Attractions and places to see around Herenthout, a municipality in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, offer a diverse landscape of natural features and historical sites. The region is characterized by serene nature reserves, such as Lovenhoek and Kesselse Heath, alongside historic buildings and cultural points of interest. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor spaces and landmarks that showcase the area's natural beauty and heritage.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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The Kesselse Heide is a provincial green space covering 79 hectares, 61 of which are open to the public. The initial acquisition took place in 1978, and it has been expanded since then. The entrance is located in Nijlen, at Vaerestraat 4. The space is freely accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. There are two ponds in the area. These old wells not only provide a pleasant change of scenery but are also a boon for the many plants and animals. Since 1996, the Kesselse Heide has been a protected landscape. It is one of the few remaining remnants of the once vast Kempen heathlands. The heath is a living community created in our region by humans. Historical agricultural practices created a landscape that has been preserved through human intervention: grazing by sheep, burning the heath, and sod cutting. Sod cutting is the removal of the topsoil and vegetation. A dug-out sod of plants and their roots is a sod. If heathland is left untreated, it will evolve into oak and birch forests, and the typical species associated with a heathland habitat will disappear. In the mid-19th century, the Kesselse Heide—like many other parts of the Kempen region—was afforested with Scots pine, a valuable timber for mining. However, during both World Wars, these sod-covered forests were felled, and from then on, the heathland was able to expand again. Current management consists of removing trees and mechanically cutting sods to give the open heathland every chance to thrive. https://youtu.be/NoPf0HSeFz8
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The Kesselse Heide-Het Goor area consists of a variety of nutrient-poor meadows, pastures, marshes, and ponds, bordered and crisscrossed by enclosed landscape types, and contains numerous landscape elements. The area is characterized by a richly varied and sometimes rare flora. Several historic farm buildings can be found within the area. The Kesselse Heide-Het Goor area, with an area of approximately 2,620 hectares, is located between the villages of Nijlen and Kessel, north of the Lier-Herentals road. The northern border of this area is along Vogelzangstraat, the eastern border along Achterbist, Kannaertsstraat, and Goorstraat. The Grote Steenweg forms the southern border, and the western border is formed by Heidestraat and Vaerestraat. The landscape includes the following topographical areas: "Kannaerdsche Heyde," "Kesselse Heide," "Mol Heide," "Achterbiest," "Het Hoog Bosch," "De Hooge Heide," "Het Armveld," "De Schommers" or "Vissen Eynde," "Het Goor," "Het Goorkasteel," and "Hoge Heyde." Several streams traverse the area, specifically the Goorkantloop, the Elstbeek, the Paddenloop, Blauwe Hoekloop, and the Visbeek. The elevation within the area varies from approximately 5 meters +TAW to approximately 10 meters +TAW. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Kesselse Heide-Het Goor, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/302886
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The castle has been the pride of Vorselaar for centuries. Around 1270, the first stone was laid by the knights of Rotselaar. The ground plan has been largely preserved to this day. The castle houses a treasure trove of history and stories, and has been inhabited by noble families all this time.
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Very beautiful medieval castle in the middle of a beautiful forest. A real relief to come here and walk undisturbed.
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Very nice walk with a lot of variety in landscapes and terrain.
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Is just a fantastic ride! Small and narrow roads with little traffic (cars). Few cycle paths. Great cycling!
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Everything you want to know, you can find out here...
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Herenthout offers a variety of natural landscapes, including the extensive Lovenhoek Nature Reserve with its diverse habitats and deciduous forests, and Kesselse Heath, which showcases the Kempen region's original landscape of heath, forests, and fens. You can also find unique fens like The Zwart Water, known for its dark color due to peat development, and the scenic Netekanaal Towpath for cycling.
Yes, Herenthout features several historical landmarks. You can find Borrekens Castle, a privately owned castle set amidst a forest with a beautiful garden. Other notable sites include Kasteel Herlaar, the ancient Kapellekesboom linden tree, and the historic Prinsenhof inn in the Merodebossen. The Herenthout Church and Uilenbergkapel also represent significant historical and community focal points.
The area around Herenthout is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Netekanaal Towpath. For more adventurous cycling, explore the many gravel biking routes, road cycling routes, or MTB trails available. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities, such as Gravel biking around Herenthout, Road Cycling Routes around Herenthout, and MTB Trails around Herenthout.
Absolutely! Many attractions around Herenthout are suitable for families. The Kesselse Heath is particularly family-friendly, with expansive sandy plains that children love. The Netekanaal Towpath offers an easy and pleasant cycling route for all ages, and The Zwart Water provides a unique natural setting for observation. Many nature reserves offer easy walking trails perfect for family outings.
The Zwart Water is a unique fen bordered by woods, gale thickets, and willow breeches. Its name, meaning 'Black Water,' comes from the dark color of the water, which is due to peat development. A floating platform in the middle of the water serves as a resting and nesting spot for birds, making it an excellent location for birdwatching and enjoying serene nature.
Yes, Herenthout is surrounded by excellent nature reserves for hiking and walking. Lovenhoek Nature Reserve offers changing landscapes and valuable deciduous forests, with marked trails like the orange triangles for the nature trail. Kesselse Heath also features the Heidepad, a scenic walking route through heath, forests, and fens. These areas provide diverse terrains for various walking experiences.
Herenthout is famous for hosting Belgium's officially recognized oldest organized carnival parade, with its origins dating back to February 1882. This significant cultural event is a vibrant celebration, and its mascot is 'Peer Stoet.' It's a major annual highlight for the community and visitors alike.
Yes, you can find local establishments near the attractions. For example, 't Schipke aan de Nete is a pub mentioned as a point of interest, suggesting it's a popular local spot. The Prinsenhof, an inn situated in the Merodebossen, also offers a place to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere after exploring the natural surroundings.
The Netekanaal Towpath is ideal for cycling, offering a pleasant and often fast route along the Nete Canal. It connects the Albert Canal with the navigable part of the Nete and is known for its smooth surface, making it suitable for various cycling speeds. It's a great spot to enjoy the outdoors, with several marinas and water sports clubs along its length.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere. The changing landscapes of nature reserves like Lovenhoek Nature Reserve and the authentic Kempen scenery of Kesselse Heath are highly valued. The presence of historical landmarks such as Borrekens Castle also adds to the appeal, offering a blend of nature and heritage.
Yes, Herenthout offers many picturesque spots for nature photography. The diverse habitats of Lovenhoek Nature Reserve, the unique dark waters of The Zwart Water, and the scenic views across Kesselse Heath provide ample opportunities to capture stunning natural beauty throughout the seasons.
Yes, there are several mountain biking trails in the vicinity. You can find various routes, including those that pass through areas like The Zwart Water. For a comprehensive list and details on difficulty, refer to the MTB Trails around Herenthout guide, which includes routes like 'The Black Water – Singletrack in the Forest loop'.


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