4.4
(6555)
35,283
hikers
1,175
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in S Herenbos, Heihuizen En Zalfen traverse a diverse landscape characterized by historic marshlands, expansive nature reserves, and waterways. The region features striking sand dunes and woodlands within the Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, alongside tranquil ancient estates and protected forests like 's Herenbos. Hikers can explore unique hydrological landscapes in polders and winding paths through hilly forests, offering varied terrain for all abilities.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.5
(47)
206
hikers
22.0km
05:33
40m
40m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(14)
64
hikers
11.0km
02:46
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.8
(5)
50
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
42
hikers
9.24km
02:19
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
19
hikers
28.7km
07:14
40m
40m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Very beautiful castle almost in the center of Oostmalle and yet surrounded by tranquility
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Around the Abbey of Westmalle, there are various information signs associated with the Trappist Walk.
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A walking route runs around the Abbey of Westmalle, with information signs about the abbey at various points.
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Information board with a map of the Molenbos and the Westmalle estate.
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Across from the abbey, there is a brasserie where you can drink the famous Trappist beer from Westmalle.
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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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Brewery of the famous Trappist beer.
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Very beautiful forest, well-maintained trails, nice walk!
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The region of S Herenbos, Heihuizen En Zalfen offers a vast selection of hiking opportunities, with hundreds of routes suitable for families. There are over 675 easy trails, ensuring plenty of options for all ages and abilities.
You can expect a diverse range of landscapes, from historic marshlands and polders to expansive nature reserves and tranquil forests. The area features unique environments like the wild sand dunes of the The Lord's Forest, hilly woodlands, and ancient estates, providing varied scenery for your family adventures.
Yes, there are several easy circular walks perfect for families. One great option is the Salphensebaan Chapel – St. Anthony's Chapel, Salphen loop from Zoersel, which is an easy 6.8 km route. It offers a pleasant walk through the local area, starting and ending at the same point.
While many trails are generally accessible, some paths, especially in areas like the Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park with its shifting sands or certain forest sections, might be challenging for standard strollers. We recommend checking individual route details for surface information, but many of the easier, well-maintained paths are suitable for robust all-terrain strollers.
Many trails pass by fascinating points of interest. You might encounter historical sites like the St. Anthony's Chapel, Salphen, or the Salphensebaan Chapel. The region also boasts ancient estates like Haanwijk, with its 1649 country house and walled garden, and protected forests such as The Lord's Forest.
Many of the trails in S Herenbos, Heihuizen En Zalfen are dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry family members along. It's always a good idea to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or near wildlife, and to check specific route details for any local restrictions. The extensive forest paths are generally great for walks with dogs.
The region is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming nature, summer offers warm days for exploration, and autumn transforms the forests with vibrant colors. Even winter can be magical, with crisp air and serene landscapes. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, for instance, is suitable for walking and play throughout the year.
Parking is generally available at the starting points of many popular trails and near key attractions. For example, routes often begin near information boards or chapels, which typically have designated parking areas. We recommend checking the specific route details on komoot for parking suggestions closest to your chosen starting point.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 5,600 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse and well-maintained paths, the peaceful forest settings, and the variety of landscapes, from open polders to unique sand dunes, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
Absolutely! For families looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are moderate trails available. The Information board 's Herenbos – Dirt Path with Yellow Flowers loop from Malle is a moderate 9.2 km route that offers a good balance of distance and varied terrain, suitable for families with older children or those seeking a longer adventure.
The diverse natural environments, including protected forests and marshlands, provide habitats for various wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, small mammals, and insects. The tranquil settings of 's Herenbos and the surrounding nature reserves offer good opportunities for nature observation, especially during quieter times of the day.


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