Discover nature in Flanders, accessible for everyone

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Older couple walks along a country lane by cornfields; the man uses a white walking stick.
Discover one of Europe's largest botanical gardens at Plantentuin Meise with its paved walking paths, rent a wheelchair tower to explore the sandy areas of the Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg, or go on a multi-sensory walk at Zwin Nature Park on the coast. From walking routes to micro-adventures, you'll find inspiration and practical information on comfort, care and accessibility.

Fantastic walks in Flemish Brabant

Discover the most beautiful spots in the green region around Brussels, the Hageland fruit region and National Park Forestsof Brabant. Visit Flemish Brabant compiles accessible walks ranging from 1.8 km to 8.5 km, with a handy 'wheelchair friendly' filter. The flat, paved or easily accessible paths, rest benches, information boards and clear starting points ensure your comfortable enjoyment of these routes.  

plantentuin Meise (7)
Greenhouse with pond full of giant water lilies and lush tropical plants.

Tip: Visit this accessible natural gem 

Meise Botanic Garden is one of Europe's largest botanical gardens. All its natural beauty can easily be enjoyed by everyone thanks to comfort strips, paved footpaths, tactile maps and customised tours.

Out and about in East Flanders

Enjoy the lush greenery around the meandering Scheldt River, the rugged panoramas of the Flemish Ardennes, or bustling Ghent to the fullest. Routen.be sets you on the path to loads of beautiful sights, with a focus on comfort and accessibility. Wide, paved paths make trails suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Adapted parking areas, accessible hospitality establishments, and rest areas with picnic tables and benches make for a comfortable outing for the whole family! 

Tip: Visit this accessible natural gem 

The Donkmeer just might be the most beautiful lake in Flanders. Explore this highlight located near the banks of the Scheldt River. The picturesque walk around the lake is also suitable for wheelchair users. 

STROOM_Midzomernacht_© Bjorn Comhaire
Outdoor concert stage beside a calm lake at sunset, trees in foreground and a person on the grassy shore.

Everyone's welcome in Limburg

Cosy, welcoming Limburg guarantees hours of walking pleasure. Enjoy the orchards in Haspengouw, discover the rich mining past around the city of Genk, admire picturesque church villages and explore the impressive Hoge Kempen National Park. The accessibility guide is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for all this. You will discover a wide range of great walks, adapted to everyone's pace. Go to the Visit Limburg website and use the 'Accessible' filter to find the most beautiful walking routes.   

rolstoeltracker_© Visit Limburg (1)
Man in a wheelchair with a handbike rides on an unpaved road, with a woman walking alongside in the field.

Tip: Visit this accessible natural gem 

Hoge Kempen National Park is 12,000 hectares of pristine nature. Explore all its beautiful abundance on various accessible walks. Adventurous wheelchair users can borrow a wheelchair tower to guide you through sandy and hilly areas. 

Walking along the Flemish coast and West Flanders

The Flemish coast accounts for 67 kilometres of sea, sand and dunes. The Coastal Walking Route covers that entire coastline, with some truly beautiful wheelchair-acccessible walks. The rest of West Flanders is also definitely worth exploring, with the vibrant nature in the Zwin Nature Park, the war history of the Westhoek (also known as Flanders Fields), the picturesque Leie Region or the greenery around charming, historic Bruges. Use the accessible walking routes, which include places to eat and drink, to guide you on an adventure. 

Visit this accessible natural gem 

Zwin Nature Park moves to the rhythm of the tidal ebb and flow. It is a natural treasure for all to discover. Most of the walking paths in this impressive nature reserve are wheelchair friendly. You can borrow an all-terrain wheelchair to navigate rougher terrain. Blind and visually impaired people can enjoy a multi-sensory walk. People with autism can use a practical step-by-step plan on Tourism for Autism to help prepare for their visit.  

230407_trip_reva_Brugge_1414_© Sien Verstraeten
Group of people on a wooden bridge; man in a wheelchair holds a long fishing rod over the water.

Wheelchair-friendly walking in Antwerp

The province of Antwerp is multifaceted. In addition to the bustling metropolis of Antwerp, you will find plenty of beautiful walking routes. Embrace the tranquillity of the 'quiet' Kempen region. Wander through Scheldt Valley National Park, a paradise for nature lovers, culture seekers and micro-adventurers. Experience the lush Rivierenland region, where a handful of rivers meet. All of these locations offer accessible walks that you can find using the Province of Antwerp's  wheelchair-friendly platform. 

Micro-avonturen Kalmthoutse Heide
Man pushes a wheelchair with a woman along a sandy path through heath; other walkers in the background.

Tip: Visit this accessible natural gem 

The Kalmthoutse Heide is a vast nature reserve that's home to forests, fens and open heathland. Wheelchair users can explore this park along the Belgian-Dutch border via signposted, semi-paved paths. Stop by the De Vroente educational centre to rent an all-terrain wheelchair for sandy or hilly terrain.

Accessible recreational domains

Looking for even more inspiration? Flanders' provincial domains might be just the ticket. These large parks and recreational areas are usually located just outside the city or in more rural locations. They are wonderfully green and easily accessible, with a particular focus on your care and comfort needs. Provincial domain Palingbeek in Ypres is a fine example. In the Flemish Ardennes, you can visit the ancient Ename heritage site. Just south of Antwerp, De Schorre is also highly recommended. 

 

 

Accessible natural gem

Discover the fascinating historic landscape of Ename Heritage Site. Paved paths take you past the archaeological remains of Ename Abbey. The heritage museum is also largely suitable for wheelchairs and adapted for visitors with visual or hearing impairments. The Ename Heritage Site also proudly bears the 'Autism Friendly' label. There is even a step-by-step plan for preparing your visit to minimise sensory stimuli.  
 

Erfgoedsite_Ename_© Bart Heirweg voor Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen (3)
Aerial view of green fields with ruins of an ancient settlement next to a river at sunset.

Accessibility Finder

Do you still have questions about the accessibility of certain parks or (provincial) domains, or are you looking for suitable accommodation for your care and comfort needs? The Accessibility Finder is a great source of information.