Hoge Kempen National Park

Belgium'S First National Park (2006), Heathland, Pine Forest And Old Mining Lakes In East Limburg, With Long Walking And Cycling Networks From Five Gateways · Maasmechelen, Limburg Province

Hoge Kempen National Park (Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen) is a large block of heath, pine forest and water in east Limburg, between Genk and the Maas valley on the Dutch border. It opened in 2006 and was long described as Belgium's first and only national park; in 2024 Flanders and Wallonia named several new national parks, so today it is fairer to call it the first - confirm how it is labelled now. The land tells an industrial story: much of the pine was planted to supply pit props for the Limburg coal mines, and the lakes around Terhills are flooded former sand and gravel pits, so this is a restored working landscape rather than untouched wilderness. People come for the open purple heath of the Mechelse Heide, long walks and bike rides on numbered junction networks from five gateways, and views from the plateau edge over the Maas. The honest caveat: this is gentle lowland country. It suits walkers, cyclists and families on a fine day; it is not dramatic, and outside the August heather bloom it can feel like a big, pleasant pine forest.

Gateways at Mechelse Heide (Maasmechelen), Pietersheim (Lanaken), Station As, Kattevennen (Genk) and Lieteberg (Dilsen-Stokkem), Maasmechelen, Limburg Province, Belgium

The park itself is open every day of the year, with no gates and no entry fee, but paths are meant for daytime use and you should be off them by dark. Visits start from five gateways (toegangspoorten): Mechelse Heide in Maasmechelen, Pietersheim in Lanaken, Station As in As, Kattevennen in Genk and Lieteberg in Dilsen-Stokkem. Each has a car park, route boards and the start of marked walks; most have a cafe, visitor point or information desk with its own hours - usually daily in summer, and shorter hours or weekends only in winter - check the current schedule before relying on food or toilets. Getting there: the train runs to Genk from Hasselt and Brussels, then De Lijn buses serve roads near several gateways - confirm routes and times, as some are infrequent at weekends. By car, use the E314 exits for Genk or Maasmechelen. Nothing needs booking for an independent walk; guided walks and bike or e-bike hire at the gateways should be reserved ahead on summer weekends.

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