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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A mother and her two children sit on grassy terrain with dunes and a cloudy sky in the background. They are smiling and enjoying a calm, sunny day.

Bjorn Snelders

A person leans on a wooden bridge railing, surrounded by vast green fields and distant sand dunes under a clear blue sky, conveying tranquility.

themodernleper

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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A serene forest with a carpet of bluebells and lush green trees. A group of people, including a stroller, walks along a winding dirt path, evoking tranquility.

A person with a backpack walks on a wooden path through a lush, green forest. Sunlight filters through the tall trees, creating a serene atmosphere.

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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Reading Between the Lines is an artwork visible in the distance, located outdoors in Borgloon, in the Haspengouw region.

©Guy van Grinsven / Studiopress

Tree tents hanging from tall trees in a lush, sunlit forest. A ladder leads to one of the tents, creating a tranquil, adventurous outdoor setting.

©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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A serene lakeside scene shows two people on a floating cabin with a green, triangular roof. Two small boats are moored nearby, surrounded by calm water and lush trees.

Visit Dilsen-Stokkem

Aerial view of a serene lakeside landscape at sunrise, with lush green fields, reflective water, scattered trees, and a distant village under a calm sky.

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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A person in an orange jacket stands on a cliff, overlooking a scenic view of a forest and river under a clear sky, with a backpack on the ground.

MEDIALIFE.BE

A person with a backpack stands by a serene lake, framed by large, curved wooden branches. Misty mountains and a calm, reflective atmosphere enhance the tranquil scene.

Tim Bilman

The Hageland

A backdrop full of fruit and blossoms

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.

Water sports, flavours and panoramas

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.

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A man and woman walk through a blossoming orchard carrying a wicker basket. They smile at each other, conveying a peaceful, springtime atmosphere.

A couple walks along a dirt path bordered by trees and lush fields under a clear sky, with a large, red, zigzag sculpture in the background. The scene is serene and inviting.

Lander Loeckx

The Landscape Park Flemish Ardennes

A hilly landscape that's full of character

The Flemish Ardennes are the beating heart of Flanders' cycling culture. The undulating landscape defines our famous classic cycling events each spring. But this region is so much more than that. Forests, grasslands and winding trails hug the hills and valleys. Set off on an adventure in this landscape park and you'll come across rustic panoramas and villages that are simply full of character. A beautiful setting for spirited bike rides, extensive hikes and a good deal of adventure.

Cobblestones, forest and treats

Explore the Flemish Ardennes like a true Flandrien: by bike, including a visit to the famous cobblestone slopes. Discover the diverse woodland on the flanks of the Kluisberg. Be overwhelmed by a purple carpet of flowers when the woodland hyacinths bloom. Walk unfamiliar and unpaved paths on a trail run through nature. Immerse yourself in serene silence by going forest bathing or spending time at one of the silence spots. Taste the delicious local delicacies like mattentaarten or Balegem jenever. Explore the heights course, or the barefoot trail or enjoy a splash of water fun at the Donk Ponds. Adventure guaranteed.

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A person in sportswear runs on a grassy trail at sunrise, surrounded by trees, under a vibrant sky of orange and purple hues, conveying a peaceful, energetic mood.

Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

A serene woodland scene with sunlight filtering through trees onto a carpet of vibrant bluebells. Fallen branches and lush greenery add a tranquil atmosphere.

Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

The Scheldt Valley National Park

A ribbon of green and blue

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.

Castles, fauna and flora

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.

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Micro-avonturen nationaal park Scheldevallei

Aerial view of a serene river covered in green algae, flanked by dense, lush trees. A small wooden raft with a person onboard floats down the river.

A majestic stone castle with round turrets stands beside a reflective moat under a clear blue sky, surrounded by lush greenery and a wire fence.

The hills of the Westhoek

Green hills full of stories

The Westhoek is located in a remote corner of Flanders, between the North Sea and the French border. To the rest of the world, this region is primarily known as Flanders Fields, the battleground on which World War I took place. This beautiful green region proudly displays its hop fields, vineyards and its challenging hills. Along the way, you'll find quaint villages, historic towns and a wealth of historical heritage. The many war cemeteries and monuments have countless stories to tell. The hills of the Westhoek also invite adventure.

Historic vantage points

Discover the literal highlights of the Westhoek: climb Flanders' highest peak, brave a challenging obstacle course or explore the vineyards from the air on the famous Cordoba cable car. Admire rural and urban panoramas from historic vantage points. Walk among the vines, stroll quietly along the Silence Trail or discover the area's stirring landscape art.

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A person relaxes on a swing under a rustic shelter with colorful bunting, beside a vintage caravan. A red table and chairs overlook lush fields.

Kabelbaan van Córdoba: rustige rit door de natuur

Cordoba

The Lys Region

Where nature and culture become one

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.

Flemish Masters, picking gardens and island hopping

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.

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A group of people sit on chairs painting landscapes outdoors. They face a serene lake, surrounded by trees and greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

A man and woman smile while rowing in a large, metal tank on a serene river, surrounded by lush, green trees and a clear sky, conveying joy and tranquility.

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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