Tour'Keiheuvel\\\' in Balen

This walk introduces you to the Keiheuvel nature reserve, an unspoilt piece of natural tranquility in Belgium. The Keiheuvel is a typical Kempen drifting sand area: the dune ridge forms the separation between the catchment area of the Molse Nete in the north and that of the Grote Nete in the south. Nowadays, Keiheuvel is mainly covered with planted conifers, although oak, birch, rowan and elder bushes also grow there. All in all a unique area: it seems as if you are walking through the dunes along the North Sea.

While walking you have a chance to hear a woodlark, a highly endangered bird species. Early in the spring it returns from its wintering area and performs its beautiful song on the Keiheuvel. In addition to the woodlark, the sparrowhawk also breeds in this nature reserve. You may see it skim through the air while walking, chasing prey with surprising agility.

Part of the route takes you through the Grote Nete area. At this point the Grote Nete is only a modest river of a few meters wide, but with a natural meandering course. This part of the route offers you a nice change from walking through the forest. Here you walk through a fairly open landscape of streams, hedgerows, meadows and meadows. Small deciduous forests and swamp forests grow here and there. And on the northern horizon you see that beautiful green wall of the Keiheuvel.