Attractions and Places To See in Turnhouts Vennengebied - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Turnhouts Vennengebied include a diverse landscape of fens, heathland, grasslands, and forests. This nature reserve in Flanders, Belgium, is recognized for its valuable heathlands and supports a wide array of rare species. The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, alongside historical sites. It is a protected Natura 2000 area, highlighting its ecological importance.
Best attractions and places to see in Turnhouts Vennengebied
- The most popular attractions is Bels…
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Boones Blijk Bleachery and Pond
Highlight • Historical Site
When Peter van de Venne and Jan Theeus established the first bleaching facility on the grounds of the present Boones Blijk in 1654, …
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Boones Blijk Estate
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Bels Lijntje
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Bird-watching hide in Turnhouts Vennengebied Nature Reserve
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Just enjoy the scene that is playing in front of you.
Each season has its own performance in a larger play.
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Turnhout Bleachery
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At this location you can bleach, marvel or admire. Unfortunately, the magnificent domain is not open to the public. Picnic benches on the waterfront invite you to linger. In the meantime, you can read the historical explanation. The Turnhout bleaching industry originated in the hamlet of Heizijde in 1654 on the initiative of Peter Van de Venne and Jan Theeus and was part of the economic revival after the Peace of Munster (1648). In 1664, the bleaching industry came into the possession of Steven Joosten and in 1707 it was transferred to the Stadhouders-Joosten families. We write January 5, 1752, the Turnhout Bleachery on the Heizijde receives the greatest of all protections, also one of the rarest ever granted to an industry in the Austrian Netherlands: "SAUVEGARDE ET PROTECTION SPECIALE DE SA MAJESTE" This charter was signed by Duke Charles of Lorraine, Count Patrice de Nehy and Baron de Lados. In addition, the right to display all the arms of Empress Maria-Theresia was granted.
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The path runs over the old Turnhout – Tilburg train bed. In the 19th century, the Bels Lijntje, an iron railway connection of 31 km, thundered here. In 1973, the last official train ran over this railway line. Be aware that in some parts you have to share the narrow path with walkers and cyclists who are going in one direction or another. Courtesy is appropriate here.
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Beautifully preserved villa with a wide canal
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In 1654 a yarn bleaching plant was founded here by Peter Van de Venne and Jan Theeus. This company changed hands several times and in 1739 it was taken over by Domenicus Vermanden. The company grew under this owner. A commercial building was erected, watercourses were dug to lead the rinsing water from the surrounding fens to the bleaching fields and the rinsing reservoir. He became owner of the Eerste Ven, the Tweede Ven and the Peerdsven. In 1804 the company came to an end. The company building was converted into a home and a park was created on the former bleaching fields. In 1893 it came to Emile Boone who also built a chapel on the estate in 1904.
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Railway line Tilburg - Turnhout, popularly known as the Bels Lijntje, was a railway line between Tilburg and Turnhout. North of Baarle-Nassau Grens Station, this formed the Dutch part of Spoorlijn 29. Since 1990, a bicycle path has been constructed on the route of the Bels Lijntje. Wikipedia
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It concerns a more or less triangular moated domain. There is still a triangular pond, the former flushing reservoir. Not much is left of the furnishings of the bleaching plant. The former company building is located on the site, it has a turret with a clock. The neo-gothic chapel is a simple brick building in neo-gothic style, covered with a wooden barrel vault. There is also an 18th-century barn that is now used as a horse stable.
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Nice area for walking with a separate vantage point. In the area there are all corten steel plates with texts
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Turnhouts Vennengebied?
The Turnhouts Vennengebied is characterized by its diverse natural landscape, including fens, extensive heathlands, grasslands, marshes, and forests. Notable fens like Koeiven, Zwart Water, Grote Klotteraard, Kleine Klotteraard, and Zandven are prominent. You can also find relict inland dunes with dry, sandy soils. For panoramic views of these features, visit the 12.5-meter-high Observation Tower (Uitkijktoren).
