Attractions and Places To See in Wortel-Kolonie - Top 20
Attractions and places to see in Wortel-Kolonie include a landscape with significant historical and natural value. This area, located in Hoogstraten, Belgium, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a protected natural area. It features diverse ecosystems, including fens, heathland, and forests, providing habitats for various flora and fauna. Visitors can explore historical landmarks and natural features within this sprawling natural reserve.
Best attractions and places to see in Wortel-Kolonie
- The most popular attractions is Wortel-Kolonie, a historical site that began in 1822 as a free agricultural colony for poor families. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its unique historical significance and its role in social experimentation.
- Another must-see spot is Bootjesven, a natural fen formed by peat extraction. This prominent natural bog is surrounded by pine forests and heathland, serving as a vital habitat for various species like dragonflies and water beetles.
- Visitors also love De Klapekster Visitor Centre, housed in a former vagrants' farm. This visitor center serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Wortel-Kolonie and provides insights into the history of the Colony of Benevolence and the area's natural environment.
- Wortel-Kolonie is known for its historical sites, natural fens, and diverse ecosystems. The area offers a mix of historical landmarks, natural features, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
- The attractions in Wortel-Kolonie are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 80 photos shared.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Wortel-Kolonie
Highlight • Historical Site
In 1870 the Belgian state bought the Wortel colony. They housed male "vagrants" and "beggars" who worked under supervision in the countryside and in workhouses.
Today there are no more "vagrants". The colony has been a protected landscape area since 1999 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.
Our tip: Get up very early, then you might run into a shy deer!
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Bootjesven
Highlight • Lake
By the way: Not only they can dine here - you can also unpack your picnic blanket at the edge of the biotope.
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De Klapekster Visitor Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
Information boards at the Visitor Center 'De Klapekster' provide detailed information about the history and landscape of the Colony.
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View of large peat bogs.
Highlight • Lake
Now you can spot numerous bird species at this location. The marshy grounds are an excellent habitat for many water birds. Different protagonists can be spotted here every season.
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Bootjesven Gravel Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Popular around Wortel-Kolonie
Tips from the Community
The Bootjesven is one of the most famous and beautiful spots in Wortel-Kolonie 🌿. 📍What is the Bootjesven? • It is a natural fen, surrounded by pine forests and heathland, in the heart of the tranquility of the Colony. • The name refers to the "boats" of peat moss that float on the water, giving the surface a fairytale-like appearance. • The fen is a vulnerable nature reserve: special plants such as cotton grass and sundew grow there, and you often find dragonflies and waterfowl there. • It is part of the Merkske Valley, a European Natura 2000 protected area. 🌿 Experience for hikers and cyclists • The Bootjesven is located along several beautiful hiking trails that start from the De Klapekster Visitor Center. • It is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet and nature. • Because it is a sensitive area, walking on designated paths and not allowing dogs off the leash is important for the preservation of this unique natural environment.
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You can visit the shrike at the following times: Day Opening Hours Monday Closed Tuesday–Friday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Groups By appointment only
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The old vagrant farm now houses the De Klapekster Visitor Center, the ideal starting point for your exploration of Wortel-Kolonie. Here, Natuurpunt (Nature Center) tells the fascinating history of the Colony of Benevolence – now a UNESCO World Heritage site – and nature awakens with fens, stately avenues, and rare fauna and flora. Come visit for educational opportunities, guided walks, or simply to reflect on the silence and beauty of this unique place.
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From peat and turf, reclaimed by humans, these fens once began. From the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, the soil here was dug up. The peat, dried and ready for fuel, was removed, year after year. What remains is a rich and wet landscape, where every bird still had a place. In the marsh, the bird chorus resounds, different in every season, again and again. Winter, summer, autumn, or May, new guests sing freely.
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These fens were created by peat extraction. Peat extraction took place on a large scale in the entire Northern Kempen region between the middle of the 13th and the 18th century. Peat is dried peat that was dug from the marshy peat areas. The extracted peat was laid out to dry and then used as a raw material. Now you can spot numerous bird species at this location. The marshy grounds are an excellent habitat for many water birds. Different protagonists can be spotted here every season.
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The Bootjesven is a fen that was created by extracting peat. Peat was extracted on a large scale in the entire Noorderkempen region between the middle of the 13th and the 18th century. Peat is dried peat that was dug from the marshy peat areas. The extracted peat was laid out to dry and then used as a raw material. This location is now a large body of water where it is wonderful to stay. You can cool off up to your knees and no further. Swimming is prohibited.
