Explore Hoge Kempen National Park in Belgium, a diverse landscape of forests, heathlands, lakes, and trails. Here are the best hikes and tips for your visit.
Pure nature in Belgian Limburg
Endless pine forests, blooming heathlands, deep lakes, and the occasional climb to a scenic viewpoint. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then Hoge Kempen National Park in Flanders is well worth a visit.
While hiking the National Park Trail, I was struck by how varied and beautiful this park is, and how well everything is set up for visitors. In this blog, I’ll take you along to explore the highlights of this stunning nature reserve.
What is Hoge Kempen National Park?
Located in Belgian Limburg, not far from the Dutch border, this is one of six national parks in Belgium. It covers nearly 13,000 hectares (about 32,000 acres) and stretches across several municipalities. The landscape was shaped by decades of gravel extraction, which left behind deep lakes, barren stretches, and a rugged, open feel. But you’ll also find plenty of pine forests, heathlands, and sandy paths throughout the area.
The park is easy to explore thanks to a well-maintained network of hiking and cycling trails. It has six official entrances, each with its own unique character. One might lead you through wide heathlands, while another takes you past old mining relics or artistic landscapes.
Each entrance has something different to offer, with well-marked trails and interesting sights along the way. Whether you’re into art and nature, panoramic views, or a bit of local history, you can shape your visit to match your interests.
In this blog, I’ll share my favorite spots in Hoge Kempen National Park. Keep on reading to learn more about the entrances, beautiful hiking trails and the best places to stay.
The entrance gates
Hoge Kempen National Park currently has six official entrance gates, with several new ones in development. Each one gives access to a different part of the park. Here’s what you need to know about the current entrances.
Terhills (Maasmechelen)
This is one of the most popular entrances to the park, and it’s easy to see why; the large towers at the gate make quite the impression.
How to get there?
Terhills is located in Maasmechelen and is easily accessible via the E314 (exit 33). The address is Zetellaan 54, 3630 Maasmechelen. There’s ample free parking near the National Park Visitor Center. You can also get there by public transport: take bus 45 from Genk or bus 66 from Maastricht to Maasmechelen Village, which is just a short walk from the park entrance.
Facilities
Terhills features a modern visitor center where you can pick up maps and get information about the park. There are free public restrooms, a café with a terrace, and a playground, making this a great starting point for families.
Sightseeing
From here, you walk straight into nature. The landscape around Terhills is a dramatic mix of hills and lakes, shaped by the area’s mining past. There are four “terrils” (man-made hills), three of which are accessible on foot. Climb to the top for panoramic views over the Meuse Valley and the national park.
One standout feature is the shaft tower of the former Eisden mine, which you can climb for even more views as the platform is 24 meters high. Also starting here is the popular “Cycling between the Terrils” trail: a 380-meter bridge that runs between the terrils and across the water. It’s one of the park’s most iconic sights.
Good to know: There’s a free shuttle from the visitor center to Elaisa Energetic Wellness, perfect if you have limited mobility. It drops you right at the start of the bridge over the water.
Kattevennen (Genk)
Located on the eastern edge of Genk, the Kattevennen entrance is a peaceful and accessible spot with plenty to see.
How to get there?
You’ll find Kattevennen at Planetariumweg 19, 3600 Genk. It’s easily accessible by car and offers free parking. If you’re arriving by train, it’s about a 45-minute walk from Genk station.
Facilities
There’s no official visitor center here, but Kattevennen is home to the Cosmodrome. This is an astronomy center with a planetarium and space-themed exhibits. You’ll also find a cafeteria with a terrace, a playground, and picnic areas.
Sightseeing
Kattevennen is ideal for families and walkers who like variety. Several loop trails start here, including the Planetary Walk, which features outdoor art inspired by the solar system. The surrounding area is mainly pine forest with occasional heathland.
