Hoge Kempen National Park

Hoge Kempen Overview

Hoge Kempen National Park (in Dutch: Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen) is located in the province of Limburg, in the northeastern part of Belgium. It is the first and largest national park in Belgium, covering an area of approximately 23 square miles (60 square kilometers). Established in 2006, the park is a protected area that showcases the natural beauty of the Kempen region, known for its heathlands, forests, and expansive sandy landscapes.

The landscape of Hoge Kempen National Park is diverse, featuring heathlands, pine forests, sandy dunes, and lakesformed from former gravel pits. The park is characterized by its rolling hills, which provide sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The Mechelse Heide is one of the largest heathland areas in the park, turning a vibrant purple during the blooming season in late summer. The park also features scenic walking and cycling trails that wind through its varied landscapes, offering visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty.

The vegetation in Hoge Kempen is a mixture of heather, pine, and deciduous forests. The heathlands are home to species such as heather, gorse, and juniper, while the pine forests are dominated by Scots pine and Douglas fir. These ecosystems provide important habitats for rare and endangered plant species, making the park a critical area for conservation.

The wildlife in Hoge Kempen National Park is rich and diverse, particularly for species adapted to heathland and forest environments. The park is home to red deer, roe deer, and foxes, as well as smaller mammals like badgers and hedgehogs. Bird species are abundant, with notable species including nightjars, woodlarks, and honey buzzards. The park also supports a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects, contributing to its status as a biodiversity hotspot in Belgium

Park Map

Hoge Kempen National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Hoge Kempen National Park is home to a variety of species that thrive in its heathlands, forests, and wetlands.

Red deer are commonly found grazing in the park’s meadows and forest edges, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

Roe deer are smaller and more elusive than red deer, often spotted in the park’s woodlands, grazing on leaves and grasses.

Wild boars forage in the park’s forests, digging for roots, tubers, and small animals, and are often seen in family groups.

Red foxes are adaptable predators found throughout the park, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects, often spotted at dawn and dusk.

European hares are fast and agile herbivores, frequently seen grazing in the park’s open meadows, using their speed to evade predators.

Badgers are nocturnal foragers that dig extensive burrows in the park’s woodlands, emerging at night to search for insects, fruits, and small mammals.

Pine martens are agile carnivores that inhabit the park’s forests, feeding on small mammals, birds, and fruits, and are often spotted darting through the trees.

Adder is the park’s only venomous snake, commonly found basking in sunny spots on the heathlands, feeding on small mammals and birds.

Common lizards are small reptiles often seen sunbathing on rocks and logs in the park’s heathlands, feeding on insects and other invertebrates.

Stoats are small, fast predators that hunt in the park’s grasslands and forests, preying on rodents, rabbits, and birds.

Bird Species

Hoge Kempen National Park offers diverse habitats that support a wide variety of bird species, particularly in its heathlands and wetlands.

Common buzzards are frequently seen soaring above the park’s forests and heathlands, using their sharp eyesight to spot small mammals and birds.

Skylarks are small, melodious songbirds often seen soaring high above the park’s heathlands, filling the air with their cheerful song during flight displays.

Peregrine falcons are fast-flying raptors that nest in the park’s cliffs and open areas, known for their incredible speed when diving to catch smaller birds.

Eurasian oystercatchers are black-and-white wading birds with long red bills, often seen along the park’s coastlines, feeding on mollusks and other invertebrates.

Curlews are large wading birds with distinctive long, curved bills, commonly seen in the park’s wetlands, feeding on insects and small invertebrates.

Northern lapwings are black-and-white birds with a striking crest, commonly found in the park’s open fields and wetland areas, known for their aerial displays.

Barn owls are nocturnal hunters often found in the park’s meadows, hunting for voles, mice, and other small mammals during the twilight hours.

Kestrels are small falcons that hover above the park’s grasslands, using their sharp vision to spot small mammals and insects from the air.

Goldfinches are colorful songbirds often seen in the park’s meadows and forest edges, feeding on seeds and adding bright flashes of red and gold to the landscape.

Stonechats are small birds frequently seen perched on bushes in the park’s heathlands, recognized by their black heads and white patches on their wings.

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Engaging Hoge Kempen

Hiking

Hoge Kempen National Park offers over 200 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s iconic heathlands. As you hike, you’ll pass through colorful expanses of heather, forests, and sandy plains.

The park’s diverse terrain allows hikers to experience serene landscapes, with several scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding nature. Hikers can enjoy spotting wildlife, including roe deer and a variety of bird species, while exploring the tranquil environment. With trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, Hoge Kempen is perfect for both casual walkers and serious hikers.

Cycling

The park is a paradise for cyclists, with multiple cycling routes that wind through forests, lakes, and across scenic hills. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride or a more challenging adventure along well-paved paths.

The routes are suitable for all levels, with designated picnic spots and places to stop for nature photography along the way. The park’s cycling network is connected to Belgium’s wider cycle route network, allowing for longer explorations of the region.

Horseback Riding

For a unique way to explore Hoge Kempen National Park, visitors can embark on horseback riding adventures through the forested areas and along sandy paths.

Riding through the park’s natural beauty provides a peaceful and immersive experience, with trails specifically designed for equestrian activities.

Both beginners and experienced riders can enjoy guided tours or self-guided routes, offering a closer connection to the landscape and wildlife.

Stargazing

Hoge Kempen National Park is recognized as a Dark Sky Park, offering an exceptional opportunity for stargazing. Away from city lights, the park’s clear night skies reveal an awe-inspiring view of the stars, constellations, and even planets.

Visitors can join organized stargazing events or simply enjoy the experience independently from one of the designated dark sky observation points. The serene setting of the park at night enhances the magic of this celestial experience.

Connecterra

Connecterra, one of the entrances to Hoge Kempen National Park, offers some of the park’s most breathtaking views. Visitors can climb the terraced hills that were once part of a mining operation and now offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

From the top, you can see across the park’s vast heathlands, forests, and lakes. Connecterra also features several walking trails that explore the natural and industrial heritage of the area, blending scenic beauty with cultural history.

Sources

EUROParcs, Hoge Kempen National Park, https://www.europarcs.com/holiday-parks/belgium/limburg-(be)/hoge-kempen, retrieved August 2024.
Park Site, Hoge Kempen National Park, https://www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be/en, retrieved August 2024.
Terrill's, Hoge Kempen National Park, https://terhills.be/en/hoge-kempen-national-park/, retrieved August 2024.
Visit Limburg, Hoge Kempen National Park, https://www.visitlimburg.be/en/what-to-do/hoge-kempen-national-park, retrieved August 2024.
Wikipedia, Hoge Kempen National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoge_Kempen_National_Park, retrieved August 2024.

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