The Most Beautiful Heathlands in Belgium to Walk

An endless plain of low shrubs, sandy paths that vanish between the pines and a pool that mirrors the sky. Heathland is one of the most special landscapes in Belgium, and one of the rarest. In August it turns purple, but it is just as beautiful in autumn: rust-brown, with morning mist hanging over the pools and the calm of a landscape where almost nobody is. Pull on your Tundra Walk Hoodie, with caribou on an endless, pale plain, and discover the most beautiful heathlands in Belgium.

What exactly is heathland?

Heathland looks like wild, untouched nature, but it was made by people. For centuries, farmers kept the poor sandy soils open by sod cutting (cutting away the turf), mowing and letting sheep graze. That stopped trees from growing there, and gave heather its chance.

A century ago, according to Natuurpunt, most of the poor, higher-lying sandy soils in Flanders were still covered in heath. 95 per cent of it has since disappeared, partly because huge areas were planted with pine forests for timber. Today, according to the VRT, heathland covers only 0.6 to 1 per cent of the Flemish landscape.

Heather and cross-leaved heath

On dry sandy ground, heather (ling) grows mostly, while on wet, peaty spots you'll find cross-leaved heath. The purple bell heather has a very small range in Belgium. The main flowering period runs from roughly mid-August to mid-September. In autumn the heath turns brown and rust-red, and the pools and mist become the main attraction.

The most beautiful heathlands

Kalmthoutse Heide (Kalmthout, Antwerp province)

The best-known heathland in Flanders. The Natura 2000 site covers around 2,200 hectares, with dunes, dry and wet heath and pools. Together with the Dutch side, it forms a cross-border park of almost 6,000 hectares.

• Start: visitor centre De Vroente (Putsesteenweg 129, Kalmthout), about one and a half kilometres from Kalmthout-Heide station. There are also entrance gates at Volksabdij, Hemelrijk and Ravenhof.
• Routes: around 25 signposted walks, from short loops to a 24 km trek. The popular Dragonfly route (around 5 km) is a lovely introduction.
• What will you see? Grazing sheep and cattle, dunes and pools. The area is home to, among others, the nightjar, woodlark, moor frog and smooth snake.

Mechelse Heide (Hoge Kempen National Park, Maasmechelen)

One of the most beautiful heathlands in the only national park in Flanders. The park covers 12,742 hectares, of which around 10 per cent is heath. In 2025 it attracted more than 600,000 walkers, according to the VRT.

• Start: Mechelse Heide entrance gate (Joseph Smeetslaan 280, Maasmechelen).
• Routes: seven walking loops, from short loops of around 3 to 6 km to a purple route of 12.6 km, which you can also start from Eisden station.
• What will you see? Wide purple and brown plains with hills and views. You'll find, among others, the silver-studded blue (a butterfly), the silver heath sand bee and bell heather.
• Good to know: in May 2025, around 30 hectares of heath burned. Recovery takes three to four years. Sheep help get the heath going again.

Walking from loop to loop with a map in hand: the Trail Compass Sweatshirt suits that perfectly, with a compass in warm earthy tones.

Hageven and De Plateaux (Neerpelt, on the border with the Netherlands)

A border area of 600 hectares with heath, pools and wet grasslands, and eight walking routes. Especially in autumn, when mist hangs over the pools, it is quiet and enchanting here.

Teut-Tenhaagdoornheide (Zonhoven and Houthalen-Helchteren)

A large, varied mix of heath and woodland in the heart of Limburg, with pools, sandy paths and hills. Ideal for a peaceful walk away from the crowds.

Heathland around Genk

Heathland is making a comeback in Genk too. With €6.2 million in Flemish funding, heath was restored there, and according to the VRT it is blooming there "as never before".

Zwart Goor (Merksplas)

A small gem of around 30 hectares, where Galloway cattle keep the heath open. Ideal for a short walk.

Sheep and cattle: the gardeners of the heath

Without management, heath quickly becomes overgrown with grasses, birch and pine. That's why nature managers let sheep and cattle graze there, just as in the past. On the Kalmthoutse Heide and the Mechelse Heide, you may come across a flock with a shepherd if you're lucky. In that case, keep your distance and keep your dog close. A calmly grazing herd on an open plain, like the one on the Elk Meadow Hoodie with a moose in an open meadow, is one of the most beautiful sights on the heath.

Rules on the heath

• Stay on the paths. Heathland is fragile, and ground-nesting birds such as the nightjar nest on the ground.
• Dogs: the rules differ by area. There are dog-free zones, and in grazing areas your dog usually has to be on a lead. You can read tips for walking your dog in the forest in our article on hiking with your dog in the forest.
• Absolutely no fire. In dry weather, heath is extremely dangerous for fires. This was shown again in August 2026, when a campfire was lit on the Kalmthoutse Heide during the solar eclipse: forbidden and life-threatening.
• Walk during the day. On the Kalmthoutse Heide, the signposted paths are accessible from sunrise to sunset.

And what about the High Fens?

The High Fens are not heathland but raised bog. After the major fire of August 2026, a large part of it is also closed. You can read more about that area in our article on hiking in the High Fens. Always check which parts are open before you set off.

Tips for an autumn walk on the heath

• Set out early. On a cold morning, mist often hangs over the pools, and you'll see dew on the spider webs between the heather.
• Wear sturdy shoes. Sandy paths and wet stretches by the pools make the walk harder than you might think.
• Dress in layers. On the open heath it often blows, and there is little shelter.
• Combine heath and forest. In most areas you alternate heath with pine and deciduous woodland. For more autumn forests, see our article on the most beautiful autumn forests in Belgium. A row of pines against the evening sky at the edge of the heath? That's also on the Pine Dusk Sweatshirt.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the most beautiful heath in Belgium?

The Kalmthoutse Heide in Antwerp province and the Mechelse Heide in Hoge Kempen National Park are the best known. Hageven-De Plateaux near Neerpelt and the Teut in Zonhoven are also beautiful.

When does the heath flower in Belgium?

The main flowering period runs from roughly mid-August to mid-September. In autumn the heath turns brown and rust-red.

Can you walk your dog on the heath?

That differs by area. Often your dog has to be on a lead, especially where sheep or cattle are grazing, and some zones are dog-free. Check the signs at the entrance.

For lovers of wide-open landscapes

A morning full of mist, the scent of pines and an open plain as far as you can see: on the heath, you feel how much space nature can give. Discover our walking designs in the Hiking collection, such as the Alpine Bloom T-shirt with colourful wildflowers between rock and sky. Shipping is free across the EU from €45 (otherwise €4.99).