Kempen Landscape & Nature

Kempen

A vast rural region of heathland, forests, and sand dunes stretching across North Flanders with charming villages and extensive cycling routes. The Kempen offers peaceful countryside exploration, pristine natural environments, and authentic village experiences away from major tourist centers.

Things to do

• Cycling the Kempen Routes — Explore over 1,000 km of marked cycling paths through heathland, forests, and villages, with routes suitable for all skill levels.
• Heidevelden Nature Reserve — Walk through expansive purple heathland in late summer, home to rare plants and birds including nightjars and adders.
• Thorn Forest Exploration — Wander through the ancient mixed forests of pine and oak that blanket much of the Kempen landscape.
• Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Reserve — Visit this pristine heathland reserve near the Dutch border featuring walking trails, sand dunes, and seasonal wildflowers.
• Village of Mol Historic Center — Explore this charming Kempen village with its traditional Flemish architecture and local market square.
• Sand Dune Hiking — Trek across the distinctive sandy terrain and dunes that characterize the Kempen's unique geological landscape.

Food to try

• Asparagus from Kempen — Fresh white asparagus is a seasonal delicacy grown in local sandy soils, typically served with hollandaise sauce.
• Paling in 't Groen — Local eel dish prepared with herbs and green sauce, reflecting the region's tradition of fishing in ponds and waterways.
• Rye Bread and Pumpernickel — Dense, dark traditional breads made from local grain, served at farmhouse inns and village bakeries throughout the region.
• Kempen Honey and Heather Products — Local beekeepers produce distinctive honey from heather flowers, available at farm shops and markets.
• Game from Local Forests — Venison, pheasant, and wild boar are traditional dishes in autumn and winter at village restaurants and country inns.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Cycling Culture — The Kempen is a cyclist's domain; use dedicated cycle paths, follow local route signage, and expect vehicles to yield to cyclists on marked routes.
• Visit in Late Summer for Heathland — The heathland blooms purple from August to September; plan visits during this period for the most spectacular landscape views.
• Support Local Farm Shops — Villages have small family-run farm shops and producers selling seasonal vegetables, honey, and crafts—direct purchases support rural communities.
• Speak Flemish or English — While Dutch is spoken, locals appreciate attempts at Flemish, and English is understood in tourist areas, but French is less common here.

Nearby

• Turnhout — 9 km
• Herentals — 24 km
• Lier — 38 km
• FotoMuseum (Antwerp) — 40 km