Micro-adventures for maximum joy in Flanders’ nature parks

People are packrafting on a river. Their boats are in different colors.

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Joy is often found in small things. And you find these in abundance in Flanders’ nature parks. Mini expeditions bring much pleasure and warmth to your children, friends and family. Spending the night on a raft or stargazing from unspoiled nature or a packraft safari: micro-adventures stand for maximum joy.

The Zwin Region

To the rhythm of the tides

Our North Sea coast has plenty of gems: sun, sea, beach, art and, last but not least, the Zwin. The Zwin Nature Park is where Flanders and the Netherlands blend into one another. This landscape of mudflats and salt marshes sways to the rhythm of ebb and flow. Twice a day, the North Sea flows in. And, with that, the landscape always seems to be changing. This makes it the favourite spot for our feathered friends such as the stork, egret and the spoonbill. Indeed, the Zwin is known as an international airport for migratory birds. Every year, hundreds of thousands of them make a stopover here on their way to and from the south.

Packraft, tiny house and forest baths

But you don’t need wings to enjoy the Zwin Region. Visitors can feast their eyes on the abundance of flora and fauna. Furthermore, you can enjoy an invigorating forest bath here, which figuratively immerses you in nature. And how about a wonderful cycling or walking trip along the Flemish coast? You wake up in the middle of nature, on a raft, in a tiny house or tree hut. You can go packrafting, boating or supping. Micro-adventures that you will never forget.

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Bjorn Snelders

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National Park Forests of Brabant

A wealth of natural beauty

South of the historic university town of Leuven, there is a vast wealth of natural beauty. The National Park Forests of Brabant is a collection of three very special nature areas: the Dyle valley with the Meerdaalwoud, the ancient Sonian forest and the Hallerbos. Every spring in the Hallebos, a stunning spectacle can be seen: a purple blanket of wild bluebells. This impressive National Park is more than the sum of its parts. Together these parts form an area of 10,000 hectares of nature, sprinkled with a healthy dose of micro-adventure.

Water fun, wildlife and tranquillity

Searching for beavers during a packrafts safari, for instance. A group of forest baths provides a zen-like feeling. Challenging outdoor sports will get the adrenaline racing through your veins, while the charming alpacas help to restore the peace. Water fun, wildlife or tranquillity? National Park Forests of Brabant has it all.

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Lander Loeckx

Landscape Park Heart of Haspengouw

Western Europe’s largest fruit region

In Landscape Park Heart of Haspengouw, life tastes so wonderfully sweet. Haspengouw is the largest fruit-growing region in Western Europe. Rolling hills, picturesque church villages, swaying grain fields and endless orchards full of apple and pear trees colour the landscape. It is great place for walking and cycling. And for micro-adventurers, big and small, there is so much more to experience.

History, the delight of picking and art

Discover the sweet scents of the fruit trees during a ride on a Vespa along the winding roads. Fresh from the field, at a local farm or market, sample the flavours of the region. Travel back in time and explore the history of this region through the Roman remains. Fill your day with picking happiness: fruit you have picked yourself, nothing is fresher. Make your overnight stay an adventure too, in the drop-shaped tree tents in the Tranendreef. Be captivated by art in a beautiful landscape.

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©Guy van Grinsven / Studiopress

©Patrick Vande Ven - Medialounge

Meuse Valley River Park

Along the mighty Meuse

In this beautiful nature area, the Meuse has the upper hand. Welcome to Meuse Valley River Park. Here, for forty kilometres, the river forms the border between Flanders and the Netherlands. Its presence has shaped the landscape around it. In this literally cross-border landscape park, you find unspoiled nature, picturesque villages, birds, large grazers, wild herbs, sprawling river banks, shimmering waters and - how could it be otherwise - an excellent range of micro-adventures.

Picnics, raft camping and bird watching

Leave the beaten track and immerse yourself in the wild river nature. Follow a Meuse Explorer through beautiful landscapes and convivial villages. Discover art in the open air, along the banks. Enjoy a picnic on the waterfront. Camp on a raft on this beautiful river. Let the morning mist dissolve as you sight a mute swan, kingfisher or grebe from the raft. This bucket list item is well worth ticking off, on and along the Meuse.

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Visit Dilsen-Stokkem

Provincie Limburg - Robin Reynders

Hoge Kempen National Park

12,000 hectares of varied nature

Hoge Kempen National Park is a universe in itself. It is made up of more than 12,000 hectares of varied nature. Vast pine forests transition into purple-flowered heathlands, golden dunes and large water pools. This makes for delightful panoramas that are accentuated by the spoil heaps and pitheads. These are souvenirs of the region’s rich mining past. This National Park excites all your senses with its natural beauty.

Safari, mountain biking and stargazing

Explore these surprising surroundings, on foot or by bike. Admire the panoramas from unique vantage points. Go on safari and meet unusual wildlife. Dash through the landscape on a mountain bike. Watch the stars from the Cosmodrome. Wake up amid nature as the sun quietly rises. Delve into the mining past of this special place.

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MEDIALIFE.BE

Tim Bilman

Flanders’ greenery is a joy to explore. It is great for walking and the cycling is fantastic. These mini-expeditions add an extra dimension to all this. These five nature parks we have described above all have a great deal to offer. But there’s even more. All over Flanders, you can find beautiful natural gems. Come along and let yourself be surprised - by the unspoiled greenery and the micro-adventures.

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