Sometimes it’s the smallest moments of happiness that make a day out or holiday truly special.
In Bosland National Park, those moments are never far away. Unwind in vast forests. Stretch out on warm dune sand, far from the bustle of everyday life. Or climb the Reus van Bosland tower, to locate the perfect spot for a picnic.
Bosland National Park is a haven for anyone seeking peace and space. Cyclists and walkers will find endless routes and walks here, while nature lovers can encounter plants and animals that have become rare elsewhere in Flanders. Families with kids are equally well catered for, as there’s lots for everyone to enjoy.
Bosland National Park is one of the four officially recognised national parks in Flanders. Everywhere you look, you’ll see why: open landscapes, an abundance of nature, quiet villages, and peaceful country lanes.
Read on to get truly inspired, and set off on your own microadventure in Bosland National Park!
LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE
Discover the wild side of Flanders!
Bosland National Park stretches across more than 5,000 hectares in three municipalities (Hechtel-Eksel, Lommel, and Pelt), and is still being extended and becoming even wilder. It’s home to an attractive and varied landscape of forests, heathland, wetlands, inland dunes, stream valleys, and wide open spaces.
PELT
HECHTEL-EKSEL
LOMMEL
BOSLAND NATIONAL PARK
Nature
The highlights
LOMMELSE SAHARA
With its seemingly endless sand plains, the Lommelse Sahara truly lives up to its name. An amazing discovery!
PIJNVEN
Fancy a proper woodland walk? The forests of Pijnven cover around 2,000 hectares. Children can run wild in the woodland playground.
IN DEN BRAND
Amid towering inland dunes, you can leave the outside world completely behind. It’s a rare landscape in Flanders, and remarkable even by European standards.
HOLVEN
- ‘T PLAT
This is where pine woods on ancient dunes meet wetlands and marshy woodland. The small pools here are home to 17 species of dragonfly.
The Big Five of Bosland
You’ve probably heard of the Big Five of the African savannah, but did you know Bosland National Park has its own? No lions or elephants, but still exciting if you spot them. Keep your eyes peeled, your binoculars ready, and look out for wolves, foxes, roe deer, wild boar, and the eagle owl.
The Magnificent Seven
The Big Five are not the only remarkable creatures living in Bosland National Park. You might also spot a kingfisher flashing bright blue over the water, or the mysterious nightjar, which becomes active after sunset. Not to mention the spring fire spider, smooth snake, heath fritillary butterfly, woodlark, and tadpole shrimp.
Ravens in the Woods
Ravens have returned to Bosland National Park in recent years. These large, intelligent members of the crow family are curious and clever. You might even catch one observing you.
A safari in northern Limburg? Absolutely! Join the Nerdland Safari, created by Belgian comedian Lieven Scheire and insect expert Peter Berx. Download the route, scan QR codes along the way, and watch entertaining and informative videos about the wildlife and plants of Bosland National Park. Unless you already know everything about antlions and slime moulds, of course!
Klankenbos – Europe’s only sound forest
Just outside the park lies something unique: a forest filled with artworks that make noise Sound good? You bet it does! Perfect for families, and easy to get to near the park in the nearby charming centre of Neerpelt.
Free rein in the woods
In Bosland National Park, children can truly be children. In woodland playgrounds, they can build dens, search for hidden treasures, scramble over trees and through the undergrowth, and play freely in nature.
GETTING DIRTY IS HALF THE FUN
In Heesakkerpark play landscape, kids can get muddy while having fun. They can drag branches around, splash about in the water, or play with mud — anything goes. Careful you don’t fall off the balance beam — or just do it, of course!
ART IN THE SAND
In the Sahara woodland playground (one glance and you’ll understand the name), kids (and adults) can roam freely. It’s home to willow huts, a 25-metre tunnel, and a path made of stepping stones. Artist Will Beckers, together with young people from Lommel, created everything from natural materials .
ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE FUN IN THE DUNES
Did you think sand dunes only exist at the seaside? Well, you’ll also find them in Den Brand woodland playground – and everyone is welcome to dig holes, build sandcastles, and generally run wild. Who can get from the top of the dune to the bottom first? The winner gets to choose where to rest; stretched out on a giant red ant? Or perhaps on a huge beetle or butterfly?
NATURE’S OWN PLAYGROUND
In the Resterheide woodland playground, Mother Nature provides the toys. There are branches for building dens, puddles for splashing in, trees for climbing, piles of leaves to roll around in, and a wobbly little bridge across a stream. Just try not to fall in — unless you want to!
Up into the trees
Stay neatly on the paths? Not in the Pijnven woodland playground. Here, children can climb trees and build dens to their heart’s content. For the youngest visitors, there are four play meadows where they can safely explore and romp around. The Forest Residents’ Trail also starts here. This walk for kids leads past wooden animal sculptures with fun tasks about the creatures that live in the forest.
Disc Golf
Never heard of it? Disc Golf is a combination of golf and Frisbee throwing. You have to throw the disc into a DisCatcher, a basket-like target. Whoever completes the course in the fewest throws wins. At Pijnven, there’s a mini disc-golf course with three holes.
Geocaching
Geocaching involves heading out with your phone to search for hidden treasures. In Bosland National Park, there are more than 45 caches waiting to be discovered. It’s one of the most exciting ways to explore this beautiful region — and great fun for children too.
Stay overnight in nature
Make your trip to Bosland National Park even more special by booking a night — or several — in the area. There’s plenty of choice.
GLAMPING
NATUUR-LIKE
Fancy waking up among cows and vineyards after spending the night in a luxury tent with a made-up double bed? There’s only one place for that; the Natuur-like farm campsite.
B&Bs FRANCISCUSHOF
Stay in a B&B or a spacious holiday home at Franciscushof. Or simply drop by for a delicious homemade ice-cream. Top tip for children; go on a guided pony ride or donkey ride.
DE PAENHOEVE
Once a brewery, De Paenhoeve is now a wonderful B&B with wellness facilities and a swimming pond. Need to recharge your batteries? This is the place.
’T KLIJNE HUYS
In this cosy little house, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. It’s the perfect base for walks and bike rides in the surrounding countryside. Breakfast includes home-made bread and sweet treats.
CAMPING BALLASTHOEVE
Camp right on the edge of the forest, close to cycling, walking and mountain-bike routes. Or how about a nostalgic night in a colourful shepherd’s wagon?
HOLIDAY PARKS
CENTER PARCS DE VOSSEMEREN
Stay in your own cottage? Yup. A subtropical swimming paradise with wellness? Of course. A lake for water-skiing? Included. An indoor pirate play world? You bet. You can even help keep nature clean by joining a CleanWalk litter-picking walk.
LANDAL PARK EKSEL
The number 1 hotspot for an active family holiday. From this holiday park, you can step straight into nature. There’s also plenty to do inside the park too, as long as you can bring yourself to leave your stylish white bungalow.
HOLIDAY HOMES
DE ZWALUWHOEVE (PELT)
Sustainability comes first here. This holiday home is heated 100% fossil-free, without sacrificing comfort of course.
ZAND 7
The name of this beautifully renovated farm refers to Lommel’s historic sand extraction. Enjoy the views from the raised terrace.
HOTEL
HOTEL CORBIE LOMMEL
This hotel offers both rooms and studios. Thanks to its central location next to Lommel Town Hall, you can combine the convenience of the town with the tranquillity of the surrounding nature.
GET A TASTE of nature
Planning a long walk or bike ride?
Mother Inge and daughter Silke will prepare a delicious picnic for you to take with you.
De Korhaan is one of the oldest distilleries in Belgium. In a virtual museum, you can discover nearly 200 years of history in 3D. Of course, no visit would be complete without tasting one of their 100% natural jenevers or liqueurs.
Tea, pralines, biscuits, even gin; if it carries the Bosland label, you can be sure it’s the product of local businesses.
Enjoy a tasting with a guided tour led by master brewer Eddy at Mølder & Coöp. Tastings are held on Saturday afternoons and Thursday evenings.
