4.5
(875)
4,042
hikers
130
hikes
Hiking around Kapellen offers a network of trails through varied landscapes, including heathland, forests, and historical sites. The region is characterized by generally flat terrain, making many routes accessible. Hikers can explore areas featuring former railway lines and historical bunkers, providing a blend of nature and local history. The trails primarily traverse woodlands and open fields, with minimal elevation changes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.7
(127)
510
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(97)
274
hikers
12.1km
03:03
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(99)
452
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(88)
237
hikers
11.1km
02:48
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(65)
256
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Looking for a nice walk that passes this Highlight? https://www.thilo.be/wandelblog/historische-wandelroute-kapellen-langs-bunkers-en-antitankgracht/
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2 beautiful walking routes around the fort
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Dogs are not allowed on the Loopgravenpad. This has to do with preserving the historical heritage. The trenches are sandy verges and dogs tend to dig in them. Then the trenches get damaged and we lose this important heritage. In the rest of the Mastenbos, dogs are of course welcome, if they are on a leash. www.natuurenbos.be
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Variety guaranteed in this 178 hectare nature reserve in Kapellen! Various plant and animal species live peacefully side by side in the forest. Nature and Forest pays extra attention to heathland management in the Mastenbos and the rare nightjar is very happy about that. Here and there you can see traces of an old landscape park where majestic avenues take you back to times long past. The water features are an amusement park for bats, frogs, salamanders and toads. The Loopgravenpad is a real must! www.natuurenbos.be
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In August 1914, the fort was at full strength when approximately 500 men were stationed there. They were under the command of Kommandant Jean Vogels. In the end, there was not much action because the fort was evacuated when Antwerp was occupied by the Germans. Kommandant Jean Vogels was appointed Honorary Major on 19 October 1923. In 1917, the fort became part of the German defence line. After the First World War, the fort was modernised. Overpressure chambers against gas attacks and an anti-tank ditch were installed. Again, it was all for nothing because the fort was evacuated on 17 May 1940. After World War II, the fort was used by the Belgian Mine Clearance Service to destroy explosives, mines and ammunition.
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Command bunker at the start of the walking route.
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Wonderful to see how nature absorbs these heirlooms from the horrific war. Some bunkers are even barely visible anymore.
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There are over 130 hiking trails around Kapellen, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The region is known for its varied landscapes, including heathland, forests, and historical sites.
Yes, Kapellen offers many easy trails, with 88 routes classified as easy. These routes typically feature flat terrain and are perfect for a relaxed walk. An example is the Troop bunker 2nd line WWI – Heathland in Mastenbos loop from Kapellen, which is 4.5 miles (7.3 km) long and explores heathland and historical bunkers.
While Kapellen is generally flat, there are moderate options for those looking for a longer excursion. For instance, the Old railway – Fort of Brasschaat loop from Brasschaat is a moderate 7.5 miles (12.1 km) path that follows an old railway line and leads to the historic Fort of Brasschaat.
Many of the trails in Kapellen are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Fort of Brasschaat – Old railway loop from De Uitlegger is a popular circular route, covering 6.1 miles (9.8 km) through historical forts and former railway paths.
Kapellen's hiking trails often pass by significant historical sites. You can explore areas featuring former railway lines, historical bunkers from WWI, and various forts. For example, the Bunker – Fort Ertbrand loop from Putte takes you past a bunker and Fort Ertbrand.
Yes, many of Kapellen's trails are suitable for families due to the region's generally flat terrain and easy difficulty ratings. The shorter, easy loops through heathland and forests are particularly good for walks with children.
Many trails in the Kapellen region are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and open fields. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and respect local regulations, particularly in nature reserves or areas with livestock.
Beyond the trails, the Kapellen area offers several interesting attractions. You can visit historical castles like Brasschaat Castle or explore the Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath. Further afield, you can find city attractions like Grote Markt Antwerp.
The hiking routes in Kapellen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 750 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, the blend of nature with historical elements like bunkers and old railway lines, and the accessible, generally flat terrain.
Kapellen is well-connected by public transport, making it possible to reach many trailheads without a car. Local bus and train services can take you to various starting points for hikes within the region.
Parking is generally available near popular trailheads and in the towns surrounding Kapellen. Many routes, especially those starting from Kapellen or Brasschaat, have designated parking areas or street parking options nearby.
Kapellen offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with blooming heathland in late summer. Winter hikes are also possible, as the terrain is generally flat and less prone to challenging conditions.


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