Attractions and Places To See around Merksplas - Top 20

Merksplas is rich in history, particularly with the Merksplas-Kolonie, a former vagrants' colony. This extensive site features the Grote Hoeve, a grand farm complex, and the Landloperskapel (Vagrants' Chapel), known for its unique architecture. You can also explore the Colony - Eastern Rampart, which includes a historic ring moat. Another fascinating historical site nearby is the Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau Border Enclaves, a village uniquely divided between Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Warandeplas is an extensive lake surrounded by forests and a nature reserve, ideal for enjoying nature. For a more immersive experience, visit the Landschap De Liereman Visitor Centre, which provides access to one of Belgium's oldest nature reserves. Here, you can explore a mosaic of forests, grasslands, heath, and fens, and potentially spot konik horses, Shetland ponies, sheep, and Galloways. The Merksplas-Kolonie also includes a nature reserve with diverse wildlife.

Yes, Merksplas offers several family-friendly options. The Warandeplas is great for walks and enjoying nature, with a designated zone for dogs to enter the water. The Little Bridges Route is a popular forest adventure with over 20 bridges, perfect for children. The Landschap De Liereman Visitor Centre offers plank paths and viewing huts, making nature accessible for all ages, and the Towpath Along the Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal is a car-free path suitable for family cycling and walking.

Merksplas is an excellent area for hiking. Popular trails include the 'Benevolence in Merksplas Colony Trail', 'Zwart Goor Pond – Caron's Hofke loop from Merksplas', and the 'Colony - Eastern Rampart – Open hay barns Kolonie 5-7 loop from Kolonie Merksplas'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Merksplas guide.

Absolutely! Merksplas offers extensive cycling routes. The Towpath Along the Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal provides a 64 km car-free path. Other routes include the 'Wortel-Kolonie – Wortel Prison loop from Kolonie Merksplas' and the 'Bels Lijntje – 't Zand Recreation Lake loop from Merksplas'. Discover more options on the Cycling around Merksplas guide.

Yes, the Warandeplas is a great spot for dog owners, featuring a designated zone where dogs are allowed to enter the water. Many of the natural areas and walking paths around Merksplas-Kolonie are also suitable for walks with dogs.

The Landschap De Liereman Visitor Centre offers a very spacious parking lot, making it convenient for visitors exploring the nature reserve. Parking is generally available at major attractions and trailheads in the Merksplas-Kolonie area.

Merksplas is enjoyable for outdoor activities throughout the year. For birdwatching, the Warandeplas is particularly active during bird migration and the winter months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, while summer is ideal for enjoying the natural beauty.

Beyond the Warandeplas and Landschap De Liereman, the Merksplas-Kolonie Nature Reserve itself features a diverse landscape of distinctive avenues, open fields, fens, and grasslands. The Blakheide area is also known for its picturesque forests and lakes, offering scenic vistas.

The architecture in Merksplas is largely influenced by its history as a colony. The Grote Hoeve showcases monastic architecture, while the Landloperskapel features an eclectic style with neo-Romanesque elements and steel arches, designed by Victor Besme in the late 19th century. The disciplined layout of the former colony is still visible in its grand avenues and stately buildings.

The Landschap De Liereman Visitor Centre provides plank paths and viewing huts, making parts of the nature reserve accessible. The Towpath Along the Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten Canal is a car-free, flat route, generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.