Experience and discover
Gateways
Kelchterhoef
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Kelchterhoefstraat z/n
3530 Houthalen-Helchteren
+32 11 49 21 40
www.toerismehouthalen-helchteren.be
toerisme@houthalen-helchteren.be
Walk around the ponds and discover the beautiful scenery, spot the woodpecker in the historical chestnut tree lane or step across the pond on the wooden footpath. See your children play to their hearts’ content at ‘De Bosberg’ play forest or indulge in the ecological nature playground on ‘Hoeve Jan’. Perch on the romantic tree bench, stroll across the water or enjoy a cosy picnic on the island. Or maybe you would like to surf or sail? Here you can do it all!
What is there to do?
Watersports
In ‘De Plas’ recreation park, you can enjoy yourself on, in and under water. Whether it’s supping, kayaking, sailing or rowing: you can do it all here. In July and August, part of the lake is sectioned off as a swimming pond with an intimate sandy beach. If you prefer to swim indoors, this can be done in ‘De Bosberg’ holiday centre (only for groups and following reservation)
www.waclimburg.be
www.vvwkelchteren.be
www.gezinsvakantie.be
Adventureand climbing
The real adventurers among us can choose from a challenging ropes track, climbing trees, pamper pole or zip lines. Or opt for a taxing mountain bike ride in the ‘Kelchterhoef’ area. If you fancy any more action, then paintball is also an option.
www.waclimburg.be
www.paintballarena.be
Picknicking
An intimate or romantic picnic on the water? This is possible on the abbey pond in ‘Kelchterhoef’. Take off your shoes and step across the bridge to the picnic island. If you’d rather not get your feet wet, then lie back on one of the banks with your picnic blanket. And to take the hassle out of the experience, you can order your pre-filled picnic hamper from the Houthalen-Helchteren tourism office.
www.toerismehouthalen-helchteren.be/picknicken
Hiking
From the abbey farmhouse, there are several routes that lead you along the most beautiful places of ‘Kelchterhoef’ and ‘Ten Haagdoorn’. You walk across the water and even with your feet in the water. Even your faithful hound can join you; there is a 1-ha dedicated dog play area. The little ones can tag along with Norbert the Oak Tree on his Beastly Tree Track, which features plenty of games and tasks. Find your ideal route on www.wandeleninlimburg.beand www.toerismehouthalen-helchteren.be
www.natuurenbos.be/teut-tenhaagdoorn
buy the hiking map
Hiking areas nearby
- ‘Hengelhoef’ – ‘Ten Haagdoorn’
- ‘Bokrijk-Kiewit’
Cycling
‘Kelchterhoef’ is located on the Limburg cycling route network that connects the entire region. The cycling map is available from the Houthalen-Helchteren tourism office . If you prefer a signposted cycling loop, then choose one of the themed cycling loops through the ‘Wijers’ using the Wijers cycling map or ask the tourism office about one of the other cycling routes. Bikes can be rented via www.toerismelimburg.be/nl/fietsservice
BUY THE CYCLING MAP
Food & Drink
Nearby
Hengelhoef Estate
‘Hengelhoef’ Estate comprises the welcoming visitors' centre of the Limburg Landscape Nature Society. In and around this typical Kempen half-timbered house, you can experience what life was like on the heath. You can have a quiet drink or take part in one of the fun activities. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the nature reserve ‘Hengelhoef’ and heath areas ‘Teut’ and ‘Ten Haagdoorn ’.
www.limburgs-landschap.be
‘Hengelhoef’ holiday park
‘Hengelhoef’ boasts a subtropical swimming pool, a vast sandy beach along a large lake, an indoor play area, pedal boats and much more. Children will not be bored for a minute here.
www.oostappenvakantieparken.nl/vakantiepark/hengelhoef
‘Molenheide’ holiday park
‘Molenheide’ holiday park guarantees a relaxing holiday or a fun family outing. Have fun in the giant indoor Kids Valley playground or plunge into the pool. The indoor miniature golf course ‘De Mijn’ takes you on an exciting journey through the region’s mining history.
www.molenheide.be
Holiday Suites
A day in this holiday home stands for hiking, swimming, cycling and above all having lots of fun! Children can have fun on the playground, play in the woods or plunge into the outdoor swimming pool.
www.holidaysuites.be/vakantieverblijven/vakantiedomein-houthalen-helchteren-limburg
'Molenheide' wild and hikinh park
In this 100-ha park, you will discover the typical flora and fauna of the Kempen. Come up real close to deer or make friends with free-range farmyard animals. Study the wild boar or spot acrobatic squirrels. Several hiking trails take you through the woods, land dunes and heath plains. You can relax in the forest canteen while the children can let off some steam in the play area.
http://toerisme.houthalen-helchteren.be
Greenville
The old main building of the Kempen coal mines has been converted into a green industrial complex. In the visitors' centre, you will be taken on a journey through time. You start with the mining past and end up in the future of energy and materials.
www.greenville.be
'Ter Dolen' castle brewery
A castle brewery that brews 'Ter Dolen' beer with great passion and craftsmanship. Here, the boss tastes his beer every day to guarantee quality. On the terrace or in the authentic brewery café, you can enjoy a local brew and a delicious piece of ‘Ter Dolen’ cheese. On weekends, there are regular guided tours.
www.terdolen.be
Royal Limburg Golf
Hitting a ball in amongst the heathland in a stunning setting: this is possible at Royal Limburg Golf. A day of golf is also possible.
http://klgc.be