The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Kasteeldomein Van Wuustwezel En De Vloeikens

Listening post Het Marum – History brought to life At this special listening post in the Het Marum nature reserve, you are the engine! It is a so-called Human Power system: by turning the large black wheel, you generate the necessary electricity and the stories come to life. Through the built-in speaker, you will discover fascinating testimonies about the hundred-year history of the former military shooting range, the development of the nature reserve, and the iconic Bailey bridge. There is also plenty to discover at the top: a detailed hiking map, historical photos of the military activities, and a QR code for digital route guidance. The robust corten steel column fits in beautifully with the rugged Kempense landscape. An interactive stop where you not only learn something, but literally put your own energy into it!

The listening post at the Marum tells a special story of a special area. The Marum (± 315 ha) is the northernmost part of the Groot Schietveld, located to the left of the Kampweg towards Brecht and has been a military domain since the 1890s. Until recently, the area was a safety zone for shooting exercises up to 7,000 meters and was therefore not accessible to the public. In the past, the army from Brasschaat shot towards Loenhout, today it points the barrel of the cannon towards Brasschaat. In the current military use, this safety zone is no longer necessary and Het Marum could therefore be opened as a safe walking zone, even at times when military activities are taking place in the rest of the Groot Schietveld. (Municipality of Wuustwezel)

Relax in the company of Mary.

https://www.kempenslandschap.be/nl/over-kempens-landschap/domeinen/religieus-erfgoed/park-franciscanessen

Neo-Gothic chapel modernized The neo-Gothic chapel was given a central place as a cafeteria and multi-purpose space. The OCMW also found a place there. The chapel was first thoroughly restored with modern heating and lighting techniques and a new stone floor. Additional openings in the facades let in a lot of light and provide a great sense of space through the panoramic view. The space on the rood screen was separated from the rest of the chapel by a glass wall

Heritage walk The monastery buildings are surrounded by avenues, meadows and forests. The heritage walk takes you past a number of religious statues and interesting places. Along the way, the signs tell you more about the lives of the sisters and the domain. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters where you can view the history of the sisters on a memorial column.

Park Franciscanessen International novitiate From 1895 to 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out all over the world. The monastery buildings are surrounded by a patchwork of avenues, meadows and forests. Here and there you will come across religious statues. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters. Along the avenues are information boards with the story of the sisters and the domain. An information kiosk was also placed at the cemetery where you can find the history of the domain. Would you like to take a longer walk? Then also visit the nearby Beersgat! Role of Kempens Landschap After the monastery closed its doors, the buildings and the green area were given a new life. Kempens Landschap bought the green area, which has now become a public park. The buildings were transformed into a residential care centre. Our organisation drew up a landscape management plan in which all management objectives and the vision for the domain are included. The existing heritage is not forgotten either: various statues and the St. Francis Cave were restored. The pond around the cave was also renovated. The works were made possible by various subsidy projects. The park is managed by a permanent green team, and the park is gradually being further upgraded as described in the landscape management plan.

Park Franciscanessen International novitiate From 1895 to 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out all over the world. The monastery buildings are surrounded by a patchwork of avenues, meadows and forests. Here and there you will come across religious statues. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters. Along the avenues are information boards with the story of the sisters and the domain. An information kiosk was also placed at the cemetery where you can find the history of the domain. Would you like to take a longer walk? Then also visit the nearby Beersgat! Role of Kempens Landschap After the monastery closed its doors, the buildings and the green area were given a new life. Kempens Landschap bought the green area, which has now become a public park. The buildings were transformed into a residential care centre. Our organisation drew up a landscape management plan in which all management objectives and the vision for the domain are included. The existing heritage is not forgotten either: various statues and the St. Francis Cave were restored. The pond around the cave was also renovated. The works were made possible by various subsidy projects. The park is managed by a permanent green team, and the park is gradually being further upgraded as described in the landscape management plan.