Attractions and Places To See around Hoogstraten - Top 20

Hoogstraten offers a rich history. You can visit the impressive Sint-Katharinakerk, known as the 'triumph of brick' with its towering spire and valuable art. The Béguinage of Hoogstraten, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features traditional Belgian brick architecture and houses the Municipal Museum. Additionally, the historic Hoogstraten Castle (Gelmelslot), with its Renaissance elements, has a fascinating past.

Hoogstraten boasts several beautiful natural areas. Wortel-Kolonie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers 400 hectares of tranquility, diverse flora, and fauna, including the serene Bootjesven. The Mark Valley (Markvallei) is perfect for cycling along the river, and Den Rooy & Smisselbergen provide versatile hiking areas with forests, meadows, and fields.

Yes, Hoogstraten has several options for families. The De Mosten Recreational Area is a haven for active recreation, offering swimming, wakeboarding, tree climbing, and a play area for children. Within the Den Rooy nature reserve, the Korte Beentjespad is an adventurous 1.5-kilometer walking route designed for kids to explore. You can also visit the Epic Alpaca Farm Hoogstraten for a unique animal encounter by appointment.

Hoogstraten is excellent for cycling. You can enjoy the Cycle Path Through the Chaamse Bossen, a wide path with smooth asphalt. The Mark Valley offers scenic routes along the river, and the themed Strawberry Route allows you to explore the region's strawberry farms. For more options, you can find various road cycling routes and MTB trails around Hoogstraten.

Absolutely! Hoogstraten features a vibrant Street Art Route with impressive works by renowned artists throughout the city center. For animal lovers, the Epic Alpaca Farm Hoogstraten offers interactions and walks with alpacas. You can also delve into the history of Wortel-Kolonie in a playful way with an escape room or outdoor game at The Landloper (Vagabond).

Hoogstraten offers diverse walking opportunities. The Den Rooy & Smisselbergen areas provide versatile hiking trails through forests and meadows. The Galderse Heide Boardwalk (Mastbos) allows you to explore heathland while protecting the environment. For a historical walk, consider the Smugglers' route border crossing with its unpaved surfaces and historical information. You can also find various running trails that are suitable for walking.

Visitors frequently praise the well-maintained and scenic routes, especially the smooth asphalt cycle paths like the Cycle Path Through the Chaamse Bossen. The tranquility and natural beauty of spots like Turfven, Mastbos, and the protected heathland of the Galderse Heide Boardwalk are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the peaceful nature and the opportunity to explore without overcrowding.

Yes, Hoogstraten is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The historic Béguinage of Hoogstraten, dating back to 1380, is recognized for its unique architecture and community. Additionally, the extensive natural area of Wortel-Kolonie has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.

The De Mosten Recreational Area is the primary spot for water sports and active recreation. It offers a swimming area, wakeboarding at the Goodlife Cablepark, and facilities for team-building, mini-golf, beach volleyball, and basketball. The Hoogstraten Swimming Pool in the sports campus also provides various swimming options and group classes.

Meersel-Dreef is the northernmost point of Belgium and is known for its Capuchin convent, founded in 1690. It also features a Lourdes grotto in Maria Park, which continues to attract pilgrims, and a statue commemorating Padre Pio.

Yes, Hoogstraten's natural areas are rich in biodiversity. Wortel-Kolonie is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The Den Rooy & Smisselbergen hiking areas feature wildflowers in summer and unique mushrooms in autumn. The Mark Valley is particularly noted for its diverse plant life, including the rare great burnet. You can learn more about nature in the region at visithoogstraten.be.

Yes, there are several MTB trails available. You can explore routes like the 'Patersmoer Ven – Smugglers' Path loop' or the 'Recreational Park 't Zand – Recreational Lake 't Zand loop'. For a comprehensive list and details, refer to the MTB Trails around Hoogstraten guide.