Brecht amid heathland, hiking trails and culture

Brecht combines diverse landscapes with hiking trails, cycling routes and special insights into the history of the town. Brechtse Heide is a mosaic of woodland and pasture. Numerous fen areas make it an important habitat for amphibians and dragonflies. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Brecht can therefore plan their trip around their preferred experiences: the focus might be a hike through the heathland, a longer cycling tour or the discovery of historic sites.

Hiking through heathland, forests and former clay pits

The Brechtse Heidepad runs for 15 km through fen areas, clay pits, forests and open fields. The route starts at a car park on the Westmallebaan by the Dessel-Schoten Canal, Bridge 11, in Brecht, and is fully signposted with a purple diamond symbol. This makes it possible to fit the hike into your daily plans based on the stated distance.

Another option is the 17 km Trappistinnenpad. This hiking route also has shorter variants of 10.5 km and 9 km. The trail starts at Bridge 11 on the canal at the corner of Westmallebaan and Vaartdijk in Brecht, or in De Poppelaer Forest on De Vraagstraat in Sint-Job-in-‘t-Goor. It is signposted with hexagonal signs bearing a green arrow or via the nodes of the hiking trail network. This allows you to choose between different distances without equating the two routes.

Nature with a historical background

The Kooldries-Hoofsweer nature area was created from former clay pits associated with the local brick industry. Today, it is a habitat for the rare crested newt. Walkers can visit the area; at the large expanse of water in Hoofsweer, there is also an observation wall for birdwatching. This combination of landscapes, waterways and industrial history gives a stay in Brecht a special depth.

Cycling routes and themed discoveries

Brecht can also be explored by bicycle along various routes. The Van Adel tot Notabel route is 45 km long and runs entirely via cycling nodes. Its starting point is in Brecht at cycling node 99 near Bridge 11. The Trappistenroute is a 44 km circular cycling route with a shorter 30 km variant. The Waterwegenroute covers 30 km. Those who want to experience regional history alongside the landscape can choose the Kleidabbersroute, a route that combines industrial heritage, green sections and atmospheric corners of the landscape.

Experience history in the town centre

The Gemeenteplaats has been the heart of Brecht since the second half of the 15th century and is part of a guided village walking tour. The Dorpswandeling passes Kasteel Neut in the municipal park. The renovated Hof van Pulle, at the corner of Paepestraat and Duivelstraatje, is the birthplace of the humanist and Renaissance poet Jan van der Noot. With interactive elements and stories, the Kempuseum conveys events from prehistoric times to the present day in Brecht.

The Kempuseum is scheduled to be open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and some public holidays. Exceptions are 1 January and 24, 25 and 31 December. In Sint-Lenaarts, the Sint-Leonarduskerk, completed in 1550, recalls the area’s historical character. On Whit Monday, a procession takes place through the centre of Sint-Lenaarts at 11:00 a.m.; this tradition has existed since 1495.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation in Brecht, it is worth deciding first which activities you would like to undertake. Hikers can choose between different distances and landscape impressions with the Brechtse Heidepad and the Trappistinnenpad. Cycling travellers can choose between circular routes, cycling nodes and a route featuring industrial heritage. Those who want to add culture can combine their nature experiences with the Gemeenteplaats, the Kempuseum or the historic sites in Sint-Lenaarts.

For more travel ideas, you can also visit Oud-Turnhout, Retie, Geel, Herentals, Antwerp, Dessel, Berlaar and Mol.

To the higher-level travel overview: Province of Antwerp.