Don’t miss the Lightning Staircase (bliksemtrap), a sculptural stairway shaped like a lightning bolt that leads to a scenic viewpoint. This is also the starting point for Stage 1 of the National Park Trail, which leads to the next entrance: Pietersheim.
Pietersheim (Lanaken)
Close to the Dutch border, Pietersheim is one of the park’s most historic entrances.
How to get there?
Pietersheim is located just north of Lanaken, about 15 minutes by car from Maastricht. There’s free parking near the petting zoo (Neerharenweg 12, 3620 Lanaken). Bus 63 stops nearby if you’re using public transport.
Facilities
The site includes Pietersheim Castle, a beautifully restored moated fortress where you can also book an overnight stay. There’s a petting zoo, restaurant, terrace, picnic meadow, and restrooms. Maps for walking and cycling are available on-site.
Sightseeing
Pietersheim is a great place to explore the region’s past. You’ll walk through forest trails, past moats, and across open grasslands. If you’re lucky, you might spot a group of wild Konik horses.
Stage 2 of the National Park Trail begins here and heads toward the Mechelse Heide, but there are also shorter circular trails between 3 and 7 kilometers that start right at the gate.
Mechelse Heide (Maasmechelen)
As far as I’m concerned, the Mechelse Heide is one of the most beautiful parts of Hoge Kempen National Park. It’s also easily accessible via the Mechelse Heide entrance.
That’s how you get there
The Mechelse Heide is located on the edge of Maasmechelen. Parking is available in the large (free) parking lot at Joseph Smeetslaan 280. A nearby bus stop is served by line 277, which runs between Genk and Stokkem station.
Facilities
There’s an information board with trail maps, a picnic area, and – depending on the season – a pop-up bar or food truck. There’s no large visitor center here; you step right into the woods and onto the heath.
Sightseeing
In August and September, the heathland is in full bloom and absolutely stunning. Several hiking trails start here, ranging from 3 to 14 kilometers. You can walk across wide-open heathlands or climb to scenic viewpoints for beautiful panoramic views.
Lieteberg (Zutendaal)
The Lieteberg entrance is conveniently located near Zutendaal, between Genk and Lanaken. From here, you can explore a varied and scenic part of the park.
How to get there?
Lieteberg is located in Zutendaal, about a 15-minute drive from Genk. There’s a large parking area between Blookbergstraat and Stalkerweg. From Hasselt or Genk, you can take a bus to the “Kerk” stop in Zutendaal. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the trailhead.
Facilities
Lieteberg is best known for its barefoot trail, a fun 3-kilometer walk over wood, rocks, mud, and water. There’s also an insect museum, a butterfly dome (in summer), a café, and a large playground. Restrooms and picnic areas are available, making it a great place to visit with kids.
Sightseeing
I personally didn’t get to try the barefoot trail, but the surrounding landscape is just as interesting, full of forests, sandy hills, and ponds. Some areas are marshy, which I found incredibly beautiful. This part of the park feels very different from the others. Hiking routes here range from 4 to 11 kilometers.
Station As
The final official entrance is located in the center of the park, next to a former train station.
How to get there?
Station As is centrally located and easily accessible by car (Stationsstraat 124, 3665 As). There’s plenty of parking available. It’s also easy to reach by public transport, several buses stop here from Genk, Stokkem, Opoeteren, and other nearby towns. The bus stop is right across from the old station.
Facilities
This former station has been transformed into a visitor experience center. There’s a 31-meter-high observation tower with views of the mining terrils, a small museum on the area’s mining history, restrooms, and a brasserie.
Sightseeing
From Station As, you walk straight into the national park. Trails here lead through pine forests, along old railway tracks, and toward the unique terrils (artificial hills left over from the mining era). This is actually the only entrance I haven’t visited yet, but it’s definitely on my list. From what I’ve heard, it’s also one of the quieter parts of the park.
