The park was established in 2006 as the first national park in the Flemish region.
The highest point in the park reaches 100 meters above sea level, providing panoramic views over the Meuse River valley.
Over 200 species of spiders have been identified within the park's diverse habitats.
The park is home to the last significant heathland areas in Flanders.
It incorporates the Mechelse Heide, one of the largest heathland areas in the region.
Several former mining sites within the park have been rewilded, showing natural succession in reclaimed industrial land.
The park's 'gateways' include repurposed industrial buildings such as a former coal mining facility in Eisden.
It is a key site for the reintroduction and protection of the smooth snake in Belgium.
National Park Hoge Kempen is the only national park in Belgium, spanning over 12,000 hectares of forest and heathland across the Flemish province of Limburg. The landscape is defined by its dramatic topography, featuring high-altitude viewpoints created by former sand and gravel quarries. It serves as a biodiversity hotspot protecting diverse ecosystems including pine forests, drifting dunes, and purple-blooming heather fields. The preserve is managed through a network of nine unique 'gateways' (Poorten) that provide entry points to over 200 kilometers of marked hiking and cycling trails. The park integrates industrial history with ecology, as several trails traverse sites once active in coal mining and mineral extraction. It is part of a larger cross-border collaboration with the Meinweg National Park in the Netherlands. The area supports rare wildlife species, including the smooth snake, the European nightjar, and various dragonflies. Water management is a primary feature, with several lakes formed by past quarrying activities now serving as ecological reservoirs.
The elevated viewing points at Mechelse Heide during the golden hour.
Start your visit at one of the main 'gateways' to access dedicated visitor centers, maps, and local guides.
Combine your hike with a bike rental, as the park is integrated into the extensive Limburg cycle route network.
Download the official park app or physical maps before arriving, as mobile reception can be patchy in dense wooded areas.
Attempting to cover the entire 12,000 hectares in a single visit; failing to check local hunting season notices which may close specific trails.
Park trails remain open year-round, but specific visitor 'gateway' centers may have reduced operational days during the winter season.
Keep dogs on a leash at all times to protect ground-nesting birds; stay on marked paths to prevent erosion of delicate heathland soil.
