Easy hikes and walks around Park Masy

The Opglabbekerzavel Heide is a vast and unique nature reserve in the north of the Hoge Kempen National Park, on the border of Genk and Oudsbergen (formerly Opglabbeek). This landscape is characterized by open heathland, sandy plains, pine forests, and sparse grasslands that together form one of the most authentic heathland biotopes in Limburg. What makes the Opglabbekerzavel Heide so unique is the distinctly sandy subsoil, known locally as "zavel" (sand) – on which a mosaic of dry and wet heathland has developed. In summer, the area turns purple with flowering heather, while in other seasons, silver-gray grasses and low shrubs give the landscape a rugged, almost primeval appearance. This soil is poor in nutrients, but therefore ideal for rare plant species such as: • heather and bell heather • sundew • purple moor grass • juniper bushes 🐦 Habitat for special fauna The Opglabbekerzavel Heide is also of great ecological value. The area offers peace and quiet and food for numerous animal species, including: • woodlarks and skylarks • nightjars • sand lizards • deer and foxes • countless butterflies and dragonflies Thanks to its open character and the alternation of forest and heathland, it is an ideal area for biodiversity. Historically, the Opglabbekerzavel was part of extensive wastelands that were used for centuries as communal grazing land. In the 20th century, part of the area was occupied by military exercises and land reclamation, which temporarily put pressure on the natural environment. Later, the great ecological value of this heathland was recognized, and it was incorporated into the protected landscape of the Hoge Kempen National Park. Since then, active nature management has been implemented, including grazing and mowing, to keep the heathland open and healthy. Walking here will experience true serenity. The paths lead you past open plains where the wind blows freely, through fragrant pine forests, and along quiet sandy roads where only the rustling of grass and birdsong break the silence. It's a place where you feel like you've escaped time and bustle. The Opglabbekerzavel Heath is not only a beautiful nature reserve but also a living landscape that tells the story of centuries of use, change, and restoration—a quiet gem within the Hoge Kempen region, where nature and history go hand in hand. 🌾🌤️

From mid-August to mid-September, the heath is in full bloom. Vast heathlands then form a picturesque purple backdrop.

Nice picnic spot

A beautiful idyllic lake with a platform that invites you to linger and have a picnic

Very pleasant walk around the fishponds. The paths are easy to walk. A multitude of water birds on the pond...and outside tourist periods quite quiet. 👌.

On one of the inland dune tops, the pious family de Beeckman de Vieusart-Wittouck had a chapel built, dedicated to the Mother of God. These dunes were created during the last ice ages by the prevailing westerly wind that blew away the bare sand from dried-up stream or river beds during dry periods.

The forest chapel was founded in 1930 by the noble couple de Beeckman de Vieusart-Wittouck. Emilie Wittouck was a descendant of the family that acquired Hengelhoef after 1794. Emilie, like her husband, Baron Fernand de Beeckman de Vieusart, were very pious people. For example, they tried to establish a Catholic school, a nursing home and also a new parish at Hengelhoef. These attempts yielded nothing, but around 1930 they had a chapel built on a dune top in the forest. At that time, the family still lived in the castle complex that still exists today. Baroness Wittouck regularly came to the chapel to reflect, until her death in 1947. In 1964, the chapel was restored by the Christian Mutuality. A fire destroyed a large part of the chapel in early 2011. Later it was renovated again by Limburgs Landschap vzw, the owner and manager of the Hengelhoef nature reserve. Unfortunately it remains a regular victim of vandalism.

The Opglabbekerzavel is a nature reserve and part of the Hoge Kempen National Park. The area includes heathland, land dunes and light-rich forests. The heathland and land dunes are spectacular to say the least and provide shelter for numerous animals and plants. In addition, the Opglabbekerzavel is about 70 hectares in size and very dry. Here you will also find old flying pines and unique sitting oaks. The Opglab Cup Sablon is located in the northeast of Genk, between Zwartberg Airport and the KRC Genk stadium. Source: https://www.genk.be/opglabbekerzavel