New entrance gates
These are the current official entrances, but three more will be added in the future:
- Duinengordel (Opoeteren)
- Bergerven (Maaseik)
- Thorpark (Genk)
There are already information boards and marked trails at these locations, so if you want, you can also begin your visit at one of these newer spots.
Hiking in Hoge Kempen National Park
As a hiking enthusiast, I felt completely at home in Hoge Kempen. There are so many trails to choose from! Each entrance has a sign with an overview of the options. The trails vary in both difficulty and length — from short walks you can do in under an hour to routes that will keep you going all day. There’s something for everyone.
You don’t have to worry about getting lost, either. The trail signage is excellent, you’ll find markers almost everywhere. And if you don’t see one right away, just walk a few more meters and it’ll appear. The shorter routes near the entrance gates tend to be the busiest, but if you head a bit deeper into the park, you can walk for hours without seeing anyone. Such a peaceful and special experience!
You can find an overview of all the hiking trails (and there are a lot!) on the Hoge Kempen National Park website.
National Park Trail
I’ve mentioned it a few times already, but I hiked the National Park Trail in Hoge Kempen National Park. This is a 110-kilometer circular route through the park. It passes by almost all of the entrance gates and gives you a great impression of everything the park has to offer. The trail is divided into five stages, so it’s easy to split it up if you prefer shorter hikes.
Other activities
Besides hiking, there are plenty of other things to do in Hoge Kempen National Park. You can go on scenic bike rides using the numbered junction network (similar to the one we have in the Netherlands). There are also mountain biking routes for those looking for a bit more adventure.
What really stood out to me was the number of bridle paths — I’ve rarely seen so many people on horseback in a nature reserve. It’s a great way to explore the park!
Although the trails and paths cross from time to time, it hardly ever feels crowded. In fact, because the park is so large, you often feel like you have it all to yourself — and that makes it even more enjoyable.
You can find more information about these activities on the official Hoge Kempen National Park website.
Accomodation
Let’s be honest: you can’t see all of Hoge Kempen National Park in just one day. So it’s a good idea to stay for a few nights in or near the park to experience its different areas. These are some great places to stay:
- Hotel Monika (3⭐) – Beautifully located between the Kattevennen and Lieteberg gateways. Comfortable rooms and a very generous breakfast.
- Hotel Mardaga (4⭐) – Located next to Station As, right in the heart of the park. From here, you can walk straight into nature. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated.
- Terhills Resort by Center Parcs – One of the most unique places to stay in Hoge Kempen National Park. The stylish cottages are located right on the water near the Terhills gateway.
And of course, you can check Booking.com for more suggestions, availability, and current prices.
Book your trip to Belgium
Planning your trip to Belgium? Here are some useful links to help you get started:
✈️ Flights – Compare prices and book your flight via Skyscanner, a great tool to find the best deals on flights to Brussels, Charleroi or nearby airports in the Netherlands and Germany.
🚆 Trains – Traveling from the Netherlands or France? Book your train tickets via Rail Europe for comfortable and affordable rail travel.
🚗 Rental cars – Want to explore more of the country? Check out DiscoverCars for a wide selection of rental options with clear conditions and good insurance.
🧭 Guided tours & activities – Prefer to join a tour or book tickets in advance? Browse outdoor tours, walking trips and cultural experiences on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Read more about Belgium
That’s it for my tips on visiting Hoge Kempen National Park! Looking for more great hikes or beautiful places in Belgium? These travel guides are a great start:
The Rough Guide to Belgium and Luxembourg
I travel to Belgium regularly, so you’ll find more tips about Belgium on this website. Take a look at:
- Antwerp vs Brussels: the best city for a perfect getaway
- 29 Most Beautiful Places in Belgium – Bucket List
- Visiting Bruges | 19 fun things to do
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I visited Hoge Kempen National Park at the invitation of Tourism Flanders and Visit Limburg. As always, all opinions are my own. Check this page for more information about collaborations. This article contains a few affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through one of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Check here for more information, and thank you for supporting this blog!
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