Nature Reserves in Turnhout

The nature reserves in Turnhout are a network of 4 protected areas showcasing the Kempen region's landscape of fens, heathlands, and forests. These reserves provide habitats for wildlife and offer a variety of trails for outdoor activities. The most prominent is the Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied, a vast area of fens and heath.

The primary activities in Turnhout's nature reserves are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Across the 4 reserves, there are more than 500 routes available for these human-powered sports. Specific guides are available for Hiking around Turnhout and Cycling around Turnhout.

The most significant reserves include Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied, known for its fens and location near the city. Other key areas are Natuurreservaat Eksterheide En Omgeving with its restored heathlands, and Natuurreservaat Langdonken, which offers numerous routes for various activities.

There are over 200 hiking trails across Turnhout's nature reserves, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. The Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied alone contains more than 60 hiking trails through its varied landscape of fens and forests. Trails often feature boardwalks over marshy areas and pass through heathlands.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity with numerous routes available. The 'Bels Lijntje', a former railway line converted into a cycle path, runs through the Natuurreservaat Turnhouts Vennengebied. In total, there are over 80 designated touring and road cycling routes across the reserves.

The Turnhouts Vennengebied is a large nature reserve near Turnhout, part of the European Natura 2000 network. It features a landscape of forests, heathland, and numerous fens, providing habitat for many bird species. The reserve offers over 170 routes for hiking, cycling, and running, with a visitor center at the historic Klein Engelandhoeve farm.

Yes, many of the nature reserves offer trails suitable for families and beginners. For example, Tielenheide has marked walking trails of around 1.5 miles (2.5 km). The 'Bels Lijntje' cycle path is also a flat and accessible option for a family outing.

The nature reserves can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different experience. The heathlands, such as in Tielenheide, are particularly noted for their purple blooms in late August. Spring and summer are ideal for observing the many breeding birds in wetland areas like Turnhouts Vennengebied and Winkelsbroek.

Rules regarding dogs vary by reserve to protect wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds. In many areas, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times. It is important to check the specific regulations for each reserve, such as Tielenheide, which is managed as a quiet area.

The reserves are important habitats for a variety of wildlife, particularly birds. The wetlands and fens of Turnhouts Vennengebied and Winkelsbroek attract water birds like the little bittern and bluethroat. The heathlands of Tielenheide are home to species such as the nightjar and woodlark.

Yes, there are numerous mountain bike and gravel bike trails available. Natuurreservaat Langdonken offers over 40 routes for mountain biking and gravel biking. In total, the reserves around Turnhout feature more than 100 trails suitable for off-road cycling.