Flanders' only national park, a mosaic of heath, pine forest, fens and former coal-mine spoil land with a dense network of waymarked walks starting at the Kattevennen area.
The Kattevennen area in Genk, Limburg, is the best-known starting point for walking in Hoge Kempen National Park, the only national park in the Flemish Region of Belgium. The trailhead sits at Kattevennen, 3600 Genk, where the park's visitor facilities, a car park and a café cluster around the old heath. Visitors without a car can take a train to Genk station and continue by De Lijn bus toward Kattevennen, though bus frequency drops in the evenings and on Sundays, so checking timetables beforehand is sensible. Cycling from Genk or Hasselt is a popular alternative, and no permit is needed to walk the public trails.
The waymarked loops range from roughly 4 km to about 15 km, taking between one and a half and four hours at a relaxed pace. Elevation gain stays under 100 m on every loop, so technical difficulty is low and the routes suit first-time hikers and families. Surfaces alternate between sandy forest tracks, compacted gravel, short stretches of boardwalk across wet ground and soft heath paths that can become heavy after rain. Exposure to sun is high on the open heath and moderate under the pine and birch woodland, so shade varies noticeably from section to section.
The landscape is a mosaic of dry heath, pine forest, fens and former coal-mine spoil land. Landmarks along the loops include the heathland around the Kattevennen pools, the wet depressions known as vennen, and viewpoints over the surrounding woods. Walkers who want a shorter outing often turn back after the first pool and fen section, while longer loops continue through forest toward the edge of the park. Heather typically flowers from August into September and turns large stretches purple.
There are no mountain huts, but cafés and refreshment points operate near the Kattevennen start, and drinking water is best carried in because the trails themselves have no taps. Dogs are generally expected to stay on a leash, and grazing animals are used to manage some heath areas, so visitors should keep to marked paths. Ticks are common in long grass and heath, so a check after the walk is advisable.
| Distance | Waymarked loops of roughly 4-15 km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-4 hours per loop |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Train to Genk station, then De Lijn bus toward Kattevennen; a car or bike makes the park easier to cover |
| Best season | April-October (heather blooms August-September) |
| Address | Kattevennen, 3600 Genk, Belgium |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Genk, Limburg, Flemish Region, Belgium
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Water
- Tick protection
- Rain layer
Location
Kattevennen, 3600 Genk, Belgium
50.9576, 5.5232 View on map
Highlights
- Flanders' only national park, with waymarked loops starting at Kattevennen in Genk
- Purple heather bloom across the open heath from August to September
- Mosaic of fens, pine forest and former coal-mine spoil land within one outing
- Gentle terrain under 100 m of climbing, suited to families and first-time hikers
Tips for visiting
- Check De Lijn bus timetables in advance, as services toward Kattevennen thin out on Sundays and evenings.
- Apply tick protection and check clothing after walking through heath and long grass.
- Visit in August or early September for the heather bloom, or in May for fresh green birch and pine.
- Carry water, since the trails have no taps away from the Kattevennen start area.
- Stay on marked paths where grazing animals manage the heath.
When to visit
April to October, with August and September best for blooming heather. Weekday mornings are quieter than sunny summer weekends.
Accessibility
Some paths near the Kattevennen start are firm and relatively level, but sandy and boardwalk sections elsewhere may be difficult for wheelchairs and strollers. Visitors with mobility needs should ask about suitable routes at the park's visitor facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
How long are the walks at Kattevennen in Hoge Kempen National Park?
The waymarked loops run from roughly 4 km to about 15 km. Most take between one and a half and four hours.
Is a permit or entrance fee required to walk in Hoge Kempen National Park?
The public trails can be walked without a permit. Some visitor facilities and attractions in the park may charge separately.
How difficult is the terrain?
The terrain is easy, with under 100 m of climbing on every loop. Sandy and wet sections can slow progress after rain.
When does the heather bloom?
Heather typically flowers in August and September, when large parts of the heath turn purple.