Pearls of nature and silence around Ravels

A weekend in the Antwerp Kempen means enjoying absolute peace and quiet in a beautiful green setting. Just across the border from Turnhout are the regional forests of Ravels, an 830 hectare forest that is more than a hundred years old. Once you mainly saw heathland and drifting sand areas here, but now the vast area with elderly trees is being returned to its former state.

Green opulence, deep peace

The land was purchased by the province in 1903-1904. He vigorously planted trees to prevent drift, but also to produce wood for the Limburg mines. Nowadays the area is mainly popular as a nature reserve. To make nature more attractive, we are working hard to make the forest more varied. Some of the pines are cut down, giving deciduous trees more space. A few of the old fens have been 'excavated' from the surrounding forests, and are therefore more visible. Via the Miezige Paadje you explore the Kesseven, a large fen with sloping banks.

Green Cathedral

The old purpose of the forest is still clearly visible. Straight lanes and paths cut through the area. With the exuberant canopy of the mature trees above your head, you imagine yourself in a green cathedral, with the trunks serving as pillars that support the green roof. There are now also narrower paths that meet the needs of every hiker who prefers to stroll straight through nature. With a bit of luck you will spot traces of wild boars here.

Photo copyright: Liesbet De Pooter