72 hours in Kalmthout

Arriving in Kalmthout and immediately diving into nature? This is possible via the picturesque train stations of Heide and Kalmthout. Drop in at Visit Kalmthout, pick up your walking information and be amazed by the beautiful nature.

FIRST DAY

Kalmthoutse Heide

Be amazed by the Kalmthoutse Heide, where you will be treated to an exceptional dune landscape. Extensive fens and beautiful pine forests provide extraordinary panoramas that you will hardly find anywhere else. The interaction between sheep grazing, sods, stables and the surrounding agricultural land has shaped the heather into a particularly valuable tourist experience.

Tip: follow hiking trail Libel and enjoy a wonderful 360° view of the Kalmthoutse Heide from the Brandtoren (fire tower).

Tip: enjoy a healthy lunch at Heide City.

Jewish History of Heide

Between 1930 and 1942 there were at least 700 registered Jewish residents. In addition, many hundreds of Jewish tourists came to enjoy nature on weekends and during the summer months. In the late 1920's they built a beautiful synagogue, the only one in Belgium outside the city. They also founded a Yeshiva, a college for Talmudic study, the very first in Belgium. Several hotels were specifically aimed at Jewish tourists. And many boarding houses and rooms with ordinary citizens had Jewish guests.

Before and during the Second World War, many Jews – who had seen the impending disaster coming – had already left Heide and Antwerp. But unfortunately, the 37 Jewish people who remained behind were rounded up by the Germans during two raids in Heide and sent to the camps.

Contact Visit Kalmthout for a tailor-made guide.

Tip: end your first day with a unique experience at Sensi Concepts.

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

SECOND DAY

Arboretum Kalmthout

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

In autumn, together with the Japanese maples, you can enjoy a beautiful display of colour. In spring, cherry trees and apple trees are in full bloom, enjoy this unbelievable clouds of blossoms! During summer, the butterfly garden in particular attracts attention. Children can participate in a treasure hunt. You can relax on one of the many benches or on the sunny terrace of the cafeteria.

Tip: enjoy a delicious lunch in the stately Strijboshof where culture and nature come together.

Grensparkroute

This beautiful cycling route takes you past the most beautiful places in and around the Kalmthoutse Heide. Get off at the new fire tower (between junctions 81 and 25) and enjoy the beautiful view over the Grenspark. Or stop at the Stapper lookout tower and enjoy the beautiful view over the enchanting Stappersven.

At this wonderful place heathland, fens, meadows, forests and polders alternate. With a bit of luck you will see one of the many animals that live here, such as the woodlark or the moor frog.

Did you know that the new fire tower is 42 meters high? Truly impressive to see!

Tip: after a lot of walking and cycling fun, you can enjoy culinary creations at Zilverden.

THIRD DAY

De Maatjes

By de Maatjes in Nieuwmoer you will find the vast Maatjes: a special piece of nature with reed fields, swamp forests and wet meadows. Ornithologists, nature photographers and hikers will enjoy it thanks to the rare reed and meadow birds that reside in this swampy area. De Maatjes also houses numerous remains from the time of peat extraction, which is responsible for the current swamp landscape. So, also for history lovers, the ideal habitat to discover!

'Smikkel Smakkel' walk

This walk is a wonderful outdoor activity for young and old. You stroll through the Withoefse Heide of the Kalmthoutse Heide while looking, smelling and tasting. You will be amazed by the many dishes that the guide prepares with fresh herbs, berries and fruits from nature.

All drinks and dishes are offered to the participants from aperitif to dessert.

Enjoy and taste nature!

Contact Visit Kalmthout for a tailor-made guide.