The best walks and hikes around Duffel
4.2
(240)
1,479
hikers
69
hikes
Hiking around Duffel offers access to a landscape characterized by flat riverine paths, nature reserves, and agricultural areas within the Belgian province of Antwerp. The region features gentle terrain with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for accessible walks. Trails often follow the Nete River, providing views of waterways and local flora. The network includes options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes.
Best hiking trails around Duffel
- The most popular hiking route is Schapenhagen Nature Reserve β Roozendaal Estate loop from Duffel, a 13.9 miles (22.3 km) difficult trail that takes 5 hours 38 minutes to complete. This route explores a nature reserve and estate, offering varied natural scenery.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Towpath along the River Nete β Bird Watching Hut loop from Duffel, a moderate 6.0 miles (9.7 km) path. This trail follows the River Nete, leading to a bird watching hut, providing opportunities for wildlife observation.
- Local hikers also love the Towpath along the Nete β Towpath along the River Nete loop from Fort van Duffel, a 5.5 miles (8.9 km) trail leading through riverine landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Duffel is defined by river towpaths, nature reserves, and open countryside. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Duffel are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 230 reviews. More than 1400 hikers have used komoot to explore Duffel's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
4.2
(25)
114
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(26)
114
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(24)
88
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
54
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.1
(7)
56
hikers
12.0km
03:02
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful domain and nice tavern (dogs also welcome!)
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Kasteel ter Elst is a castle located in the municipality of Duffel. It is one of the oldest buildings in the province of Antwerp. A ruin is the only thing left of this castle.
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Schapenhagen is a young nature reserve. 3.5 ha in size. It serves as a flood area to protect the residential areas of Kontich Kazerne from water nuisance.
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The Nete is a river in Belgium in the Scheldt basin. Lier is located at the confluence of the Grote Nete and the Kleine Nete. As Felix Timmermans puts it: "where the three winding Nethen tie a silver knot". Downstream from Lier, the river is simply called Nete or also Benedennete. It flows together with the Dijle at Rumst and thus forms the Rupel, which eventually flows into the Zeeschelde. Tidal effects are noticeable on the Kleine Nete up to Grobbendonk. In the Benedennete, the section from Lier to Rumst (15 km), the Nete Canal starts, which connects the Rupel to the Albert Canal. The basin is part of the Regional Landscape Grote and Kleine Nete. The Nete is navigable up to 600 tons and from Duffel up to 1350 tons.
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The Nete is a river in Belgium in the Scheldt basin. Lier is located at the confluence of the Grote Nete and the Kleine Nete. As Felix Timmermans puts it: "where the three winding Nethen tie a silver knot". Downstream from Lier, the river is simply called Nete or also Benedennete. It flows together with the Dijle at Rumst and thus forms the Rupel, which eventually flows into the Zeeschelde. Tidal effects are noticeable on the Kleine Nete up to Grobbendonk. In the Benedennete, the section from Lier to Rumst (15 km), the Nete Canal starts, which connects the Rupel to the Albert Canal. The basin is part of the Regional Landscape Grote and Kleine Nete. The Nete is navigable up to 600 tons and from Duffel up to 1350 tons.
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On hot days you can cool down here under the canopy of trees.
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Nice to see some art during the walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when hiking around Duffel?
Hiking around Duffel primarily features flat riverine paths, nature reserves, and agricultural areas. The terrain is generally gentle with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for accessible walks. Many trails follow the Nete River, offering views of waterways and local flora.
Are there many hiking trails available in Duffel?
Yes, Duffel offers a good selection of hiking opportunities. There are over 60 hiking routes available, catering to various preferences and skill levels.
What is the general difficulty level of hikes in Duffel?
The hiking trails in Duffel are predominantly easy to moderate. Out of over 60 routes, 43 are classified as easy and 24 as moderate. There are also a couple of more difficult routes for those seeking a longer challenge.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Duffel?
Yes, many of the trails around Duffel are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Towpath along the Nete β Towpath along the River Nete loop from Duffel is a popular easy circular option.
What are some natural features or landmarks I can see on hikes near Duffel?
While hiking around Duffel, you can explore various natural reserves and riverine landscapes. Notable natural highlights include the Mispeldonk Nature Reserve and the Broek De Naeyer Nature Reserve. You might also encounter the Zennegat, where rivers converge.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Duffel?
Given the gentle terrain and numerous easy routes, Duffel is well-suited for family-friendly hikes. Many paths along the Nete River are flat and accessible, perfect for a leisurely stroll with children.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Duffel?
Most nature areas and public paths in Belgium, including those around Duffel, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always advisable to check specific reserve rules if you plan to enter a designated nature reserve.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Duffel?
The gentle terrain of Duffel makes it suitable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is great for riverside walks. Even in winter, the flat paths can be enjoyable, though conditions might be wetter.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Duffel?
The hiking routes in Duffel are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 230 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful riverine landscapes, the accessibility of the trails, and the opportunities for wildlife observation, especially near bird-watching huts.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available in Duffel?
While most routes are easy to moderate, there are a few longer options for experienced hikers. The Schapenhagen Nature Reserve β Roozendaal Estate loop from Duffel is a difficult 22.3 km trail that takes over 5 hours to complete, offering varied natural scenery.
Are there any specific trails that offer good opportunities for bird watching?
Yes, the riverine landscapes around Duffel are excellent for bird watching. The Towpath along the River Nete β Bird Watching Hut loop from Duffel specifically leads to a bird watching hut, providing dedicated opportunities for wildlife observation.
How long are the typical hiking trails around Duffel?
Hiking trails around Duffel vary in length. You can find shorter, easy strolls of a few kilometers, such as the 7.4 km Towpath along the Nete β Towpath along the River Nete loop from Duffel, up to longer routes like the 22.3 km Schapenhagen Nature Reserve β Roozendaal Estate loop from Duffel.
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