Hiking in Hoge Kempen National Park Lieteberg
Lieteberg – red – 10.2 km
Start
Start: Lieteberg entry point
This hiking adventure begins at Lieteberg, one of the entry points of the impressive Hoge Kempen National Park. The route takes us through the sports park to the middle of Zutendaal, a typical Limburg village centre. From there, we will soon find ourselves surrounded by greenery, consisting of a patchwork of boardwalks, beck valleys and wooded areas. But first: a touch of heritage.
Address: Stalkerweg 46 - Zutendaal
Witheren Presbytery
In the heart of Zutendaal, we arrive at the Witheren Presbytery, which dates back to the 17th century. The original residence was later transformed into a stately Baroque building. Its magnificent gateway still stands here today. The current presbytery was built in 1783. At that time, it served as a convalescent home for priests from Averbode Abbey.
Dorperbemd and the Dalerschans
Immediately after that, we arrive at the Dorperbemd, a fine example of a traditional Kempen landscape. We stroll past hedgerows, bird sanctuaries, hayfields and a high-stem orchard. At the source of the Dorperbeek stream, we’re greeted by the sight of small village gardens, a dog park, a food forest and the mission orchard. A little further on, we come to the Dalerschans, a former defensive structure surrounded by a moat. It has already been around for a long time. As early as the 17th century, the villagers were able to take refuge there from marauding gangs or troops. Today, we can see a reconstructed version of that rampart, which serves as a small recreational park. We reach them via a picturesque wooden bridge, which is great for children playing.
Papendaalheide surfing lake
We now leave the village of Zutendaal behind us. A walk through the woods brings us to the Papendaal lakes. They were formed long ago as a result of sand and gravel extraction in this region. Along the way, we take a break on a bench with a lovely view of the southern lake. The northernmost of these lakes is now an attractive nature and recreation area. For wildlife, plants and hikers alike, it serves as a stepping stone between Kattevennen and Lieteberg, two of the entry points of this magnificent national park. A wonderful spot for a picnic by the water.
A great place to eat!
Didn't bring a picnic? Don't worry. At the Europarcs Hoge Kempen holiday park, Brasserie Julia's is the perfect place to take a break, grab a bite to eat and have a drink.
Battle of Hesselsberg
With our stomachs full and our batteries recharged, we're ready to continue. A boardwalk through the Broekerbeek Valley leads us to the Hesselsberg. Shortly after the French Revolution, this was the scene of a much-discussed battle. Back then, the Patriots – rebels from Liège – faced off against the troops from the Palatinate. It happened in the dead of night. The enveloping darkness brought chaos and confusion, so much so that, in the end, both sides claimed victory. Today, people look back somewhat laughingly at that ‘Battle of Hesselsberg’, in which more ink was spilled than blood.
Statue of the Virgin Mary
At the top of this hill, we can admire a majestic statue of the Virgin Mary. Her story begins many decades ago with a local youth group. which at one time was planning to build a youth centre here: the Mariaburcht. To mark the spot, the members began by placing a metre-tall plaster statue of the Virgin Mary there. The youth club itself was never built, however, and the plaster statue had already disappeared just a few years later. In the meantime, however, the statue had become a well-known symbol. Some years later, a new statue was inaugurated, and it still overlooks the hill today.
Silence stones and juniper berries
A walk is all the more enjoyable when it’s in peaceful surroundings. And peace is something we’re certainly sure to find at Zwarteput, which is officially designated as a silence area. Here, the rustling of the treetops, the chirping of birds and other sounds of nature dominate. Along the way, we’re treated to a touch of poetry on “stones of silence” inscribed with moving texts. Those beautiful words lead us to an abundance of juniper bushes. On the southern slope of the Hesselsberg lies one of the largest populations of juniper bushes in Flanders. This endangered native conifer is given every opportunity to survive here.
Finish: Lieteberg entry point
And just like that, our hiking adventure is almost over. We now head back to the Lieteberg entry point, where we'll find a handful of great spots to round off our trip. At the Lieteberg Visitors' Centre, there are plenty of options to choose from. On the barefoot path, you can become one with nature. In the butterfly garden, you'll find yourself surrounded by colourful fluttering creatures. Biodrome, on the other hand, will immerse you in the biodiversity of the national park. A refreshing drink at the on-site bistro is then the perfect finishing touch.
Finish
Top 10 Trails
Hoge Kempen National Park offers endless opportunities for hiking, as the 10 Top Trails in this park clearly show. These trails meet strict quality standards in terms of landscape diversity, nature, cultural heritage, and infrastructure. Each of these circular hikes proudly carries the European quality label Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe, Day Walk, awarded by the European Hiking Federation. Well worth exploring!
