48 hours in Kalmthout

Arriving in Kalmthout and immediately diving into nature? This is possible via the picturesque train stations of Heide and Kalmthout and starts with the walking trail 'Walk the World in Kalmthout'. You can check in at one of the accommodations along the way and drop by Visit Kalmthout to 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. During 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 Arboretum Kalmthout; the botanical garden is a wonderful place. Every season you see something new. Winter is a special period, during which the witch hazels bloom, and you can discover the largest collection in Europe here in Kalmthout! Regardless of the cold or snow, they provide unique, sweetly scented flowers in warm colours.

In autumn, together with the Japanese maples, they show a beautiful display of colour. In the spring, cherry trees and apple trees are in full bloom, and form 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 accommodations.

SECOND DAY

Spike and Suzy Land

Do you consider yourself a creative mind and have you always been curious to know how a comic book is made? Be sure to pay a visit to Spike and Suzy Land (Dutch: Suske en Wiske Land)!

Take the Comic Route (Dutch: Striptoer) through Willy Vandersteen’s old villa and dive into the world of comic books. Here you will experience it all, from creating your own comic book character to playing along in a story yourself. You’re even allowed to use professor Barabas’ time machine to travel back in time … or maybe even take a look into the future! Willy Vandersteen will take you along for an unforgettable experience together with our famous comic book heroes from Kalmthout Spike and Suzy, better known as Suske and Wiske. Be sure to book your ticket in advance so you can claim a spot in one of the tours.

Are you just waking up or does an active comic route seem like something for younger legs to you? Maybe a more traditional museum experience like a visit to Studio Vandersteen will tickle your fancy. Here, you enter the former workspace of Willy Vandersteen as if he is still sitting at his drawing desk today. You can even take a look at the Exciting Exhibition.

Tip: did all that comic book fun make you a little thirsty? End your visit by popping in the Cosy Cafeteria for a refreshing drink, a warm cup of coffee or a beer from the area where Vandersteen grew up.

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. This cycle route even allows you to cycle around the Groot Schietveld as well.

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

Tip 2: end your two days in Kalmthout with a delicious pizza from Da Michele.