The Hoge Kempen National Park is far from always having been the incredible natural oasis we are fortunate enough to know today. In fact, it’s a former coal-mining site that was in operation until 1987. Quite recently, in fact! Little did we know then that a former mining site would one day host the ideal scenario for a dream getaway!
The Terhills, formerly known as “Connecterra”, is the Park’s main gateway. Today, this tourist area covers some 336 ha, on the edge of the National Park. Discover this paradise close to the capital!
A dream getaway in the heart of nature, 1 hour from Brussels
The Hoge Kempen National Park, created in 2006, is the first Flemish national park. Since 2011, it has also been on UNESCO‘ s “Tentative List”, in the cultural and natural heritage category. With its 12,000 hectares of incredible raw beauty, the park promises moments of total disconnection and all kinds of activities, between lakes and mountains.
For example, over 440km of hiking trails are available, including 88 loop walks (meaning that at the end, you return to your starting point, having passed through the most special places). Loops can be as short as five kilometers, or as long as 16km.
The Haute Campine National Park is also the perfect place for mountain biking, with no less than 400km of mountain bike trails spread over 13 loops! The park is also a delight for horse riders, with 140km of bridle paths running through it. However, this is not a riding center, so there are no horses for hire. You need to bring your own horse.
Let yourself be tempted by Terhills
At the gateway to the Park lies Terhills, a 365-hectare tourist estate on the former Eisden mining site. Now an idyllic tourist destination, Terhills promises a bucolic, environmentally-friendly getaway. All transport is fully electric, and facilities are powered by batteries and solar panels.
Terhills Resort features exclusive cottages, an outdoor sauna, swimming pool and indoor children’s playground, plus a restaurant with its own beach bar! Let yourself be tempted by a delicious meal or a cocktail with your feet in the sand! Terhills Cablepark is a paradise for swimmers. Here you can enjoy a myriad of water sports. What’s more, the Aquapark features a huge 1500m2 water obstacle course for young and old alike. And last but not least, Terhills is also home to its own little village, Masmechlen, where you can shop or simply stroll.
So leave the hectic pace of the capital behind for a getaway, and immerse yourself in a sublime place where you’ll be at one with nature!
📍Address: (Terhills Resort) Nationaal Parklaan 1 (Porte Nord), 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem
📍Address: (Hoge Kempen National Park) Zetellaan z.n. (South Gate), 3630 Maasmechelen (Eisden)