Attractions and Places To See in Kolonie Merksplas - Top 20
Attractions and places to see in Kolonie Merksplas is a historic site in Belgium, once a 19th-century penal colony. This UNESCO cultural heritage and recreational area spans over 500 hectares, offering a blend of cultural landmarks and expansive natural beauty. The region features diverse landscapes, including characteristic avenues, open fields, fens, and grasslands. It is a destination for exploring both its unique history and its natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see in Kolonie Merksplas
- The most popular attractions is Landlopers Chapel Merksplas-Kolonie, a religious building that is a monumental former prison chapel. Designed by Victor Besme, it features an eclectic architectural style and is now used as an event location.
- Another must-see spot is Colony - Eastern Rampart, a historical site. This nearly 7 km long ring moat was dug from 1893 to prevent escapes, and the marked 'Escape Path' follows its route.
- Visitors also love Blakheide, a nature reserve. This area is a focus for heathland restoration and features a large clay pit with a bird-watching wall.
- Kolonie Merksplas is known for its historical sites, natural reserves, and extensive walking and cycling routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from architectural landmarks to diverse natural landscapes.
- The attractions in Kolonie Merksplas are appreciated by the komoot community, with 32 highlights, over 100 photos, and more than 260 upvotes.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Landlopers Chapel Merksplas-Kolonie
Highlight • Religious Site
The Chapel of Merksplas Colony is a combination of neo-romanticism with half-timbering
steel arched trusses resting on cast iron columns adjacent to the outer wall. This creates a 600 m2 hall church in which no pillars or side aisles are visible.
Recently, the restoration of the Landloper Chapel in Merksplas-Colonie was completed.
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Colony - Eastern Rampart
Highlight • Historical Site
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Memorial John William Harper V.C 29/09/1944
Highlight • Monument
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Grote Hoeve
Highlight • Historical Site
You can still see from the former stables that dairy cows, sheep, pigs and cows lived here. Potatoes, corn and oats were also grown here - all the work was done by the "tramps" who lived (or had to) live here.
At Brasserie Colonie 7 you can fortify yourself in the listed living quarters of the Grote Hoeve - be sure to try the farm ice cream. Yummy!
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Blakheide
Highlight • Natural
The Blakheide is a beautiful nature reserve in Beerse on the border with Rijkevorsel and is located in a European protection area, a so-called Natura 2000 area, where heathland restoration is one of the most important goals. There is a birdwatching wall at the large clay pit so that you can spot water birds without scaring them. Yellow sand was once extracted from the birdwatching wall, which created a lower piece of heathland. The standing wall gives a clear picture of the soil type podzol, a poor gray cover sand soil on top of the yellow sand. The forest near the banks mainly consists of deciduous trees (birch, oak, ...). In recent years, a lot of work has been done in this nature reserve. During the work, a number of larger open spaces were created, some of which may spontaneously evolve into forest (with native tree species such as birch and summer oak). At 5 locations, the former forest makes way for heathland. In total, this involves a
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Other adventures in Kolonie Merksplas
Tips from the Community
It's always good to be confronted with our history...
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A monument erected for Colonel J.P Harper.
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Be sure to try a Vagebond beer at Colonie7, a beautiful location on the large farm!
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Hey ... and in Colonie7, a beautiful location on the large farm (currently under restoration) you can take a break with a Vagebond beer!
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The Vagrant Chapel of Merksplas-Kolonie was built at the end of the 19th century according to a design by Victor Besme. She is devoted to Our Lady's Assumption. This large and spacious chapel with a robust brick tower forms one whole with the other main buildings in Merksplas-Kolonie. The architectural style of this chapel is eclectic, which is evident from the neo-Romanesque elements and the steel arches. The 'skylight' in the ridge is also unique, which provides surprising light. That is also necessary, because this building is not oriented to the east, but to the west. This way, the vagabonds could take the shortest (and straight) route from their sleeping pavilions to the celebration of mass. Under the chapel there are large cellars where harvested vegetables were stored and meat was brined. Carts were loaded and unloaded via the back entrance. This building has been protected since 1999 and can be visited during a Colony 57 guided walk. The Prison Museum is located in the basement of the building.
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The Grote Hoeve was built in 1880 according to a design by Victor Besme in monastic architecture. The buildings are arranged along a large rectangular courtyard. The former stables still show that dairy cows, sheep, pigs and cows lived here. Potatoes, corn and oats were also grown here - all the work was done by the "wanderers" who lived (or had to live) here.
