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Duinengordel: Gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park

Explore Duinengordel: Hike, bike, and discover the diverse landscapes of Flanders' Hoge Kempen National Park.

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Duinengordel, the northernmost part of the Hoge Kempen National Park, is a 2400-hectare nature area featuring a diverse landscape of heaths, forests, fens and striking inland dunes. The Oudsberg, the largest inland dune in Flanders, offers panoramic views. It's a prime location for hiking, cycling, and nature exploration.

A brief summary to Duinengordel is deel van Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen binnen RLKM vzw

Local tips

  • Visit the Oudsberg for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's the highest dune in Flanders!
  • Explore the Joekelbos play forest for a fun family adventure. It features play elements, wooden animals, and trails.
  • Check the Duinengordel website for updated trail maps and information on events and activities.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, especially after wet periods, as trails can be muddy and slippery.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic picnic spots near the walking and cycling routes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Duinengordel using public transport, take a train to Genk station. From Genk station, take bus line 34 towards Winterslag. Get off at the 'Winterslagstraat' stop. Duinengordel's office is a short walk from the bus stop at Winterslagstraat 87. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2.50.

  • Car

    If driving to Duinengordel, navigate to Genk and follow signs for Winterslagstraat 87, the location of the Regional Landscape Kempen and Maasland vzw. From the E314 highway, take exit 32 towards Genk and merge onto the N76. Follow signs for Genk Center, then navigate to Winterslagstraat. Free parking is available on-site.

  • Walking

    If you are in the center of Genk, you can walk to Duinengordel. Head towards Winterslagstraat and follow the road. The walk is approximately 20 minutes from central Genk.

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Discover more about Duinengordel is deel van Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen binnen RLKM vzw

Duinengordel, meaning 'Dune Belt,' is a remarkable nature reserve that forms the northern gateway to the expansive Hoge Kempen National Park. This 2400-hectare area showcases a stunning variety of landscapes, from vast heathlands and dense forests to tranquil fens and the most impressive feature: expansive inland dunes. The Oudsberg, the highest and largest open inland dune in Flanders, is the undisputed highlight of Duinengordel. Rising 85 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The unique ecosystem supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore Duinengordel through a network of well-maintained hiking and cycling trails. The area is dotted with landmarks such as the Ruiterskuilen, Turfven, Zwartven, and Broekven fens, each offering a unique perspective on the landscape. The Joekelbos, Flanders' largest play forest, provides a fun and adventurous space for families with children. Duinengordel's history is intertwined with the region's mining past, with large parts of the area reforested with pine trees in the 19th century to support the mining industry. Today, Duinengordel is managed to increase biodiversity and preserve its natural beauty. Several access points offer parking and information, including the Commanderij Gruitrode, a historic site undergoing restoration to become a major gateway to the National Park.

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