Attractions and Places To See in Vallei Van De Bruine Beek Met Kasteeldomeinen Berentrode En Zellaar - Top 18

Welcome to the Krankhoevebos - Pearl of the Bruinbeek Valley. The diversity of forests, meadows, farms, and castles makes the Bruinbeek Valley a beautiful Bonheiden landscape. The Krankhoevebos is one of the largest forest clusters in this beautiful valley. Near the Bruinbeek lies the oldest forest, a swamp forest at least 250 years old. The much younger, dry forest just behind the farm was planted between the two world wars. There's something to experience in every season in the Krankhoevebos. Information boards along the path provide more information about the exuberant spring flora and the abundance of mushrooms. You can also learn about the slow worm and woodpeckers that you can always spot here. The Krankhoevebos is a wonderful place to explore. Waterproof footwear is recommended to fully enjoy your adventure.

If a castle can be a real castle...

Beautiful walking area in forests and meadows...

Nice paths take you through the forest...

Nice little garden where nature can live...

Another castle that can be called a castle...

The Krankhoevebos is a nature reserve located in the municipality of Bonheiden, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The forest is one of the larger green areas in the region and is a popular place for hikers and nature lovers. The forest is part of a wider network of nature reserves in the region and offers a peaceful and natural environment. The Krankhoevebos is originally a mixed deciduous forest, which means that you can find different types of trees there, such as oaks, beeches, and hazelnuts. It is a versatile area, with both open spaces and densely vegetated areas, which ensures a rich biodiversity. This also makes the forest attractive to birdwatchers, as there are different bird species in the area. There are several walking routes through the forest, allowing visitors to explore nature at their own pace. The area is also accessible to cyclists, depending on the route. In addition to its natural value, the Krankhoevebos also has historical significance. It is located in the region that used to be part of the more agricultural landscapes near Bonheiden. Today the forest is an oasis of tranquility and a beautiful place to escape from busy city life.

The Jachtslot Berentrode, also called the Kasteel van Berentrode or 't Spaanshuis, is the oldest building in the Belgian municipality of Bonheiden. It is assumed that the municipality originated from here and grew into what it is today. The oldest remains of the building are the very thick lower walls under the current central section. However, it is not possible to say with certainty whether a simple castle tower once stood here. In the 16th century, the building underwent major renovations. During the Nine Years' War (1689-1697), the castle was a fiefdom located in the lordship of Bonheiden. The castle, which was often renovated, no longer had a defensive character in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was owned by the lord Philipus Franciscus Baert since 1685. In 1757, the castle was still described as a very mediocre building that seems to have been built in the middle of a forest for the enjoyment of walks and solitude. In 2015, the building consists of three separate homes: a farm section at the back, then the middle section (which was recently completely restored) and finally the third section, which is visible from the Berentdrodedreef. Over the years, many renovations have been carried out (especially in the 1970s and 1980s), which do not immediately adorn the building. Since the beginning of the 21st century, attempts have been made to restore the building to its former glory (historically). As a tribute, the name Berentrode has been given to the municipal sports hall in the Grote Doelstraat. A bicycle tour passes the hunting lodge. Where the circular path around the castle is now, used to be the castle moat.