The best walks and hikes around Oud-Turnhout

There are over 180 hiking routes around Oud-Turnhout, offering a wide variety of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging treks. The komoot community has rated these trails highly, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 700 reviews.

Oud-Turnhout is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including extensive heathland, fens, barren grasslands, and pine forests, particularly within areas like Landschap De Liereman and Turnhouts Vennengebied. You'll also find dense woodlands, serene ponds, rolling hills, and wetlands teeming with birdlife.

Yes, Oud-Turnhout offers many easy trails perfect for families. For example, the Clay Pits Trail is an easy 4.7-mile walk through Gewestbossen van Ravels, notable for Oude Putten lake and a scenic canal towpath. Another easy option is the De Liereman Landscape – Bench at Oud-Turnhout loop, which is just under 6 miles.

Many trails in Oud-Turnhout are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the natural beauty with your canine companion. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves like Landschap De Liereman and Turnhouts Vennengebied, to protect wildlife and grazing animals.

Yes, many of the hiking routes around Oud-Turnhout are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. The De Liereman Landscape – Bench at Oud-Turnhout loop is a good example of a circular trail within the beautiful Landschap De Liereman.

The region boasts several natural highlights. In Turnhouts Vennengebied, you can find a 360° panorama tower offering expansive views of the marshes. Within Landschap De Liereman, you might spot grazing Galloway cattle and various bird species. There are also several bird hides, such as the Ronde Put Bird Hide and the Birdwatching hide at the boardwalk, ideal for observing local wildlife.

Oud-Turnhout offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Late summer is particularly beautiful when the heathlands in areas like Turnhouts Vennengebied transform with vibrant purple blooms. Spring and early autumn also provide comfortable temperatures and stunning natural colors.

Generally, no specific permits are required for hiking on designated trails within nature reserves like Landschap De Liereman. However, it's always advisable to respect local regulations, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of protected areas, especially those with grazing animals or sensitive ecosystems.

Many popular trailheads, especially those leading into major nature reserves like Landschap De Liereman and Turnhouts Vennengebied, offer dedicated parking facilities. It's recommended to check specific route details for the most convenient parking options.

A unique aspect of hiking in Oud-Turnhout is the presence of cozy huts along many routes, offering basic amenities for refreshments. You can also find picnic areas, such as the Picnic decks at Grote Vijver, Prinsenpark, and various bird hides that can double as resting spots.

The PiereLiereBinkenpad Green Trail is an 8.5-mile 'silent walk' that traverses diverse forests, heaths, and marshes within Landschap De Liereman. It's known for offering a tranquil experience, allowing hikers to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful natural surroundings.

The GR 565 Sniederspad Trail is a moderate 5.9-mile route that leads through a varied landscape of forests, meadows, and areas with grazing animals within Landschap De Liereman. You can expect a mix of sandy paths and natural surfaces characteristic of the Kempen region.