Are there good opportunities for birdwatching in the area?
Yes, Turnhouts Vennengebied is an important birding area. A key spot is the Bird-watching hide in Turnhouts Vennengebied Nature Reserve, located in the meadows between Zwart Water and Hoogmoerheide. Here, you can observe a variety of water and meadow birds, including species like the Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Osprey, and Red Kite, especially during spring and summer.
What cycling routes are available in Turnhouts Vennengebied?
The region offers excellent cycling opportunities. The Bels Lijntje Cycle Path is a popular 30-kilometer car-free route that follows a former railway line between Tilburg and Turnhout. Additionally, the towpath along the Dessel-Schoten Canal is popular for cycling. For more cycling options, you can explore various routes in the Cycling in Turnhouts Vennengebied guide.
Are there historical sites to visit within or near the nature reserve?
Within the nature reserve, you can visit Boones Blijk Bleachery and Pond, a historical site dating back to 1654, known for its textile bleaching due to the pure fen water. Nearby, in the city of Turnhout, you'll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site Beguinage, the historic Castle of the Dukes of Brabant, and the National Museum of Playing Cards.
What kind of hiking trails can I find in Turnhouts Vennengebied?
The Vennengebied features 30 km of marked hiking trails suitable for various preferences. Popular options include the 'Fens walk Turnhout' (7.6 km) which crosses fens, heathlands, and forests, and the 'Boardwalk Het Moer – Boardwalk Trail loop'. Other routes like Vensterwandeling, Dombergheide, Hoge Heide, and Vennenwandeling are also available. For more detailed hiking routes, refer to the Cycling in Turnhouts Vennengebied guide, which also covers multi-sport routes.
Is Turnhouts Vennengebied suitable for families with children?
Yes, the area is family-friendly. The Klein Engelandhoeve Visitor Center serves as a starting point and has an adjacent play forest for children. Many trails, including parts of the Bels Lijntje Cycle Path, are suitable for families. The Bird-watching hide in Turnhouts Vennengebied Nature Reserve can also be an engaging activity for children interested in wildlife.
Where can I start my visit to Turnhouts Vennengebied?
The Klein Engelandhoeve Visitor Center is the central starting point for exploring the Vennengebied. It offers walking maps and serves as a hub for nature experiences, tourism, agriculture, cultural history, and social projects. It's also conveniently located next to a play forest for children.
What is the best time of year to visit Turnhouts Vennengebied?
The Turnhouts Vennengebied offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for birdwatching, as many water and meadow birds breed here. The heathlands are particularly beautiful when in bloom. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the forests, while winter offers serene, quiet walks, especially through the fens and heathlands.
Are there any unique artistic or poetic elements to discover on the trails?
Yes, along the walking routes, you can discover 'Litenatuurtjes' (Nature Poems). These are ten short, poetic texts by Geert De Kockere, designed to offer a different, often humorous, perspective on nature and everyday life, adding a unique cultural layer to your outdoor experience.
What do visitors enjoy most about Turnhouts Vennengebied?
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the reserve. The Bird-watching hide in Turnhouts Vennengebied Nature Reserve is often highlighted as a peaceful spot to observe wildlife. The car-free nature of the Bels Lijntje Cycle Path is also a favorite for its scenic journey through nature.
How can I get to Turnhouts Vennengebied by public transport?
While specific public transport routes directly into the heart of the Vennengebied are not detailed, the area is located a few kilometers north of Turnhout. Turnhout itself is accessible by public transport, and from there, local buses or cycling routes like the Bels Lijntje Cycle Path can lead you into the reserve.
Is Turnhouts Vennengebied a protected area?
Yes, Turnhouts Vennengebied is a protected Natura 2000 area. This designation highlights its significant ecological importance and the ongoing conservation efforts to preserve its diverse habitats, including fens, heathlands, and the rare species they support.
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