is 72 of the fietsknooppuntennetwerk Provincie Antwerpen (Antwerp Province Cycle Route Network).
Westmalle: Ora et Labora
Who doesn’t know the most famous Trappist beer in the world, the ‘Westmalle Tripel’? Shame on you!
Unfortunately, the abbey itself cannot be visited anymore, but the surrounding nature is definitely worth exploring, both on foot and by bike.
And after an invigorating walk, you can stop by ‘Café Trappisten’, near the abbey. Here, you can enjoy the fruits of the Trappist monks’ labour (remember their motto, Ora et Labora!).
Their famous Westmalle beer, straight from the tap, paired with authentic abbey cheese, is out of this world, in one word: heavenly!
Bobbejaanland
This family-friendly amusement park is the perfect day trip for young and old. With over 35 attractions in unique themed zones, you are guaranteed an unforgettable day!
De Lilse Bergen
This recreational park with a swimming and water sports lake and a mega playground promises an adventurous day out.
Estate ‘De Renesse’
The castle of the Counts of Renesse is a striking landmark in the heart of Oostmalle.
The estate features a 16th-century castle with a coach house, a beautiful park with a pond, an old ice cellar, and an enormous giant sequoia tree.
You can explore the park during the day and enjoy a meal or drink at the cosy restaurant ‘Het Koetshuis’ (The Coach House’).
City of Turnhout
Some must-see sights and activities in and around Turnhout:
- Bowling
- Cinema UGC
- Escape Room: Escape 2300
- National Museum of the Playing Card
- Castle of the Dukes of Brabant
- The Beguinage (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Taxandria Museum
- St. Peter’s Church
- Vennegebied Nature Reserve
- Cultural Center “De Warande”
- Meduceum (Medical Museum)
- Jachthaven (marina)
Merksplas kolonie
An important heritage site with protected monuments in an unique landscape where former vagrants once lived.
Discover this special place for yourself.
Start with a visit to the Kolonie 5-7 visitor center, housed in the former pig stable of the large farm.
Then, continue your journey by bike or on foot through this historic landscape.
https://www.kolonienvanweldadigheid.eu
Botanical Garden ‘De Kleine Boerderij’ (‘The Small Farm’)
A visit to this botanical garden guarantees a fun day out for young and old.
This special garden features various unique plant collections, including hydrangeas, African lilies, magnolias, peonies, witch hazels, daylilies, bamboos and many, many more.
A dedicated team of volunteers maintain the garden and run the garden café every day.
Wortel-Kolonie (UNESCO World Heritage since 2021)
Near the Belgian-Dutch border, you’ll find 403 hectares of avenues, fields, and forests, offering a peaceful retreat.
Want to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of de kolonie van ‘Weldadigheid’ (the Colony of ‘Benevolence)’?
You can do so with:
- An escape room
- An outdoor escape game using tablets, scooters, or step bikes
This unique experience blends history, adventure, and nature!
Book it at the experience center De Landloper (‘The Vagrant’).
De Grensvallei (The Border Valley)
In this exceptional border region between the Antwerp Kempen and the Netherlands, boundaries blur, and cities blend into unspoiled nature.
This is the perfect place to unwind, with breathtaking views, surprising culture, and stunning nature.
download the brochure (group excursions)
