Attractions and places to see around Kempen offer a blend of historical charm and natural exploration. This town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is known for its well-preserved medieval character, including a historic old town and notable landmarks. While the town itself focuses on cultural preservation, the surrounding region provides green spaces and varied landscapes for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore both architectural heritage and natural areas within and near Kempen.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Highlight • Natural
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Highlight (Segment) • Natural
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Highlight • Cycleway
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Beautiful piece of nature, with good paved cycle paths. It can be busy on sunny days and holidays, so perhaps less suitable for sporty cycling then.
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The Cartierheide is a vast heathland and fenland in the Brabant Kempen region, named after the Belgian Baron De Cartier de Marchienne, who protected this landscape from exploitation in the early 20th century. Here, you can walk through a mosaic of purple heathlands, tranquil forests, and glistening fens, where silence and vastness prevail. A highlight is the boardwalk, which takes you straight through the wet heathland and offers a unique perspective on this unique landscape. In summer, the heather is in full bloom, turning the fields purple. Along the way, you can often spot birds such as the European stonechat or a buzzard. The Cartierheide is part of the cross-border Grenspark De Kempen and perfectly illustrates what nature once looked like in large parts of Brabant: rugged, open, and rich in diversity.
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beautifully landscaped boardwalk in the Kempen nature reserve
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beautiful, large heathland - a pity that the flowering period only lasts a few weeks
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Wonderful tour 🎶 lots of nature😎 Recommended👍 Top🤗
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Very good stable path
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Narrow concrete path. Don't drive over it in the afternoon, it's busy then.
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The region around Kempen offers several natural areas. You can experience the unique ecosystem of the Boardwalk through Cartierheide, a wooden path protecting a beautiful wet area. Another highlight is The Groot Pannegoor, a natural site with a series of ponds that attract wildlife due to regulated water levels.
Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. You can enjoy the Cycle path through De Kempen Nature Park, a pleasant gravel path. For more options, explore various cycling routes around Kempen, including easy and moderate tours, which can be found in the Cycling around Kempen guide.
Kempen is rich in history. You can explore the well-preserved medieval character of the town, including its Historic Old Town with picturesque, narrow streets and richly decorated houses. Notable landmarks include Kempen Castle, the historic Kuhtor (Cow Gate), and the intricately ornamented buildings along Judenstraße, such as House Basels and House Witthoff–Peerbooms.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy the Boardwalk through Cartierheide, which is suitable for all ages. Another popular family activity is the Kabouter Trail TerSpegelt, where children can participate in assignments and receive a gnome hat. The The Wild Boar Inn is also listed as family-friendly, offering a rustic stop.
There are several trails for hiking and running. The Boardwalk through Cartierheide offers a unique walking experience. For more extensive options, you can find various running trails, including moderate and difficult routes, in the Running Trails around Kempen guide.
Kempen hosts the Cultural Forum in the Franciscan Monastery, which serves as a significant cultural hub after extensive restoration. The town's historic churches, such as the Lutheran Thomas Church, also contribute to its cultural and architectural landscape.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Many enjoy the well-preserved medieval architecture of the Old Town and the peaceful, scenic paths through natural reserves like the Cartierheide. The community has shared over 60 photos and given more than 300 upvotes to the attractions, highlighting their appeal for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
Yes, Kempen's Old Town features several unique architectural highlights. Beyond the general charm of its half-timbered houses, you can admire the intricately ornamented buildings on Judenstraße, such as the 1885 House Basels and the irregularly shaped House Witthoff–Peerbooms from 1741. The Rococo-style House Hall, with its meticulously adorned door frame, is another notable example.
Yes, for a rustic stop after exploring, The Wild Boar Inn is a popular choice. It offers a unique atmosphere and is often visited by those enjoying the nearby trails.
In areas like The Groot Pannegoor, the regulated water levels create mudflats that historically attracted snipes and other birds. The wet areas and forests provide habitats for various local wildlife, making them interesting spots for nature observation.
Yes, the region offers opportunities for gravel biking. You can find routes that take you through forests and past sand hills. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, refer to the Gravel biking around Kempen guide.


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