Attractions and Places To See in Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied - Top 17

The reserve offers over 30 km of marked hiking trails. Popular options include the 7.6 km "Fens walk Turnhout" and the 6.3 km "Peerdsven – Goat shed loop" for easier walks, and the 13 km "Wetlands – Bels Lijntje Lookout Tower loop" for a longer experience. You can find more detailed routes, including the Fens Trail, in our guide to easy hikes.

Hiking trails in Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied range from easy to moderate. For example, the "Fens Trail" and "Wetlands – Klein Engeland Farm loop" are considered easy. Good footwear is recommended, especially after wet periods, as paths can become muddy.

Yes, the reserve is family-friendly. The View from the Kleine Klotteraard viewing tower is accessible and offers panoramic views. Near the Visitor Center Klein Engelandhoeve, children can enjoy a play forest. Many of the easier hiking trails are also suitable for families.

A prominent 13-meter high observation tower, the View from the Kleine Klotteraard viewing tower, offers panoramic views over the large fens and surrounding areas. There are also several bird-watching hides and lookout points throughout the reserve, particularly between the Zwart Water and Hoogmoerheide, perfect for observing the landscape and wildlife.

The reserve is an important area for birds. You can spot species like Black-tailed Godwits, Eurasian Curlews, Eurasian Spoonbills, and various woodpeckers. The Wetlands area, including the Koeiven and Paul De Vicq fen, is particularly rich in bird species.

Besides hiking, the area is excellent for cycling. The Bels Lijntje Cycle Path, a 30-kilometer route on a former railway line, is a popular choice. You can also explore various gravel biking and road cycling routes in the wider region.

The reserve offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn are ideal for birdwatching, with migratory species passing through. Summer provides lush green landscapes, while winter can offer serene, frosty views. Each season presents its own natural beauty.

Yes, the Visitor Center Klein Engelandhoeve serves as a central hub and offers facilities. Historically, this farm was part of a bleachery and later a hunting domain, now it's a meeting place for nature experiences. You can find refreshments there.

Yes, the Turnhouts Venn area is equipped with parking facilities, making it convenient for visitors to access the various trails and attractions.

The reserve is known for its diverse natural features, including extensive heathland, numerous fens (shallow lakes or marshes), grasslands, and diverse forests. It features unique oligotrophic ponds, species-rich Nardus grasslands, and a mix of wet moorlands and dry, nutrient-poor sandy soils from ancient inland dunes.

Given the varied terrain and potential for muddy paths, especially after wet periods, it is highly recommended to wear good, waterproof footwear. Bringing water, snacks, and binoculars for birdwatching will enhance your experience.

While primarily a natural reserve, the Klein Engelandhoeve has historical significance, dating back to a 19th-century bleachery. Additionally, the "Litenatuurtjes" (little nature-oriented poems) by Geert De Kockere are placed along some walking routes, adding a cultural touch to your nature experience.