The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Turnhout

Turnhout and its surrounding areas offer a vast network of trails suitable for families. You'll find over 4,600 hiking routes in total, with more than 2,800 classified as easy, making them perfect for family outings.

For a gentle and scenic walk, consider the Fens Trail. This easy 4.7-mile (7.5 km) route takes you through the diverse Turnhouts Vennengebied, where kids can enjoy spotting various landscapes like fens, heathland, and forests. It's a great way to experience the region's natural beauty without being too strenuous.

Yes, many of the family-friendly trails around Turnhout are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Sleeping Giant Route is a moderate 3.7-mile (5.9 km) circular hike that offers a pleasant loop through varied terrain, perfect for a family adventure.

The Turnhout region is incredibly diverse. You'll encounter unique landscapes such as the Turnhouts Vennengebied with its fens, heathland, and forests, as well as remnants of inland dunes. Areas like Landschap De Liereman offer classic Kempen countryside with heathland, coniferous forest, and even dry drifting dunes. Keep an eye out for the purple blooming heathlands in late summer!

Many trails offer interesting sights. For example, the Turnhouts Vennengebied features The Zwart Water, a notable fen and natural monument. You might also find charming wooden bridges on routes like the Bruggeskeswandeling (Little Bridges Trail). Some areas also have observation hides for birdwatching.

Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for family hikes. Late summer is particularly stunning when the heathlands bloom purple, creating a vibrant landscape. Winter walks can also be magical, especially if there's snow, but always check local conditions.

Many trails in the Turnhout area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific route details or local signage for any restrictions, especially in nature reserves where dogs might need to be on a leash to protect wildlife. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them.

Yes, the region has several beautiful water features. The Walking Between Castles and Water route is an easy 4.3-mile (6.9 km) trail that incorporates water elements. You can also find highlights like Warandeplas and Devil's Pit Pond, which are great spots for a break.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 18,000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet and diverse natural landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for family outings.

For families looking for a slightly longer adventure, the Little Bridges Trail is a moderate 6.3-mile (10.1 km) route. It offers a varied experience through forests and heathlands, crossing charming wooden bridges, providing a good challenge for older kids.

Many trailheads in the Turnhout area are accessible by car, often with designated parking areas. For public transport, it's best to check local bus routes that connect to the starting points of specific trails. Turnhout itself is well-connected, and some routes might be reachable from the city center.