De Korhaan Experience Centre Local products
Mølder & Coöp Microbrewery
Bucket-list experiences
Cycling through the trees
Pedal your way to the top! This 700-metre spiral bike bridge gradually lifts you up into the treetops, about 10 metres above the ground. It’s a truly unique experience and lies close to a cycling node, forming the highlight of several cycling routes. In fact, it’s the centrepiece of one of Flanders’ Finest cycling routes.
Prefer to go to the bridge on foot? A pleasant walk through the Pijnven will lead you straight there.
A day in the Lommelse Sahara
The world’s smallest desert? Possibly. But the Lommelse Sahara certainly lives up to its name. It was created around a century ago through sand extraction and industry. Nothing remains of these activities, and it’s now a stunning natural area with sand plains, bright blue lakes, pine forests, and quiet heathland
And don’t think there’s nothing to do in this minidesert. Bring the kids – or grandchildren – along to the woodland playground. Take on the challenge of the Reus van Bosland, a spectacular viewing tower with sweeping views across the landscape. Or visit House of Nature, a monumental structure created by artist Will Beckers and the starting point for several hikes. One of them is even a Flanders’ Finest trail: the Sahara Trail. Just don’t forget your picnic rucksack and water bottle!
FOR CYCLISTS AND WALKERS: OUT AND ABOUT IN BOSLAND NATIONAL PARK
The best way to explore Bosland National Park? By bike or on foot. Fill your lungs with the fresh air and enjoy the most beautiful spots and most spectacular views along the way. To get you started, we have some great cycle and walking routes ready for you.
Hiking
Bosland National Park is a true paradise for hikers. There are countless trails to explore, both signposted routes and paths you can map out yourself. Short or long, relaxing or challenging, with play areas for children or accessible paths for wheelchair users – there’s something for everyone.
Flanders’ Finest Trail
The Sahara Trail
The most iconic trails in Flanders receive the prestigious Flanders’ Finest label. Bosland National Park is home to one of them: the Sahara Trail. It takes you through the Lommelse Sahara, a unique landscape of sandy plains, heathland pools, and pine forests. The trail starts at House of Nature, and is 12-km long. Along the way, you can climb the Reus van Bosland, a 30-metre observation tower – if you dare!
In den Brand
In den Brand means ‘on fire’. The area got this name because people used to here to gather firewood long ago. Today, In den Brand is known as Flanders’ largest sandbox. You’ll walk across towering dunes and through majestic deciduous forests.
Grote Hof - Hobos
In the 18th century, the Hobos estate served as the base of drossaard Clerckx – the judge who sent dozens of Bokkenrijders (roving bandits) to the gallows. Today, it’s an unspoilt nature reserve where rare species such as the nightjar and the smooth snake thrive.
Wheelchair-friendly paths
In Kattenbos, there’s a 2.2-km path designed for wheelchair users. The path is paved and includes extra resting areas and a picnic spot.
There’s another accessible path which starts near the MS Clinic in Pelt, and passes through the beautiful Holven – ’t Plat nature area Along this 1.8-km fully paved path, you’ll find specially designed nature-experience installations.
Cycling
Not everyone knows that the famous cycling node network was invented in the province of Limburg. It’s one of the reasons why this green region has become a true cycling paradise. You’ll notice that everywhere in Bosland National Park.
Cycling through Bosland National Park
For experienced cyclists, there’s a challenging 75-km route that takes you past all the highlights of Bosland National Park. Lycra on? Legs warmed up? Energy gels packed? Let’s go!
Flanders’ Finest Cycle Route Cycling Through the Trees
Flanders’ Finest: only to Flanders’ most iconic cycle routes are awarded this honorary title. There’s one in Bosland National Park as well: Cycling Through the Trees, involving a 36 km route through woods and heathland. Along the way, you can take a break at the German cemetery in Lommel, the largest in Western Europe. The highlight, however, is the unique cycling spiral that takes you right up to the tops of the pine trees!
Leen Gysen, VISITFLANDERS, Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
LEGAL DEPOSIT
D/2026/5635/24
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