The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Zalfens Gebroekt
4.4
(5681)
30,615
hikers
113
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails in Zalfens Gebroekt traverse a varied landscape of nature, agricultural land, and village elements. This picturesque nature park near Antwerp, Belgium, features diverse environments, including forested areas and open fields. The region offers a mix of natural beauty and rural scenery, providing a range of experiences for hikers. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes across most routes.
Best dog friendly hiking trails in Zalfens Gebroekt
- The most popular dog friendly hiking route is…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.5
(2)
33
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
19
hikers
5.48km
01:23
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(3)
16
hikers
6.34km
01:36
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The St. Anthony's Chapel is a chapel in the hamlet of Zalfen, located near Salphen, which is part of the Antwerp municipality of Malle. Nearby Oostmalle was hit by a plague epidemic around 1625. Around 60 sick people reportedly fled to the heath. A certain Adriaan Mattheeusen, who lost three children to the disease, had to bury them on the heath and built a chapel for this purpose. This chapel was soon also used for funeral services, and the deceased were buried in a nearby cemetery. The chapel attracted pilgrims and was therefore expanded in 1726. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Antoniuskapel_(Zalfen)
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Oostmalle Airfield (IATA: OBL, ICAO: EBZR) is located in the Belgian province of Antwerp, entirely within the municipality of Malle. It is situated east of the town of Zoersel, south of Oostmalle, and west of Wechelderzande. It was constructed between 1952 and 1955 as a NATO reserve airfield. Following various reforms of the Belgian armed forces in the 1990s, the Federal Government's inner cabinet decided to decommission several military areas, including the airbase. On March 30, 2012, the Flemish Government decided to transfer the management of the area from the federal to the Flemish level and put it up for sale. The airfield's natural environment consists primarily of forest and heathland. The Agency for Nature and Forests considers the area to be very important for breeding and migratory birds. 157 bird species were observed there, including the wheatear, woodlark, and curlew. The insect population is also considered very valuable. In September 2023, work began on de-hardening the existing structures, which will continue until March 2025. In the initial phase, approximately 16 hectares of existing pavement and fifteen buildings will be demolished and removed. This will create a significant amount of new nature and allow water to seep in, resulting in a mix of dry and wet heathland landscapes, sand dunes, and valuable forests. The area is also essential for the European priority habitat type of species-rich heathland grasslands. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vliegveld_Oostmalle
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pleasant picnic area with brand new oak benches, both under cover and outdoors.
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Beautiful and well-maintained chapel. With interesting information about the chapel and the airfield.
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Rest area with covered seating
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It's always worth taking a closer look...
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Surprising strip in the forest
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Here you can comfortably eat your books at the table in peace and quiet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available in Zalfens Gebroekt?
Zalfens Gebroekt offers a wide selection of dog-friendly hiking trails, with over 100 routes suitable for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.
What types of landscapes can I expect on dog-friendly hikes in Zalfens Gebroekt?
You and your dog can enjoy a diverse landscape in Zalfens Gebroekt, featuring a blend of natural beauty, agricultural scenery, and charming village elements. The trails often pass through varied terrain, including forested areas and open fields, providing a rich experience for both of you.
Are there easy dog-friendly routes suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, Zalfens Gebroekt has many easy dog-friendly routes. Over 60 of the available trails are classified as easy, making them perfect for a relaxed walk with your dog or for those new to hiking. An example is the 5 km Bench with Novena prayer – Valley of the Delfte Brook loop from Zoersel, which offers a gentle experience.
Are there any longer or more challenging dog-friendly hikes in the area?
For those seeking a longer adventure with their dog, Zalfens Gebroekt also offers moderate and a few difficult trails. For instance, the Bench with Novena prayer – NATO Airfield Malle loop from 's Herenbos, Heihuizen en Zalfen is a moderate 11.8 km route, providing a good workout for active dogs and their owners.
What interesting landmarks can I see along the dog-friendly trails?
Many dog-friendly trails in Zalfens Gebroekt pass by interesting landmarks. You might encounter historical chapels like the St. Anthony's Chapel, Salphen or the Salphensebaan Chapel. Some routes also offer unique points of interest such as the Wechel airport spotters place.
What do other hikers enjoy most about dog-friendly hiking in Zalfens Gebroekt?
The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Zalfens Gebroekt, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 5,200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the overall serene atmosphere that makes for an enjoyable outing with their dogs.
Are there circular dog-friendly routes available?
Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Zalfens Gebroekt are circular routes, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. An example is the easy The Forest Cross – The Delfte Brook loop from Zalfens Gebroekt, which is just under 5.5 km.
Are there any specific rules for dogs on trails in Zalfens Gebroekt?
While Zalfens Gebroekt is very dog-friendly, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near agricultural land, to ensure their safety and respect for the local environment. Always clean up after your dog to help keep the trails pleasant for everyone.
Are there any dog-friendly routes that are particularly good for families?
Many of the easy and moderate dog-friendly routes are suitable for families. Trails with minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths, such as the Valley of the Delfte Brook – Information boards loop from Zalfens Gebroekt, are ideal for families with children and their dogs to enjoy together.
What is the best season for dog-friendly hiking in Zalfens Gebroekt?
Zalfens Gebroekt is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for dog-friendly hiking. The milder temperatures are comfortable for dogs, and the changing foliage provides beautiful scenery. Summer can be lovely, but remember to bring extra water for your dog on warmer days.
Are there any dog-friendly routes that start near the village of Zoersel?
Yes, several dog-friendly routes conveniently start from or near Zoersel, allowing easy access to the nature park. For example, the easy Bench with Novena prayer – The Forest Cross loop from Zoersel is a great option, offering a pleasant walk through the local landscape.
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