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To prevent the increase in escape attempts, a ring moat was dug from 1893 onwards, approximately 10 meters wide and almost 7 km long. The mapped out walk 'The Escape Path' follows this ring moat / ring wall.
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Former majestic place of worship of the vagabonds can now be rented for private purposes. All information at https://www.colony57.be/landloperskapel-merksplas
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Kolonie Merksplas?
Kolonie Merksplas is rich in history. You can visit the Landlopers Chapel Merksplas-Kolonie, a monumental former prison chapel with unique architecture, now used for events. Another significant site is the Grote Hoeve, a large farm complex built in monastic style, which once housed livestock and where former inhabitants worked. The Prison Museum, located in the basement of the Grote Hoeve, offers insights into the colony's past.
Are there natural areas or reserves to visit in Kolonie Merksplas?
Yes, Kolonie Merksplas features extensive natural areas. The Blakheide is a beautiful nature reserve focusing on heathland restoration, complete with a large clay pit and a bird-watching wall. You can also explore 'Het Biesven', a naturally restored fen, and enjoy varied landscapes with avenues, open fields, and grasslands throughout the 500-hectare domain.
What outdoor activities are available in Kolonie Merksplas?
The area is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive walking and cycling routes through its diverse landscapes. For specific routes, explore options like Cycling in Kolonie Merksplas or Easy hikes in Kolonie Merksplas. The marked 'Escape Path' follows the nearly 7 km long ring moat, offering a unique historical walk.
Is Kolonie Merksplas suitable for families with children?
Kolonie Merksplas offers several family-friendly options. The Visitor Center Kolonie 5-7, located in the former piggery of the Grote Hoeve, provides an animated film about the colony's origins and information on local flora and fauna. The extensive natural areas with walking paths are great for family strolls, and designated picnic areas provide space for relaxation.
Can I bring my dog to Kolonie Merksplas?
Yes, Kolonie Merksplas is generally dog-friendly, with many walking paths suitable for dogs. The extensive natural areas and marked routes like the 'Escape Path' provide ample space for walks. Always ensure your dog is kept under control, especially in nature reserves, and follow any local signage regarding pet regulations.
Are there any unique historical features related to the former penal colony?
Beyond the main buildings, you can find a complete 'justice village' with renovated authentic gendarme houses and a small school. The Colony - Eastern Rampart, a 10-meter-wide, 7 km long ring moat, was dug to prevent escapes and is now part of a walking path. The historic swimming pool on the eastern section, once for staff, is another unique feature.
Where can I find information about the history and nature of the area?
The Visitor Center Kolonie 5-7 is an excellent starting point. It offers an animated film about the Colonies of Benevolence, personal stories of the vagrants, and details about the local flora and fauna. It serves as a gateway to understanding both Merksplas and Wortel Colonies.
What is the best way to explore the natural beauty of Kolonie Merksplas?
The best way to explore is by walking or cycling along the numerous routes. The domain's grid-like pattern of avenues, interspersed with fields, meadows, forests, and fens like 'Het Biesven', offers varied scenery. Look out for wildlife, including bats and woodpeckers, which inhabit the historical avenues.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments in Kolonie Merksplas?
Yes, Brasserie Colonie 7 is located in the listed living quarters of the Grote Hoeve. It offers a place to relax and enjoy farm ice cream, providing a convenient spot for refreshments during your visit.
How long should I plan for a visit to Kolonie Merksplas?
The duration of your visit depends on your interests. To explore the main historical sites like the Landlopers Chapel, Grote Hoeve, and Visitor Center, and take a short walk, a half-day might suffice. If you plan to hike or cycle extensively through the natural reserves, a full day or even multiple visits would allow for a more thorough experience.
What is the significance of the Memorial John William Harper?
The Memorial John William Harper V.C 29/09/1944 commemorates a significant historical event during the liberation of Merksplas. It marks the location where the 'Polar Bears' forced a breakthrough, and J.W. Harper lost his life, later being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a place for reflection on the area's wartime history.
Are there running trails available in Kolonie Merksplas?
Yes, Kolonie Merksplas offers several running trails. You can find various routes that take you through the diverse landscapes of the area. For detailed options, refer to the Running Trails in Kolonie Merksplas guide, which includes routes like the 'Biesven – Blakheide loop'.
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Most popular attractions in Kolonie Merksplas
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