- Kapellen is part of the 'Green Belt' around Antwerp, historically attracting the city's wealthy merchant class who built estates here to escape urban density.
- The town was historically known for its strategic location on the defensive lines protecting Antwerp, leading to the construction of significant military infrastructure.
- The local landscape is defined by the transition between the sandy soils of the north and the clay soils of the Scheldt valley, resulting in a unique biodiversity.
- The name Kapellen refers to the historic chapels that once served as landmarks for travelers moving between the major trading hubs of the region.
About Kapellen, Belgium
Kapellen is a forested residential municipality in the Antwerp province, situated on the border of the heathlands of the Kempen region. The town serves as a green gateway, characterized by expansive estates like Vordenstein and historic natural reserves such as Oude Landen. Visitors can explore local heritage at sites like the Site Gunfire Brasschaat or enjoy the extensive greenery at Veltwijckpark. It remains a tranquil destination that prioritizes outdoor leisure and ecological conservation over dense urban development.
Highlights of Kapellen, Belgium
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Explore the extensive English-style landscape park and the restored orangery of this historic estate.
Parks
Walk through this protected nature reserve to see a unique transition of vegetation types ranging from dry heath to wet meadows.
Parks
Visit the 19th-century castle and its surrounding parklands, which serve as the green heart of the municipal center.
Museums
Discover a comprehensive collection of historic military artillery and equipment housed in a former army base.
Parks
Traverse this large wooded area that serves as a vital ecological corridor connecting local natural spaces.
Parks
Discover a vast collection of rare trees and shrubs in one of the oldest botanical gardens in the region.
Natural attractions
Walk along the remnants of historical trenches hidden within the wooded terrain of the Mastenbos.
Top things to do in Kapellen, Belgium
The 84 highest-rated places in Kapellen, Belgium, ranked by travellers.
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Zoos
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Natural attractions
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Kapellen, Belgium on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Kapellen, Belgium
Late spring to early autumn, as the region's primary appeal lies in its extensive parks and outdoor forest trails.
2 days, which allows sufficient time to cycle the forest paths and explore the surrounding parklands.
The area is best explored by bicycle or car, as the attractions are spread across a mix of residential zones and nature reserves.
Stay in the central Kapellen area to access the train station and local shops, or look for accommodations near the border with Brasschaat for proximity to major parks.
Mid-range; while accommodation is standard for Belgium, costs for dining and entrance fees remain moderate.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 84 curated attractions in and around Kapellen, Belgium, ranked by traveller ratings.
Arboretum Kalmthout is the highest-rated place to visit in Kapellen, Belgium right now.
The largest category is parks, with 29 places to explore.
Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège.
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