48 hours in Kalmthout

Arriving in Kalmthout and immediately diving into nature? This can be done via the picturesque train stations of Heide and Kalmthout and starts with the walking trail 'Walk the World in Kalmthout'. Along the way you can check in at one of the accommodations along the way and drop in at Visit Kalmthout, pick up your walking information and be amazed by the beautiful nature.

FIRST DAY

Walk the World in Kalmthout
The unique thing about Kalmthout is the variation in landscapes. With this walk you will discover the 'whole' world in Kalmthout. In the Kalmthoutse Heide you imagine yourself on safari through Africa. Before you know it, you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a 'Scandinavian' forest. Santiago de Compostela, the Low Countries and Little Switzerland are also discussed during this walk. It is wonderful to relax in one of the many catering establishments at Heide station. Enjoyment comes first!
Tip: enjoy a delicious lunch at Heide station at Heide Statie.

Arboretum Kalmthout
Relax in the Kalmthout Arboretum, the botanical garden is a wonderful place. Every season you see something new. Winter is a special period, when the witch hazels bloom, and you can discover the largest collection in Europe here in Kalmthout! Regardless of cold or snow, they provide unique, sweetly scented flowers in warm colors.

In autumn, together with the Japanese maples, they display a beautiful display of colour. In the spring, cherry trees and apple trees are in full bloom, a cloud of blossoms! In summer, the butterfly garden in particular attracts attention. Children can then participate in a treasure hunt. They love the big pond and the bonsais. You can relax on one of the many benches or on the terrace of the cafeteria.

Tip: end your day in nature with a stylish dinner at Huize Alberic.

Tired after a day out? Discover one of the many nice addresses in Kalmthout's wide range of accommodation.

SECOND DAY

Cycling in and around the Schietvelden
The nature reserves of the Klein and Groot Schietveld are mainly known as a military domain, but the unspoilt nature is very similar to that of the Kalmthoutse Heide. Including heathland, pine, oak and birch forests, meadows and fens, the Schietvelden are valuable nature reserves north of Antwerp. You can visit the Klein Schietveld by cycling or walking, while this cycle route also allows you to cycle around the Groot Schietveld.

Cycling here is wonderful and the route takes you to hidden places such as 'Franciscanessen' in Gooreind and the beautiful green connection 'Het Beersgat' in Wuustwezel. Next to the Groot Schietveld you pass the varied meadows and arable fields of rural Overbroek, from there you cycle further between the trees to the Klein Schietveld via the historic Maria-ter-Heide district.

The military presence is mainly noticeable in and around Brasschaat airport, where you cycle past the 'Gunfire' site and 'Den Toren', a former lookout post for air traffic controllers, which now houses a mini-museum. Definitely worth taking a break!

Tip: don't forget to sit on a terrace at Perron Noord, so you can spot the sports planes flying in and out when the weather is nice.

't Kotje der Herinnering 
't Kotje der Herinnering is a small private museum on the edge of the Kalmthoutse Heide.

It contains an extensive collection of authentic tools from traditional Flemish crafts and numerous utensils from the world of our previous generations. It mainly covers the period from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. This was a time when our ancestors, mostly small farmers, had to survive under difficult conditions here and in the Kempen region.

A visit to this small museum will give you an idea of a way of life that cannot be compared to that of today. You will be amazed at the simple but oh so effective utensils they used to survive at the time. (It is important to note that the tour is only available in Dutch).

Tip: end your two days in Kalmthout with a delicious pizza from Da Michele.