48 hours in Turnhout

TurnhoutsVennengebieduitkijktoren_© DavidSamynvoorFietsvakantiesinVlaanderen
A family of four, wearing summer clothes, stands on a wooden platform, overlooking a serene landscape with trees and a river, conveying tranquility.
Just a stone's throw from Antwerp, cozy Turnhout welcomes you with open arms. In the historic city center, stroll past the impressive Castle of the Dukes of Brabant, through the UNESCO recognized Square Beguinage and take in the brand new exhibition ‘Kant Ontrafeld’ (Lace Unraveled) at the Taxandria Museum. Explore the city and the unique Turnhout Fens nature reserve on foot or by bicycle. Get ready to experience the perfect mix of nature and culture!

Day 1

Getting around Turnhout

Let's start our two-day visit to Turnhout at the historic building 't Steentje on the Grote Markt and go on a morning walk of about four kilometers: Getting around Turnhout Right from the start, this walk will take us to the most important sights in this charming city. Tip: By scanning the QR codes, you can find out the stories behind them. The Beguinage just outside the city center is a square beguinage that dates back to 1300 and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the 17th century, some 360 beguines, pious women who lived together in a religious community, resided here. Nowadays, it's a peaceful place in the city, where early in the morning, lace-making is practiced. You can also visit the Beguinage Museum. There, you'll get an interesting glimpse into the daily lives of these brave Turnhout women.

Begijnhof
© Toerisme Provincie Antwerpen

A great place to eat! 
At Pique-Nique (on Vianenstraat near the Grote Markt) you can have simple but delicious food and drinks. Its charming hosts, Glenn and Dirk, are happy to introduce you to the principle of the ‘all-day brunch’. You can also enjoy this beautiful setting that will be a feast for your other four senses as well!

A hike through the Turnhout Fens

After a leisurely lunch, we head out into nature. The Turnhout Fens is a unique asset for a city. That's why this green lung is also the pride of Turnhout. You can spend hours in this landscape of forests, meadows, fields and fens, accompanied by beautiful sounds of nature. Would you prefer to follow routes laid out on a map? If so, then pop into the Klein Englandhoeve visitors' center before your visit. There, you'll find handy maps with hiking routes and you can also have a food pack put together with some delicious treats for the road. From the twelve-and-a-half-meter-high watchtower, you can enjoy a beautiful view. Perfect for a selfie!

Vennengebied
© Toerisme Provincie Antwerpen

A great place to eat! 
This first day in Turnhout finishes very near the Beguinage at bistro PUUR. There, the dishes are the epitome of summer (no matter what season it is) and the sunshine is never far away!

Somewhere to stay! 
Fully unwind at B&B De Hessie (a short walk from bistro PUUR). With any luck, you'll get to spot the donkeys Johanna and Wannes from your terrace!

Day 2

‘Lace Unraveled’ in the Taxandria Museum

On our second day in Turnhout, our first port of call will be the Taxandria Museum. The museum is located in the majestic ‘Huis metten Thoren’, the oldest preserved private residence in Turnhout. In this historic building, you'll learn more about the history of Turnhout and Taxandria, the Roman name for this region. Also on show at the moment is the ‘Lace Unraveled’ exhibition, which – as the title itself makes clear – reveals the world of lace in fine detail. Discover the craftsmanship behind these sophisticated textiles: how threads are turned into delicate patterns and age-old traditions are honored. Whether you love textile art, history or are looking for a unique experience, this exhibition will have you looking, feeling and admiring.

A great place to eat! 
On the cozy terrace of Bistro Tatì on the Grote Markt, foodies can enjoy homemade dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Their High Tea is pure indulgence!  And did you know that Tatì also has its own coffee roastery? Tatì Coffee Roasters!

Cycling along the former railroad line

In the afternoon, we'll jump on our bikes and follow the former railroad line 29: the Bels Lijntje. Nowadays, it's a green bicycle route connecting Turnhout with the Dutch city of Tilburg. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery and fascinating railroad heritage. As you cycle along, you'll pass by the watchtower in the Fens area again, so there'll be a second chance to take that ideal selfie.

BelsLijntje
© Toerisme Provincie Antwerpen

A sunset walk on the Nieuwe Kaai and the cycle bridge

As dusk falls, go for a walk and enjoy the sunset at the Nieuwe Kaai marina. A romantic ending to a wonderful two-day stay in Turnhout!

Vennengebied
© Toerisme Provincie Antwerpen

Want to see more of Turnhout? For centuries, Turnhout was the heart of Belgium's playing card industry. Today, that past lives on at the National Museum of Playing Cards. From the Nieuwe Kaai, you can also experience the city from the water on a paddle trip along the Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal. Reserve your kayak or SUP board online via Dobber. And don't forget Saint Peter's Church, which is one of the other locations where our Flemish Masters in situ can be found. In addition to the pulpit by Turnhout's own sculptor Hendrik Peeters-Divoort, the church is also home to a series of magnificent paintings.

Click here for more travel tips in and around Turnhout

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