English

The Hoge Kempen National Park in a nutshell

The Hoge Kempen National Park covers more than 5000 ha and stretches across the municipalities Dilsen-Stokkem, Maasmechelen, Zutendaal, Lanaken, Genk and As.

The Hoge Kempen is the largest woodland and nature reserve in Flanders. Extensive pine woods alternate with purple flowering heathland. Large lakes were left behind where sand and gravel were extracted. The highest ‘peaks’, 100 meters high, offer magnificent views.

It is home to many rare and exceptional animals. Encountering a roe is not exceptional and butterflies like the swallowtail butterfly brighten up the summer. Special inhabitants are the slippery snake, the antlion and the European beewolf. Large stones and small boulders attest to the last ice age and lend it all a magical feeling.

The Hoge Kempen National Park welcomes people with a ‘heart for nature’. That is why five locations have been selected as ‘Gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park’: Stations As in As, Pietersheim in Lanaken, Mechelse Heide in Maasmechelen, Kattevennen in Genk and Lieteberg in Zutendaal. Works are in progress to create a better reception at these gateways. Large car parks are being constructed. Information kiosks are being built where you can obtain information and purchase walking and cycling maps. The cafeteria and additional attractions are being enhanced. Admission to the gateways and the National Park is free. The National Park is not fenced off.

Walking

Walkers will love the Hoge Kempen National Park. No less than 36 round walks, varying from 3 to 14 km in length, take you along the most beautiful spots in and around the Hoge Kempen National Park. The various loops are identified by a colour code and corresponding geometric shape. The five gateways are ideal departure points for your voyages of discovery. A handy walking map has been developed for every gateway and its surroundings. A walking map costs 2 euros and can be purchased on site.

Cycling

You can discover the National Park by bicycle along the cycling route network in the Regional Kempen and Maasland Landscape. It is easy to map out your own cycling tour because the cycling paths are constructed around ‘junctions’. Link junctions 41, 60 61, 62, 63 and you will cycle through and along the Hoge Kempen National Park. The blue signs along the cycling paths guide you on your cycling tour.

A cycling map costs five euros and can be purchased online at www.nationaalpark.be or on site.

You can rent a bicycle at gateway Kattevennen in Genk and gateway Pietersheim in Lanaken.

Rangers are expecting you!

A National Park Ranger can take small groups on a relaxed, active, surprising voyage of discovery in the Hoge Kempen National Park.

A strenuous or relaxing walking or cycling tour, discovering the Hoge Kempen on horseback or with a mountain bike, getting lost in heathland and wooded areas… it’s all possible when accompanied by a Ranger.

More information can be found by phone on +32 (0)78 15 04 27. Request a Ranger excursion in English, German, or French.

Adresses gateways:

• Gateway Kattevennen
  Planetariumweg 18
  3600 Genk
  Tel: +32 (0)89 65 55 55
  e-mail: kattevennen@genk.be
  www.uitingenk.be

• Gateway Station As
  Stationstraat 124
  3665 As
  Tel: +32(0)89 62 28 67
  e-mail: info@kolenspoor.be
  www.kolenspoor.be

• Gateway Mechelse Heide
  Jozef Smeetslaan 280
  3630 Maasmechelen

• Gateway Pietersheim
  Neerharenweg 12
  3620 Lanaken
  Tel: +32 (0)89 71 21 20
  e-mail: pietersheim@lanaken.be
  www.lanaken.be/pietersheim

• Gateway Lieteberg
  Blookbergstraat
  3690 Zutendaal
  Tel: +32 (0)89 62 94 53
  e-mail: info@lieteberg.be
  www.lieteberg.be

Bijlagen

• Official Visitor Guide