The best hikes from bus stations in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Mechelse Heide

Connecterra is the main gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. This unique area is located on the former mine site of Eisden, bordering Dilsen-Stokkem. A quarter of a century ago, the mine was still in full operation; now it is a true nature paradise. Great plans are underway for this area in the coming years, respecting both nature and cultural heritage. The walking area has been developed and the routes offer some of the most beautiful panoramas of Flanders, with a breathtaking setting of mountains and lakes. In total, five routes lead you through the area. The walking area connects to the 'Mechelse Heide' and 'Station As' walking paths. In the new visitor centre, you will find information about the national park and can relax with a drink in the tearoom. Outside, children can have fun in the playground. The spiral tower is accessible up to the first floor and offers a glimpse of what Connecterra has to offer.

It is likely to overflow and flood the trail

Magnificent view of a landscape resembling an African savanna

Nice place for walking and cycling.

Beautiful nature reserve for walking and cycling.

The view of the Kikbeek spring is one of the most tranquil and characteristic spots in the Hoge Kempen National Park. The Kikbeek stream originates in this valley, formed in a former sand and gravel quarry, creating a landscape where water, heathland, forest, and open space merge almost naturally. From the paths around the spring, you normally look out over a varied landscape of tranquil water features, reed beds, and gently rolling hills, where the stream calmly winds its way through the valley. The view has a subdued and natural quality, as if the landscape slowly unfolds without being obtrusive. The Kikbeek spring is ecologically valuable and forms a key part of the water system in this part of the park. Precisely because of this vulnerability, the valley has recently been the scene of major works. Following problems with instability and landslides, large parts of the area are officially closed to visitors. Simultaneously, a large-scale nature and water restoration project is underway here, aimed at retaining water, strengthening wetlands, and restoring the original character of the spring valley. Signs and closures make it clear that the area is temporarily inaccessible and that hikers are being diverted to ensure safety and nature restoration. Despite these closures, the view of the Kikbeekbron remains compelling. The openness of the landscape, the play of light on the water, and the tranquility of the valley make this a place that arouses curiosity and invites you to come closer. In my case, that meant sneaking through the area beyond the official boundaries to experience the view with my own eyes. That personal moment emphasizes how powerful this place can be, and the contrast between the silence of nature and the knowledge that you are in a closed-off zone makes the experience more intense and almost mysterious. The view of the Kikbeekbron thus symbolizes the tension that sometimes exists in nature reserves between protection and experience, between necessary work and the human need to experience beauty up close. While the area recovers and slowly evolves into a future-proof valley, this view, whether seen from a distance or only from a distance, remains one of the most meaningful and atmospheric landscapes in the Hoge Kempen National Park.

Currently, the visitor center is still the wooden-clad building with "National Park Visitor Center" in large letters. Inside, you'll find all sorts of information and services, as well as a shop selling regional products. As you can see on-site or in the photos, work is underway on a new visitor center. The canvases around the fence of the western headframe show what it will look like. The visitor center is being built in the western headframe of the former coal mine. Thanks to the "box-in-a-box" principle, the historical character of this iconic heritage site will be largely preserved. In addition to the reception area, the center will also include a shop, cafeteria, meeting and exhibition spaces, and viewpoints. The highlight will be a viewing platform 24 meters high, offering panoramic views of the National Park and far into the Netherlands, Germany, and even the High Fens. The work will continue until 2027. During that period, the headframe will remain inaccessible. During this time, you can, of course, still visit the current visitor center. Source: https://terhills.be/visitorcenter/

This 380-meter pontoon bridge guides you gracefully between the slag heaps and across the water. Along the way, you'll be treated to a stunning 360° experience with views of the glistening water and the green slag heaps. "Cycling & Walking among the Slag Heaps" is a unique experience when visiting Hoge Kempen National Park!