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Vosselaar

Attractions and Places To See around Vosselaar - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Vosselaar include a variety of natural landscapes and cultural sites within the Belgian province of Antwerp. The municipality features fens, forests, and expansive bodies of water, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Historically, the area's unique geology has shaped its natural features, such as dark-colored pools and impressive hills. Vosselaar offers a mix of natural beauty and historical architecture for visitors to explore.

Best attractions and places to see around Vosselaar

  • The most popular attractions is The Zwart Water, a lake that consists of a fen with woods, thickets, and grassland. A floating platform in the middle of the water serves as a resting and nesting spot for birds.
  • Another must-see spot is Warandeplas, an extensive body of water nestled between forests. It is a location for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature, with a designated zone where dogs can enter the water.
  • Visitors also love De Hoge Mouw with its sleeping giant, a man-made monument that is part of the Kempen ridge. This area is known for its impressive hills formed from ferrous sandstone, inspiring local legends.
  • Vosselaar is known for its natural landscapes, including fens, forests, and heathlands, alongside cultural sites like historical buildings and chapels. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from nature reserves to architectural landmarks.
  • The attractions around Vosselaar are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 670 upvotes and 240 photos shared.

Last updated: October 10, 2026

The Zwart Water

Highlight • Lake

Het Zwart Water consists of a fen with woods on the edge, gale thickets, willow breeches and lean grassland. In the middle of the water there is a floating platform that birds like to use to rest and build their nest. Long ago, Zwart Water and its surroundings were an open dune landscape where the wind had free play. Sand was blown away to a hard layer in the subsoil, after which it collected around it to form dune ridges. The hard layer did not let water through and thus gave rise to a pool. Peat, better known as peat, developed in this area, which gave the water a dark color. Hence the name "Black Water".

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Landscape De Liereman is the first official sanctuary in the Kempen. You can hear the regional, soothing sounds of nature. The landscape is a feast for the eyes with a mosaic of forests, grasslands, heaths and fens. Konik horses, Shetland ponies, sheep and Galloways graze among all that beauty. A plank path and viewing hut let you experience nature in all its glory.

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Warandeplas

Highlight • Lake

The Warandeplas was created as a sand extraction pit for the construction of the E34 and the ring road around Turnhout. Waterfowl rest here, especially during bird migration and the winter months. Water bat, sand martin, sandpiper and viviparous lizard can be seen regularly. On the banks, sheep help restore the valuable flora. For dogs there is a zone where they are allowed in the water. Water skiing is possible on the lake itself. Swimming is prohibited.

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Wortel-Kolonie

Highlight • Historical Site

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Wortel colony was the first free agricultural colony, which meant that poor families were allowed to live on small farms here. They had their own field that they had to cultivate. It wasn't easy - they had little experience and the soil wasn't very fertile.

In 1870 the Belgian state bought the Wortel colony. They housed male "vagrants" and "beggars" who worked under supervision in the countryside and in workhouses.

Today there are no more "vagrants". The colony has been a protected landscape area since 1999 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.

Our tip: Get up very early, then you might run into a shy deer!

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Little Bridges Route

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

"Hiking trails are only allowed for walkers".
Unfortunately, there are also two-wheeled forest hooligans making use of the winding footpaths here.
NOT FINE for young, small forest explorers and older forest enthusiasts.

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Tips from the Community

Viviane
April 7, 2024, Het Zwart Water

Het Zwart Water is a nature reserve southwest of the town of Lichtaart, which is part of the Antwerp municipality of Kasterlee, located near Lavendelweg 1-3. The area is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests. The area is located on the Kempense Heuvelrug and consists of a fen that used to be in a drifting sand and heathland area, but was largely forested with conifers during the 19th century. On the edge of the fen you will find bog myrtle thickets, willow swamp forest and poor grassland. There is a floating dome in the fen that forms a safe resting place for birds. The forest is gradually being transformed into more mixed forest. In addition, there are remnants of heathland.

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Els Q
April 2, 2024, Bruggetjesroute

hopping from one bridge to another

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Landscape De Liereman is the first official sanctuary in the Kempen. You can hear the regional, soothing sounds of nature. The landscape is a feast for the eyes with a mosaic of forests, grasslands, heaths and fens. Konik horses, Shetland ponies, sheep and Galloways graze among all that beauty. A plank path and viewing hut let you experience nature in all its glory.

