If you're not put off by the distance, this is the perfect walk to explore the most beautiful nature spots in the wider area of De Lilse Bergen. You start by walking through Haarlebeekbos along the shore of the Warandevijver, where you can spot waterfowl and, during the winter months, migratory birds. The pond is not a natural body of water but was formed during the construction of the E34. The sound of the motorway will follow you for a while.

That is, until you reach the Visbeek Valley, where you’ll be immersed in nature. Here, you’ll walk through swamp forests, wet hay meadows, and a mix of dry and wet heathlands. Keep an eye out for dragonflies and butterflies, which are drawn to the water in the valley. The broad valley of the Visbeek will guide you northward. Later, you’ll cross over into the Schrieken and Epelaar nature reserves. In Schrieken, you’ll pass low peat bogs, wet woodlands, and flower-filled meadows. Further on, the pine forests give way once again to the original heathlands. In these spots, the old Kempen is coming back to life.

Closer to De Lilse Bergen, the pine forest resumes, and this brings you back to the gates of the park.