Discover Oud-Turnhout: Nature Trails, Art and Village History

Oud-Turnhout combines diverse nature experiences with sacred architectural heritage, art and vibrant traditions. Those looking for a holiday apartment can choose between short trails with play elements, longer hikes through heathland and wetlands, a cycle route featuring works of art, and historical discoveries. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to your mood: active in the landscape one day, then cultural and leisurely the next.

Hiking through heathland, wetlands and former clay pits

One defining natural area is Landschap De Liereman, the first official quiet area in the Kempen region. Several hiking trails are available there, including the Stille Wandeling. The Zandloperwandeling starts in Landschap De Liereman between Oud-Turnhout and Arendonk and leads through heathland, grassland, wetlands and wind-blown sand dunes. These varied landscapes make the route a good choice for anyone who wants to experience changing natural scenery while hiking, rather than simply covering a certain distance.

The Wandeling De Lint also offers two clearly defined options: the longer route is 7 km long and passes through the grounds of a former aristocratic estate, while the shorter option is 5 km. For a shorter nature experience, the Stoeberpad is ideal. This nature trail is 1.2 km long and has nine play elements. It starts next to the terrace of the visitor centre. In the Bos van Bo, there are also nature-based play activities such as building huts and balancing on logs.

Those interested in the history of the landscape can choose the Kleiputtenwandeling. It passes through the former clay-extraction landscape of Oud-Turnhout and leads to the ruins of the La Bonne Espérance brick and cement factory. The ruins are now managed by Natuurpunt as a bat reserve. Another option is the Corsendonkwandeling, which crosses land belonging to the water company Pidpa that has been open to hikers since 2018.

Cycle routes and special connections

The Kunst-Out cycle route is approximately 18 km long and passes 19 works of art in Oud-Turnhout. It combines physical activity with an artistic perspective on the area. The Lieremanfietsroute uses a non-motorised ferry that allows cyclists and hikers to cross the canal. The ferry connects the nature reserves on either side; between De Liereman and the Ravelse Bossen, it is also a tourist attraction. When choosing a holiday apartment in Oud-Turnhout, it is therefore worth considering whether your holiday should focus mainly on hiking, cycling or a combination of both.

Art, churches and village history

The Hofke van Chantraine houses an art and cultural heritage centre in a more than 100-year-old vicarage. It hosts exhibitions and other small-scale cultural activities. The Historische dorpswandeling leads through Oud-Turnhout and uses smartphone pop-ups to provide information about the area along the way. This is an independent way to combine village history with a walk.

The parish church of Sint-Bavo is part of the area’s architectural history. It preserves the first three storeys of the Gothic tower and the central nave, dating back to the 14th century. The church also retains medieval roof and vault structures in the choir, transept and, for the most part, the nave. In the district of Oosthoven stands the Sint-Antoniuskerk, a Neo-Romanesque church dating from 1893. The Sint-Antoniusviering in Oosthoven is associated with a tradition more than 500 years old and is recognised as intangible cultural heritage. The Sint-Antonius-Abtkerk also contains the Sint Anna ten Drieën altarpiece, which dates from the beginning of the 16th century.

Which accommodation suits your plans

In Oud-Turnhout, the right choice of accommodation depends above all on the pace you want for your holiday. For days involving nature play and short experiences, the information about the Stoeberpad and the Bos van Bo can serve as a guide. Those who prefer longer routes can include the De Lint options, the trails in De Liereman or the Kleiputtenwandeling in their plans. Art enthusiasts can combine the Kunst-Out cycle route with the Hofke van Chantraine, while churches, the Sint-Antoniusviering and the Historische dorpswandeling can shape days focused on cultural history.

You can explore other destinations in the surrounding area through this selection: Lille, Duffel, Zandhoven, Schilde, Vorselaar, Mol, Balen, Herselt.

For the overview of the wider area: Province of Antwerp.