Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

De Rammelaars Nature Reserve – Broekbos Nature Trail loop from Kwaadmechelen

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

De Rammelaars Nature Reserve – Broekbos Nature Trail loop from Kwaadmechelen

Easy

4.5

(6)

hikers

De Rammelaars Nature Reserve – Broekbos Nature Trail loop from Kwaadmechelen

01:20

5.27km

10m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

7 m

De Rammelaars Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

In De Rammelaars you walk through swamp forests and flowery grasslands, along wooded edges, streams and ponds. It is a low-lying, swampy area with water-loving plants and animals. Various marked hiking trails depart from the Natuur.huis, also with nodes of the Grote Netewoud network. The bird hide and the ponds give you the opportunity to study all kinds of animals up close.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

15 m

Drogevoetenpad De Rammelaars

Highlight • Trail

start routes and info the rattles

Translated by Google •

Tip by

644 m

Broekbos Nature Trail

Highlight • Trail

Waterproof footwear is recommended if you want to walk this route.
Enjoy it.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

973 m

Old Iron Ore Mining Pit

Highlight • Historical Site

A location with a strong story.
Be sure to take some time to take in the scenery.

Information board provides information about iron ore:
About 7 million years ago, the coastline was much further inland. The sea deposited sand in this area. This layer of sand comes to the surface in Diest and is therefore called Diestiaan. Glauconite is found in Diestian. Weathering converts this glauconite into iron oxide.

At the end of the 19th century, several people were employed in the open iron ore mines in Beringen, Paal and Kwaadmechelen. A railway line carried the ore from Gerhoeven across the stream to Hovesteen. The ore was used in the Ruhr area and in the Liège smelters to make rails. Because the iron content here was too low, iron mining in the Kempen disappeared by the turn of the century.

So once upon a time there was economic activity in this peaceful location. Fortunately, we enjoy the peace and nature that has reclaimed everything from iron mining.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.15 km

Ivy - Tree

Highlight • Natural Monument

A special tree where the friendship between oak and ivy is not concealed from passers-by. The Ivy's love is so great for the sturdy oak that she is 'literally' addicted to it.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.48 km