Hike through the extensive coniferous forests of the Kempense Heuvelrug. Along the way, the forest is interspersed with heaths and fens such as the Zwart Water and the Snepkensvijver. The Kempense Heuvelrug is a remnant of land dunes that arose when the sea receded.
Distance: 13 km.
Time: 3h30.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: Flat.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: Walking nodes.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Kempische Heuvelrug.
The route starts at the Kruisberg along the oldest Calvary in the country. You go through vast coniferous forests where the Scots pine and Corsican pine dominate the landscape in the direction of the nature reserve Het Zwart Water. Here you walk through mixed forest that is interspersed with beautiful fens and dunes in the direction of the Snepkensvijver. After a visit to the viewing hut, the route goes along the Heiberg before returning to the starting point.
Download PDF for nodes to follow.
POI 1 - Calvary.
The Calvary consist of 14 stations depicting the agony of Jesus and 7 chapels of Our Lady of Seven Pains. The Holy Cross Chapel, also the 12th station, is possibly the oldest part of the Calvary. This chapel was built before 1534, but was later destroyed. The chapel was re-established in 1835 and enlarged in 1841. The Holy Sepulcher is the 14th station and dates from 1761. In 1944 the Holy Sepulcher was destroyed by a V-bomb and restored in 1947.
No extra information.
POI 2 - Zwart water.
The Zwart Water is a classified landscape with both marsh and riparian vegetation and pine forest. The reserve has a lush vegetation and is also an important breeding ground for birds.
No extra information.
POI 3 - Snepkensvijver.
The Snepkensvijver is a wet, swampy area. This is due to its location next to the Kempische Heuvelrug, the land dune between Herentals and Retie. In the depression next to the ridge, the water remains for a long time, forming a fen with a large swampy strip. Heiberg is a collection of smaller nature reserves. The actual Heiberg, the Gemeentehei and the Lavendelven are part of this project. Heiberg is part of a large, freely contiguous complex of pine forests on former heaths and meager grasslands. The Corsican pine grows here in particular. Heather is still found in some places.
No extra information.
