4.4
(6322)
36,498
hikers
436
hikes
Bus station hiking trails in Groot Schietveld traverse a landscape characterized by a mosaic of dry and wet heathland, fens, and surrounding forests. The terrain includes sandy areas and remnants of low dunes, contributing to varied vegetation. This Natura 2000 area is recognized for its ecological importance, featuring diverse habitats. The region's natural features include extensive heathlands and fens, often traces of historical peat extraction.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.4
(10)
75
hikers
13.9km
03:30
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(15)
95
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(17)
48
hikers
15.8km
04:00
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
59
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(10)
64
hikers
4.46km
01:08
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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
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The Sacred Heart Statue of Jesus was erected in September 1904. On the pedestal is the Latin text: “Ignemveni mittere in terram, etquid volo nist ut accendatur?” “I came to bring fire to the earth, and what else would I desire than for it to blaze up?”
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Slow Cabins: get away from the world in Wuustwezel Slow down in a detached eco-hut in a secret location near home, surrounded by peace and beautiful nature. That is the concept of “Slow Cabins”. You can now also come and completely slow down in Wuustwezel on a domain of vzw Kempens Landschap. Vzw Kempens Landschap is the owner of a beautiful park and nature reserve in Wuustwezel. The domain used to be the backyard of a monastery where sisters were prepared to leave on a foreign mission. Here and there you will come across religious traces of this past, such as statues or a Lourdes grotto. Eye-catchers of the quiet walking area are a few stately avenues, meadows and forest zones. In a quiet corner of the domain, a self-sufficient house for couples, the ‘Time for Two’ cabin, is temporarily being set up. This ecological and mobile cabin guarantees a unique ‘nature experience’ in refined simplicity. Cook your own meal in the kitchen, light the wood fire or try an outdoor barbecue next to a sputtering fire pit. If you want, you can also book a slow dinner with local products or a breakfast basket. Book a moment of rest at www.slowcabins.be !
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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.
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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.
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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.
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There are over 400 hiking routes in and around Groot Schietveld that are accessible from bus stations. This includes more than 240 easy routes, 150 moderate routes, and 17 difficult routes, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels.
It is crucial to be aware that Groot Schietveld is primarily an active military domain. While komoot lists many routes in the surrounding areas, the military domain itself has very strict access restrictions. A complete ban on public entry was implemented in 2021 for the core military training grounds. Public access is generally limited to specific, rare guided tours organized by nature organizations. Always verify the current access status for any specific route before planning your trip.
For more information on the area's status, you can consult Wikipedia.
Yes, there are many easy routes accessible from bus stops. For example, the Park Franciscans – Sacred Heart statue of Jesus loop from Groot Schietveld is an easy 4.5 km hike, perfect for a relaxed outing. Another gentle option is the Plant Comfort Comfort Spot loop from Wuustwezel, which is also around 4.5 km.
Yes, many of the routes accessible from bus stations in the Groot Schietveld area are circular. This allows you to start and end your hike at the same bus stop without needing to arrange return transport. For instance, the Klein Schietveld Airfield – Old railway loop from Maria-ter-Heide is a moderate circular route of almost 14 km.
The region surrounding Groot Schietveld is a Natura 2000 area, known for its diverse landscapes. You can expect to encounter a mosaic of dry and wet heathland, fens, hayfields, and forests. The area is rich in biodiversity, hosting rare plant species like heath orchids and sundews, over 30 species of butterflies, and a significant adder population. Birdwatchers can spot over 100 species of breeding birds.
Yes, several points of interest can be found near the bus-accessible trails. You might encounter the Franciscan Sisters Gooreind Domain, the peaceful Park Franciscans, or the unique Giant Lego blocks. For those interested in local trails, the West-Beersgat Gravel Road is also nearby.
While the core military domain of Groot Schietveld has very strict access rules, including for dogs, trails in the surrounding public areas generally allow dogs. However, it is always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves, to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Always check local signage for specific regulations on each trail.
The best time to hike depends on what you wish to experience. Spring and early summer (April to June) are ideal for observing the diverse flora, including orchids, and for birdwatching. Late summer and early autumn (August to October) offer pleasant temperatures and the chance to see the heathlands in bloom. Winter hikes can be serene, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions.
The villages surrounding Groot Schietveld, such as Wuustwezel and Gooreind, offer various amenities including cafes and pubs. While direct access to refreshments on the trails themselves is limited due to the nature of the area, you can often find places to eat and drink in the town centers or near major bus stops before or after your hike.
The komoot community highly rates the trails in the Groot Schietveld area, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 5,600 ratings. Hikers often praise the peaceful natural surroundings, the varied landscapes of heathland and forest, and the convenience of accessing routes directly from bus stops.
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, there are moderate routes available. The West-Beersgat – Park Franciscans loop from Gooreind is a moderate hike spanning almost 16 km, offering a more extensive exploration of the area's landscapes.


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