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Beautiful observation hut – Front Luys Watermill loop from St. Maartensheide - De Luysen

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Hiking trails & Routes

Beautiful observation hut – Front Luys Watermill loop from St. Maartensheide - De Luysen

Easy

5.0

(3)

hikers

Beautiful observation hut – Front Luys Watermill loop from St. Maartensheide - De Luysen

01:42

6.74km

10m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 15, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Kempen~Broek

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

55 m

Nature house – starting point for hiking loops

Highlight • Rest Area

There is a free forest car park here, which is an excellent starting point for hikes in the nature reserve. Around noon, the capacity of the parking lot should slowly run out. So get there early!

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288 m

Beautiful observation hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

I have never seen anything so great in any nature reserve. This observation hut is located in the immediate vicinity of the swamp and is ideal for observing the waterfowl. Inside, a clean hut awaits the hiker. The seats face the lake. You can open small flaps and watch the birds wonderfully. The animals are not disturbed in any way and the hobby ornithologist can take his photos.

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1.14 km

Observation hut

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Again, a wonderful observation hut with a great view of the waterfowl.

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1.92 km

Viewing platform over De Luysen

Highlight • Viewpoint

In summer, the ponds are almost invisible because of the reeds. This bridge/viewpoint offers a beautiful view.

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3.09 km

Grassy Path Along the Stream

Highlight • Trail

3.53 km

Front Luys Watermill

Highlight • Monument

Do you still know the nursery rhyme: "The mill rattles on the rustling belly"?
The mill only rattles on mill days and on special occasions, and the Aabeek (a.k.a. Aabach) doesn't really rustle either. But a loud "aaah!" (as in Aabeek) is certainly appropriate given the good condition of this mill from 1515.

Petrus Luys was the first miller on this water mill (hence the name), which was in operation until 1965. Originally, no grain was milled into flour, but the fibers used to make fabrics were milled in a so-called fulling mill. From the 19th century it served as a flour mill.

The watermill is open every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also on mill days.

An information center for Kempen-Broek is located next to the mill and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. You can also get a coffee or a snack here.

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