4.6
(173)
1,308
hikers
Dune Trail
01:55
7.58km
10m
Hiking
Hike the easy 4.7-mile 'Dune' route in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide, exploring heathlands, sand dunes, and views from 'de Stapper' tower.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Kalmthoutse Heide
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
85 m
Kalmthout Heath information board
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.50 km
The Stapper Observation Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.79 km
Pluisven
Highlight • Lake
Here you can hear countless frogs croaking in the summer. Please note: the path along the fen can be very soggy!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.58 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.85 km
2.69 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.90 km
2.38 km
1.59 km
312 m
260 m
140 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Thursday 7 May
18°C
9°C
-- %
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the 'Dune' route?
The 'Dune' walking route is approximately 7.58 kilometers long and typically takes around 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours to complete. This is an easy hike, so your actual time may vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Is the 'Dune' route suitable for beginners?
Yes, this trail is considered an easy hike, making it suitable for all skill levels and great for any fitness level. The paths are generally accessible, with minimal elevation gain.
What is the terrain like on the 'Dune' route?
The route guides you through diverse landscapes, including vast heathlands, significant dune massifs like Hazenduinen and Kriekelareduinen, and quiet forest areas. You'll encounter bare sand, mosses, grasses, and heather. Be aware that the loose sand and open areas can create an extreme microclimate, with temperatures potentially reaching 50°C in summer and becoming very cold in winter.
What unique natural features or wildlife can I see along the way?
The 'Dune' route is known for its internationally recognized dune massifs and is part of the Natura 2000 network. You might spot unique flora such as buntgrass, rough hair moss, sand seagrass, and heather purslane. Keep an eye out for fauna like fast-running beetles, digger wasps, bees, and even the natterjack toad. The heathlands are particularly beautiful when they bloom purple in late summer.
Are there any viewpoints along the 'Dune' route?
Yes, the route offers views of wide, hushed expanses of sand. You'll pass near the The Stapper Observation Tower, which provides a chance for birdwatching over the area and the Stappersven, one of Flanders' largest fenlands.
What is the best time of year to hike the 'Dune' route?
Late summer is particularly recommended when the heathlands transform into a vibrant purple. However, the trail offers tranquility year-round. Be prepared for potentially high temperatures in summer due to the open sandy areas and very cold conditions in winter.
Is the 'Dune' route dog-friendly?
No, dogs are not permitted on this specific route. The footpath partly traverses grazing land, which restricts access for dogs to protect the local wildlife and livestock.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide?
Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. However, it's always a good idea to check the official websites for any updated regulations or specific event requirements. You can find more information on local tourism sites like visitkalmthout.be or visitbrabant.com.
Where can I park to access the 'Dune' route?
While specific parking for the 'Dune' route isn't detailed, Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide has several entrance gates and car parks. It's advisable to check the official park website or local tourism information for the most convenient parking areas near the start of the route. Remember that litter bins are only available at these entrance gates and car parks.
Does the 'Dune' route connect with other trails?
Yes, the 'Dune' route intersects with and briefly follows sections of several other paths within the Grenspark. These include the Wandelpad Duin, MTB Verbindingslus Grenspark, Wandelpad Schaap, Wandelpad Rups, Wandelpad Libel, Grensparkroute, Heideroute, and the Verbindingsstraat.
What should I bring or be aware of when hiking the 'Dune' route?
Given the varied terrain and potential microclimate, wear appropriate footwear for sand and possibly loose ground. Bring enough water, especially in warmer months, as sand does not retain water effectively. There is a general ban on smoking throughout the Grenspark, and you are expected to carry out any trash, as bins are only at entrance gates.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
After a long time we walked again on the Kalmthoutse Heiden. Now that the last days of the beautiful weather are coming to a close, we have chosen to visit the Kalmthoutse Heide again. If we go later in the year it won't be so pleasant. Then this open area has free rein for wind and weather. We park in a parking lot along the Connection Street. Plenty of space. There can be at least 50 cars here. As soon as I get out of the car I start the Komoot App. The first part about the pavement is self-explanatory. The lookout tower De Stapper offers a view over the Stappersven. The tower is ten meters high and you need 53 stairs to get to the top. We're definitely up for that. The reward is the view. A little further on, the App, which I have set to navigate, advises that we should keep left and then immediately left again. We walk on a sandy path towards the Wilgenduinen. Here we switch back a notch in the tempo. The loose sand does not run so easily. We look for the most hardened edges so as not to start wearing out right away. Yes, age is going to play its tricks. The image we are used to from the heathen is still there. Heather that is still in bloom here and there and a lot of dead wood that always forms a useful backdrop for the photo. Of course, a selfie should not be missing. The view in all directions is impressive, soothing and gives you a relaxed feeling. In the distance we can already see the fire tower. There we will have our turning point. When we get closer to the edge of the park, oaks are the first deciduous trees. What is very striking is that there are many fruits. I once learned at school that a change occurs in nature and the trees start producing more fruit to survive. Could we still expect a severe winter or perhaps an extremely dry period? The fire tower can be entered and from there you also have a great view. Further on is a statue in the forest that we have not seen before. And that's true because it was only posted this year. On the way back we see another tree with many fruits. This time a chestnut tree. This tree also bears a lot of fruit that the branches all bend down. The last bit through the loose sand before we are back at the parking lot. Cor