3 Of The Best National Parks And Nature Reserves In Belgium

Belgium is a small European nation with plenty to offer in the way of nature, including great hiking, bird watching and biking, as well as cross-country skiing in the winter. Visitors have a choice of diverse and beautiful settings to choose from in Belgium’s great outdoors. Here we look at three of the best national parks and nature reserves in the country.

1. Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park, Wallonia

In the east of French-speaking Wallonia lies one of the most beautiful and scenic regions. It offers wind-swept moors, along with the enchanting Upper Eifel region in the south, shimmering lakes and forest-covered hills. In fact, Eifel Nature Park is part of a larger nature reserve spreading between Belgium and Germany. Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Natural Park is also home to the highest point in Belgium, the Signal de Botrange, along with the most unusual plant life. Here, botanists can spot the sundew carnivorous plant, as well as the rare bog asphodel.

The park is beautiful in every season, with gorgeous wildflowers and daffodils in the spring. The dark forest canopy gives welcome shade in summer, while, in the fall, the birch trees turn into a golden display. Meanwhile, in the winter months, Signal de Botrange is the place to be for cross-country skiing.

2. Zwin Nature Park, West Flanders

Bird waters and families will particularly appreciate Zwin Nature Park, nestled on the Netherlands border in West Flanders. In fact, Zwin attracts many feathered species and has been dubbed the “international bird airport” for its migratory visitors. More than 350 bird species have been spotted amid the salt marshes, mudflats and scrub forests.

The nature reserve was created in 1952 and was the first protected area of its kind in Flanders. While the park is relatively small, it is one of the most important wetland habitats in Belgium. In spring and fall, visitors can enjoy a stunning range of birdlife, including common shelducks, breeding white storks and Eurasian oystercatchers.

Meanwhile, various walking trails have been provided to give excellent perspectives on the diverse habitats. Birders can also climb a panorama tower for 360-degree views over the dunes, the plain and the polders (reclaimed land). A number of observation huts are also available with free-to-use telescopes. Guides are also on hand to give more information about the region’s fauna and flora.

The Zwin is also popular with families, with its interactive exhibitions in the visitor center. Here, children can learn the science behind flight and the amazing journeys taken by migratory birds. The kids will also enjoy a feeding hut, where they can see birds up close, and a listening station to learn the individual bird calls.

3. Hoge Kempen National Park, Limburg

Set in Limburg Province, Hoge Kempen National Park is a sprawling nature reserve with heathland, forest, marshes and streams. In fact, it is the largest reserve in Flanders and is perfect for adventurous explorers. What the park lacks in elevation, it makes up with sheer beauty, with its purple heathland, sparkling lakes and pine-scented forests. Meanwhile, this beautiful park is home to amazing biodiversity in its plant and animal species.

Hikers can enjoy 80 sign-posted loops, offering a total of 220 km (137 mi) of walking trails. Two excellent trails start in Pietersheim, including one red-signed trail that takes hikers past a beautiful moated castle. Along the way, they will also pass beautiful beech forests, as well as pretty brooks and woodlands.

Anyone looking for more of a challenge can hike the multi-day long-distance trail with camping along the way. Meanwhile, what is dubbed the National Park Trail, was extended to 100 km (62 mi) in 2002 to include fens, dunes, moors and ponds to be enjoyed over four or so days. Moreover, mountain bikers can take advantage of 10 different trails with varying terrain.

Take time out in nature in Belgium in the spring, summer, fall and winter to experience everything this beautiful country has to offer.