Best attractions and places to see in Dal Kleine Nete include a diverse landscape shaped by the meandering Kleine Nete river. This region in the Belgian province of Antwerp features extensive nature reserves, Kempen heathland, and varied ecosystems. Visitors can explore a combination of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural sites across towns like Lier and Herentals. The area offers numerous opportunities for walking, cycling, and experiencing the local environment.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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The Kromme Ham is not a crooked ham, but it is a wooded path near Heidebloem Castle andβespecially hereβthe designation for a rather extensive remnant of a former river dune that lies higher than the surrounding area and was gradually transformed into heathland by human intervention (sheep and cattle). Biodiversity is particularly good in the area between the wetter areas (with swamp forest) and the drier areas. The highlight on the information board next to some plants: the sand bees.
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The GR 12, which passes through here, runs from Amsterdam to Paris β and this stretch of forest road in Kessel is a perfect example. For those who are tired, there's a bench with a motivational slogan. Those who aren't hiking the GR 12 (the majority of those passing through, of course) are welcome to sit on it.
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Good walking paths through all kinds of forests and woods in Kessel and the surrounding area.
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A comfortable bench with a view of the meadows. There are also some additional seating options next to it.
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The old lock keeper's house is a silent witness to the once busy 'Sas van Emmelen'. From 1836 to 1839, the Kleine Nete was canalized. To make the river navigable, four locks were built between Grobbendonk and Lier, including Lock 4 in Emblem. (Information board on site)
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Super nice resting place with delicious coffee!
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The old Sasmeesterhuis is the silent witness of the formerly busy 'Sas van Emmelen'. The Kleine Nete was canalized from 1836 to 1839. To make the river navigable, four locks were built between Grobbendonk and Lier, including Lock 4 in Emblem. In 1894, a swing bridge was built over the lock, over which the old stone road ran between Kessel and Emblem. Previously, one could only cross the river at low tide via the De Voorstraat at a fordable place, 'Het Seppeken'. The wife of lock keeper Jozef Bastiaans, Ameliia Brocken, nicknamed 'Madame van 't Sas', was mayor of Emblem from 1921 to 1926. Amelia was one of the first female mayors in Belgium. In 1973 the lock was demolished and the road was moved. The Sashuis is currently owned by De Vlaamse Waterweg NV.
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The Dal Kleine Nete is characterized by the meandering Kleine Nete river, which flows through a landscape of flowery meadows, marshy areas, and forests. It features a unique freshwater tidal system and areas of Kempen heathland, an extended ridge of land dunes with alternating forests, fens, and purple heather. The diverse soil composition supports a wide variety of plant life.
Yes, the region, particularly the city of Lier, offers several historical and cultural sites. You can visit the iconic Zimmer Tower and Museum, the UNESCO World Heritage Lier Beguinage, the impressive Saint Gummarus Church, and the historic Prison Gate. In Emblem, you can also see the Sasmeesterhuis Emblem, a silent witness to the river's canalization history.
The Kleine Nete river is ideal for relaxing canoe and kayak trips, with popular starting points in Retie, Kasterlee, Herentals, and Grobbendonk. The area is also crisscrossed with numerous walking and cycling routes. For specific outdoor activities, you can explore easy hikes, gravel biking routes, or running trails.
Families can enjoy the Ark van NoΓ« Recreational Domain in Lichtaart, which offers a brasserie, beach bar, playground, petting zoo, and fishpond, along with canoe and kayak rentals. Additionally, the amusement park Bobbejaanland is located nearby. Many walking routes, such as the GR12 Forest Walk in the Kempen, are also suitable for families.
The region offers many easy walking routes. One example is the 'The Bathhouse since 1897 β De Steenbeemden boardwalk loop from Emblem', which features accessible boardwalks. You can find more options for easy hikes in the area, often passing through forests and along the river.
The Dal Kleine Nete boasts several significant nature reserves. Olens Broek is known for its alder wet woodlands, meadows, and river dunes, while De Zegge is valuable for tidal nature and birdwatching. The Information board Heath in the Kromme Ham highlights a remnant of a former river dune transformed into heathland, rich in biodiversity.
The Kleine Nete river and its surrounding nature reserves are excellent for wildlife spotting. Along the river, you might spot kingfishers, herons, and various fish species like the river minnow and brook lamprey. Nature reserves like De Zegge are particularly good for birdwatching, and the diverse ecosystems support a wide range of flora and fauna.
Yes, you can find places to relax and eat. The Bathhouse since 1897, once a historical outdoor swimming pool, now functions as a brasserie with a large green terrace. The Ark van NoΓ« Recreational Domain also offers a brasserie and beach bar. Many routes pass by charming cafes and taverns.
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes, from the winding river to the extensive nature reserves and Kempen heathland. The combination of natural beauty and historical landmarks, such as those in Lier, is highly valued. Many enjoy the well-maintained walking paths through forests and woods, as highlighted by the GR12 Forest Walk in the Kempen, and the peaceful viewpoints like Oeverloos.
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring is particularly vibrant with a carpet of flowers in areas like Olens Broek. The summer months are ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Autumn offers picturesque views of changing foliage, and the extensive walking and cycling networks can be enjoyed in milder weather.
Absolutely. The area is crisscrossed with numerous cycling routes, offering panoramic views and leading past historic farms and castles. The Kempen Nete Valley walking network also provides extensive trails that can be adapted for cycling. You can explore various gravel biking routes in the region.
Yes, the Dal Kleine Nete is home to several significant nature reserves. Olens Broek is known for its unique patchwork of alder wet woodlands and meadows. De Zegge is a valuable area for tidal nature and birdwatching. Other notable reserves include Snepkensvijver, Zwart Water, and Peertsbos, all contributing to the region's rich biodiversity.


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