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Nice little cafe with very nice people and start for a great hike through the Wortel colony.
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parking and departure walking and cycling routes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of Wortel-Kolonie?
Wortel-Kolonie holds significant historical value as it was established in the early 19th century as the first free agricultural colony, aiming to provide poor families with small farms. Later, it housed "vagrants" and "beggars." Since 2021, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its unique role in social experimentation and its well-preserved landscape. You can learn more about its past at the Wortel-Kolonie historical site itself.
Are there any specific historical sites to visit within Wortel-Kolonie?
Yes, beyond the general historical landscape, you can visit the Landlopers Cemetery Wortel-Kolonie, which serves as a poignant reminder of the "vagrants" who worked there, with many graves marked only by a number. Another significant site is the Former Wortel Prison, a building that silently testifies to the strictly regulated living and working conditions of the colony's inhabitants.
What natural features can I explore in Wortel-Kolonie?
Wortel-Kolonie is rich in diverse natural features. A prominent highlight is Bootjesven, a beautiful natural fen surrounded by pine forests and heathland, which was formed through peat extraction and is now a vital habitat for species like dragonflies and water beetles. The area also features stately avenues, open fields, heathland, and grasslands, providing a haven for various flora and fauna.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Wortel-Kolonie?
Wortel-Kolonie is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It boasts over 260 species of mushrooms and diverse plants like sundew and bog-sedge. For birdwatchers, over 75 species breed annually, including hawks, buzzards, and five types of woodpeckers. The fens are excellent for spotting waterbirds. You might also encounter bats, insects, amphibians like the rare pool frog, and mammals such as stoats, polecats, weasels, and shy deer, especially in the early morning.
What outdoor activities are available in Wortel-Kolonie?
Wortel-Kolonie is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and horse riding through its varied landscapes. There are also designated bivouac zones for camping, and numerous spots perfect for bird spotting or a peaceful picnic. Several marked routes, including the UNESCO heritage walk, Bootjesvenpad, and Juul Noeyenspad, guide visitors through scenic and historically significant parts of the area.
Are there cycling routes near the attractions in Wortel-Kolonie?
Yes, Wortel-Kolonie offers a variety of cycling routes. You can find options for touring bicycles, road cycling, and mountain biking. For example, there are routes like the 'Wortel-Kolonie – Wortel Prison loop' for touring bikes, or the 'Molen van 't Veld – Hollow Road and Climb loop' for road cycling. Explore more options on the Cycling in Wortel-Kolonie guide page.
Are there family-friendly activities in Wortel-Kolonie?
Many attractions in Wortel-Kolonie are family-friendly, offering opportunities for outdoor exploration and learning. The diverse natural landscapes are perfect for walks and picnics, and the De Klapekster Visitor Centre provides educational insights into the history and nature of the area, making it a great starting point for families.
Where can I get information and start my visit to Wortel-Kolonie?
The De Klapekster Visitor Centre, located in the former vagrant farm, is the ideal starting point for your exploration. It provides extensive information about the fascinating history of the Colony of Benevolence and the surrounding natural environment, including educational opportunities and guided walks. It also has parking facilities and a cafe.
Is there parking available at Wortel-Kolonie?
Yes, parking facilities are available, particularly at the De Klapekster Visitor Centre, which serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the area. Some highlights, like Wortel-Kolonie itself, also mention parking as a tip for visitors.
What is the best time to visit Wortel-Kolonie?
Wortel-Kolonie offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are excellent for enjoying the diverse flora and fauna, with lush greenery and active wildlife. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the forests. Early mornings are particularly recommended if you wish to spot shy deer or other mammals. The visitor center can provide current information on seasonal highlights.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Wortel-Kolonie?
While the guide data doesn't explicitly state the dog policy for every trail, Wortel-Kolonie is a natural area popular for walks. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash to protect the diverse wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. For specific regulations or designated dog-friendly routes, it's best to check with local visitor information, such as the Visit Hoogstraten website.
Are there places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, next to the De Klapekster Visitor Centre, you will find Brasserie Kolonie 7. This is a convenient spot to strengthen yourself before your exploration or to relax and refuel after a hike or cycle through Wortel-Kolonie.
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