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Nice little cafe with very nice people and start for a great hike through the Wortel colony.

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Chris
November 24, 2022, Wortel-Kolonie

parking and departure walking and cycling routes

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Chris
October 22, 2022, Bruggetjesroute

Beautiful in all seasons

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Anne&Nera
September 3, 2022, Warandeplas

Beautiful water feature, with a separate dog swimming area. During the weekend it can be busy here. The lake is located quite close to car traffic

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Here you can take beautiful walks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore in Vosselaar?

Vosselaar is rich in natural landscapes. You can visit The Zwart Water, a unique fen with woods and a floating platform for birds. Another expansive body of water, Warandeplas, is ideal for walking and cycling, and even has a designated zone for dogs to enter the water. The area also features forests like Grotenhoutbos and natural areas such as Zwartgoorheide.

Are there any family-friendly activities or attractions in Vosselaar?

Yes, Vosselaar offers several family-friendly options. The Landschap De Liereman Visitor Centre provides a great experience with Konik horses, Shetland ponies, sheep, and Galloways, plus a plank path and viewing hut. The Little Bridges Route is a popular walking path for all ages, traversing woodlands and featuring numerous small bridges. Additionally, De Hoge Mouw with its sleeping giant offers soft sand for children to play in and a monumental sculpture to discover.

What historical or cultural sites can I visit in Vosselaar?

Vosselaar has several notable historical and architectural sites. You can see the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk, an important architectural site, and Het Hof, a former presbytery with a moated domain. Other points of interest include various small chapels, the historical Grafsteen Adriaen Ghys, and significant buildings like Villa Olmenrode and Kievitshoeve.

Where can I go for a walk or hike in Vosselaar?

Vosselaar is a popular destination for walkers. Besides the family-friendly Little Bridges Route, you can explore trails like the 'Schriekenwandeling' through dense woodlands and scenic ponds, or the 'Kempen-Broekpad' which showcases diverse landscapes including heathland and ancient peat bogs. Grotenhoutbos is also suitable for walks.

Are there any dog-friendly walking routes in Vosselaar?

Yes, the Warandeplas is a great option for dog owners, as it features a designated zone where dogs can freely enter the water. Many of the natural areas and trails around Vosselaar are also suitable for walks with dogs, but always check local signage for specific rules.

What kind of outdoor activities are available near Vosselaar's attractions?

Beyond walking, Vosselaar offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including those passing by the Warandeplas. For more structured activities, explore the MTB Trails around Vosselaar, Running Trails around Vosselaar, or general Cycling routes around Vosselaar.

Where can I find a visitor center or facilities in the area?

The Landschap De Liereman Visitor Centre is an excellent resource. It's the first official sanctuary in the Kempen and offers information, a summer terrace for refreshments, and can arrange guided tours. There is also a very spacious parking lot available here.

What is unique about De Hoge Mouw?

De Hoge Mouw is part of the Kempen ridge, known for its impressive hills formed from ferrous sandstone. It's famous for the local legend of the 'Sleeping Giant' (Slapende Reus), inspired by the huge shape of the now stabilized shifting dunes. An artwork by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh also adorns the top, adding to the mythical imagery.

Can I see wildlife or unique nature at these attractions?

Absolutely. At The Zwart Water, a floating platform serves as a resting and nesting spot for birds. The Landschap De Liereman Visitor Centre area is home to Konik horses, Shetland ponies, sheep, and Galloways. The Warandeplas attracts waterfowl, especially during bird migration, and you might spot water bats, sand martins, sandpipers, and viviparous lizards.

Are there any viewpoints to enjoy the scenery in Vosselaar?

Yes, several attractions offer scenic viewpoints. The Zwart Water has a beautiful viewing hut to observe bird activity. The Warandeplas also provides lovely views of the extensive body of water and surrounding forests. Additionally, De Hoge Mouw, being the highest point of its ridge, offers expansive views of the landscape.

What is the best time of year to visit Vosselaar for outdoor activities?

Vosselaar's natural attractions are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. The summer months are ideal for enjoying the water features like Warandeplas. Even in winter, specific trails like the 'Schriekenwandeling' can be beautiful for a crisp walk.

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