Tour of the Hoge Kempen National Park

Hoge Kempen National Park Your route starts at Gasterie de Fontein. Today you will discover De Hoge Kempen National Park, the first national park in Flanders. Between As and Maasmechelen you cross the largest heathland area in Flanders: the seven hundred hectare Mechelse Heide. There was once a primeval forest here, which was decimated by felling and grazing. What remained was a heathland area. In summer the heather blooms beautifully purple and red. You will also pass Domain Pietersheim. Part of the old ring castle, the rampart and the inner moat of this impressive castle ruin are still clearly recognizable. You will also see a chapel that dates from the fourteenth century. The domain has a cafe and information center about the Hoge Kempen National Park.