The National Park Trail is a 110 km long-distance hiking route showcasing the most beautiful corners of Hoge Kempen National Park. This trail surprises with seven climbs, sweeping heathlands, evocative marshes, open lakes, dunes, and fragrant woodlands. It’s one of the few hikes in Flanders (the Flemish region of Belgium) where, for over 100 km, you won’t come across buildings or busy roads.
The National Park Trail is freely accessible. You can hike the 110 km as you wish; choose your starting point, direction, number of stages, and daily distance. You can complete the full 110-km loop or opt for shorter variants. The excellent trail conditions and well-developed infrastructure—signage, rest stops, and information boards—are among the reasons why this Flemish park was recognized. Add to that its easy access (less than an hour from Brussels) and its remarkable landscape diversity.
Hoge Kempen National Park lies in Belgium’s Limburg province, covering a unique natural reserve of 12,000 hectares—from lush forests and pine stands to expansive heaths, sand dunes, shimmering lakes, and viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas. The area spans the municipalities of As, Bilzen, Dilsen-Stokkem, Genk, Lanaken, Maaseik, Maasmechelen, Oudsbergen, and Zutendaal. Besides hiking, it’s ideal for cycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
You can explore the National Park Trail in 3 main ways:
- Map: An exclusive topographical park map will guide you along the National Park Trail.
- Signage: The entire route is marked in both directions. Simply follow the signs to complete the 110-km circuit.
- GPS/GPX: Use the provided GPX file with your hiking GPS device or smartphone.
If you don’t want to miss any highlights of Hoge Kempen National Park, walk the entire 110-km loop. We suggest completing it in 4 or 5 days. We’ve prepared the ideal stages for you. Each stage begins and ends at an official park entrance, offering full services: spacious parking, info panels, toilets, and eateries. Accommodation, from hotels and campsites to B&Bs, holiday parks, pole camping, and vacation homes, is available both near the entrances and along the trail.
Starting Route: GENK Station – KATTEVENNEN (3.8 km)
Reach Kattevennen—the official starting point of the National Park Trail—quickly by walking through Molenvijver Park and forest.
Mainly through vast woodlands along the southern slopes of the Kempen plateau, with Papendaalheide and Papendaalplas providing landscape variety.
From south to north along the plateau edge, you’ll experience heathland scenery and the Ziepbeek valley. Enjoy panoramic views and the first hills on the Mechelse Heide.
Like the previous stage, you follow the edge of the Kempen plateau from south to north. Begin with three climbs, then continue through the Dilser forest to Bergerven and Bosbeek.
Start with earth dunes and marshes, then cross heaths and forests to the mining hills of Thorpark for splendid views.
Walk through the Stiemerbeek valley and forested area back to Kattevennen.
How do you plan your route?
For route planning we work with our partner Komoot, the largest outdoor platform in Belgium and the Netherlands. To use our route planner on Komoot, simply create a free account. The itinerary planner provides an overview of each stage and its main highlights. With one click, you can view all trail amenities: drinking water, shelters, toilets, bus stops, and dining establishments.
Some variations
- Reverse the route to walk in the opposite direction.
- Easily extend or shorten the route if you prefer to start or finish elsewhere.
- You can also skip parts of the trail. Just ensure you’re not following the marked path anymore.
