Micro-adventures for maximum joy in Flanders’ nature parks

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.

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.
 

The Hageland welcomes you with open arms. You can make your way through a rolling backdrop of hills full of vines and fruit trees, blushing fruits and soft blossoms. Exploring the Hageland a bit further will take you past picturesque villages, history that dates back centuries, outdoor art, delicacies and tantalising places such as Aarschot, Diest, Tienen and the historic university city of Leuven. The Hageland is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts, culture lovers and micro-adventurers alike. 

Stimulate your senses in the fruit estates, vineyards and breweries. Explore the blue waters of the river Demer by kayak or bike raft. Admire the panoramas from the top of a steel tower made from stacked fruit crates or from the imposing Vlooyberg Tower. Look out over the landscape as you've never seen it before, as if looking through an immense honeycomb. Go bird-spotting at the Vinne, Flanders' largest natural inland lake. Stroll or bike your way through the rolling countryside. Spread out your picnic blanket among the blossoms and enjoy. 

The Scheldt winds through Flanders like a beautiful ribbon of green and blue. That mighty river plays the lead role in Scheldt Valley National Park, which forms a patchwork of wet meadows, lakes, marshes and polders. Amidst all that natural splendour, you will discover picturesque villages, magnificent castles and the centuries-old stories that belong to the art cities of Antwerp and Ghent. The Scheldt Valley is great to explore by bicycle. You can pedal carefree for hours along the towpath on the banks of the river.   

Discover the view from the water itself by going stand-up paddle-boarding or by taking a ride on DeWaterbus. Discover the many stories to be found in D'Ursel Castle or Laarne Castle. Spot waterfowl such as the bluethroat, sedge warbler or northern shoveler in the Kalkense Meersen nature reserve. Spend the night in nature: on a raft, or in an artistic tree tent. Get a taste of nature at a picking farm or wine estate. Take a ride on a steam train, or find the most beautiful bend in this mighty river. The Scheldt makes a difference.

The river Lys is around 200 kilometres long and meanders its way through a breathtaking and varied landscape. In the Lys Region, you will discover charming artists' villages, a wealth of greenery and nature, as well as bustling cities such as Ghent, Kortrijk, Roeselare and Deinze. There, you can experience hours of cycling fun on picturesque roads, while satisfying your hunger for art in the area's many museums. Along this river, you will be following in the footsteps of the Flemish Masters. The Lys Region, where nature and culture become one.

Get to know the life and work of iconic Flemish Masters on a Master Tour. Discover the landscape from the water: while packrafting, or even while sailing in a metal barrel on the Lys. Stay overnight in the idyllic Ooidonk Castle or in a treehouse in the middle of a nature reserve. Taste the fruits of nature in picking gardens and breweries. Admire the panoramas in a different light, at sunrise or sunset. Go island hopping for a day on the Golden River, or explore the region on a delightful hiking or biking tour. The Lys will overwhelm you.