The best walks and hikes around Turnhout

Turnhout offers a vast network of hiking opportunities, with over 4,800 routes available on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more moderate paths, catering to various fitness levels.

The region around Turnhout, part of the Kempen, is characterized by diverse landscapes. You'll find extensive heathland, dense coniferous forests, serene lakes, winding rivers, and even dry, shifting dunes that transition into saturated fens. Nature reserves like Turnhouts Vennengebied and De Liereman showcase this variety, offering lush greenery, open spaces, and unique ecosystems.

The hiking trails in Turnhout are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 18,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the tranquil natural settings, and the diverse scenery that makes each route unique.

Yes, many routes in Turnhout are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Little Bridges Trail is a popular circular option, as is the Enchant(s) the Land Dunes Walk, both offering varied scenery on a loop.

Absolutely. Turnhout offers many easy routes perfect for families. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for all ages. The Fens Trail, for instance, is an easy 4.7-mile path through tranquil fens and heathland, ideal for a family outing.

Many trails in the Turnhout region are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Specific rules may vary by reserve, so check local signage.

Hiking in Turnhout offers a chance to explore diverse natural features and historical landmarks. You can discover the unique ecosystems of Turnhouts Vennengebied and De Liereman Nature Reserve, with their heathland, fens, and forests. Look out for highlights like the Ronde Put Bird Hide or the Bailey Bridge over the Kempisch Canal. In Oud-Turnhout, some routes even lead through picturesque apple orchards, particularly beautiful during blossom season.

While much of Turnhout's terrain is relatively flat, some routes offer longer distances or more varied landscapes that can be considered moderately challenging. The Scherpenbergen-De Hutten route, for example, covers nearly 9 miles, providing a longer endurance test through diverse natural settings.

The Turnhout area is well-equipped for hikers. Many routes feature cozy huts where you can stop for refreshments or even spend the night. Additionally, Turnhout's Grote Markt (Market Square) provides a central point with cafes and restaurants for post-hike meals and drinks. Green spaces like Stadspark also offer pleasant spots for a break.

Turnhout is beautiful year-round, but spring (April-May) is particularly enchanting when apple blossoms appear in the orchards of Oud-Turnhout. Summer offers lush greenery and longer daylight hours, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the forests. Even winter hiking can be rewarding, with a serene atmosphere across the heathland and fens.

Turnhout is generally accessible, and public transport options are available to reach the city center. From there, many trailheads are within walking or short bus distances. For specific routes, it's advisable to check local bus schedules to plan your journey to the starting point.

Yes, many popular hiking areas and nature reserves around Turnhout offer designated parking facilities. While specific details vary by trailhead, you can often find parking lots conveniently located near the starting points of well-known routes, making access straightforward for those traveling by car.