Top 20 Natural Monuments around Oud-Turnhout

Visitors frequently enjoy De Hoge Mouw with its sleeping giant, a unique man-made and natural monument featuring shifting dunes and reaching 35 meters in height. Another favorite is Devil's Pit Pond, known for its characteristic Kempen landscape with heathland, fens, and Scots pine forests. The Aerial Roots of the Kabouterberg also captivate visitors with their whimsical roots protruding above sand dunes.

Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. De Hoge Mouw with its sleeping giant is ideal for children to romp in the soft sand and discover the giant's head. Devil's Pit Pond and Aerial Roots of the Kabouterberg also offer engaging natural experiences for all ages. Additionally, Landschap De Liereman features the 'Stoeberpad', an adventurous 1-kilometer children's path with climbing elements, and the 'Vennenpad', accessible for strollers.

The natural monuments around Oud-Turnhout offer a diverse range of features. You'll find a mosaic of wet and dry heathlands, gorse woodland, various types of forests including birch-oak and Scots pine, shifting dunes, grasslands, and marshy fens. Lakes like Devil's Pit Pond, View of Kesseven, and Gertry Pond are also prominent, providing habitats for various species.

The region's diverse habitats support rich biodiversity. In Landschap De Liereman, you might spot around 70 bird species, including the wulp and nightjar. Amphibians like the green frog, rare moor frog, and natterjack toad are present. Insects such as the orange-tip butterfly and heath blue butterfly thrive among the flora. Grazing animals like Konik horses, Shetland ponies, sheep, and Galloways also help maintain the open landscapes.

Yes, beyond their natural beauty, some areas hold historical significance. Landschap De Liereman has archaeological sites dating back to the Mesolithic period, along with remnants of a hunting lodge and World War II foxholes. Near Devil's Pit Pond, amateur archaeologists have found indications of prehistoric burial fields.

The area around Oud-Turnhout is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous walking and hiking routes, including six marked trails in Landschap De Liereman. For cycling enthusiasts, there are many options for road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. Many routes pass through or near these natural areas, offering scenic views and diverse terrain.

Yes, Landschap De Liereman offers the 'Vennenpad', a 1.6-kilometer route that is accessible for strollers. For visitors with mobility challenges, a special wheelchair with wide tires is available at the visitor center, allowing access to more of the reserve's trails.

Several natural monuments offer excellent viewpoints. De Hoge Mouw, being the highest point of the Kempen ridge, provides expansive views. The 'Vennenpad' in Landschap De Liereman leads to a viewpoint over a fen, and an observation tower there overlooks the lakes, perfect for birdwatching. You can also enjoy a beautiful longitudinal view of the largest heathland in Gewestbos Zuid from View of Kesseven.

The natural monuments around Oud-Turnhout offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for observing diverse flora and fauna, including blooming bog myrtle and various butterflies. The moor frogs turn blue during mating season in spring. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the forests. Landschap De Liereman is also recognized as the first silence area in the Kempen, making it a peaceful retreat in any season.

While the guide data does not explicitly state dog policies for all natural monuments, it's common for nature reserves in the region to have specific rules regarding dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's advisable to check local signage or the visitor center at Landschap De Liereman for specific regulations before visiting with your dog.

Landschap De Liereman has a dedicated visitor center that provides extensive information about the various walks, a knot-point network for navigation, and a permanent exhibition on the landscape, history, and archaeology of the area. This is a great starting point for your visit.