Vorselaar: Nature Trails, Historic Sites and Special Landscapes

Vorselaar combines the protected Schupleer nature area, varied hiking trails and a remarkable local history. Those planning a trip can choose between short educational trails, longer routes through nature areas and historic sights. This combination makes Vorselaar an interesting destination for anyone who enjoys spending their days between exercise, discovery and culture.

Experience nature and get active

An important natural area is Schupleer. At the end of October 2003, the area was officially recognised by the Flemish Government as a nature reserve, and it now covers more than 20 hectares in total across several land parcels. Important parts are legally protected as a core area within the Flemish Ecological Network, as a protected landscape and as a habitat area for protected bird species. The valleys of the Molenbeek and the Kleine Beek in Lovenhoek are also interesting landscape areas. Protected fish species such as bullhead and spined loach live there.

Several routes are available for different day plans. The “Kasteelwandeling” is 7.4 kilometres long; a shortened version covers 5.7 kilometres. The two “Verhalen uit ons dorp” hikes measure 6.4 and 13.8 kilometres respectively and combine landscape experiences with local history. Those who prefer a shorter route can choose the 1.5-kilometre educational hike “200 jaar Zusters van Vorselaar”. There is also a 5-kilometre Natuurpunt hiking route in Lovenhoek.

The approximately 2-kilometre Schupleerpad connects the Schapenstal on Dijkbaan with the Kasteelhoeve in Grobbendonk. The “Pareltjesroute” leads through Lovenhoek, Molenbos, Schupleer and Den Haert and is 16 or 40 kilometres long. Its starting point is in picturesque Vorselaar, near Kasteeldreef. Depending on your preferred travel pace, you can therefore make either a compact loop or an extended tour the focus of your day.

Schranshoeve and activities with a distinctive character

Schranshoeve is a farm that has existed for many centuries and is known as the family home of Cardinal Jozef Ernest Van Roey. The grounds feature an experiential trail with around ten stations covering education, information and recreation. Fishing with a fishing licence is permitted in the moat around Schranshoeve. Those looking for a sporting change of pace can use the approximately 500-metre-long cyclocross course in Vorselaar. It is permanently marked with red arrows on wooden posts and can be used free of charge.

Historic sites in Vorselaar

The village’s buildings also give the trip a cultural and historical character. Kasteel van Vorselaar can be photographed from outside the moat. The listed Pastorij was completely rebuilt in 1785. Sint-Pieterskerk was rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire in 1587; the nave, high choir and tower were constructed from 1630 onwards.

The “Veertien Kapellekens” are a special attraction. According to current estimates, the group of chapels was founded in 1860 by the farmer Petrus Verhaert. During the healing of his injured leg, he vowed that, if he recovered, he would establish or commission the construction of a Stations of the Cross. Because of their historical and folkloric value, the “Veertien Kapellekens” were protected as a monument by ministerial decree of 14 December 2004. The history of education is also part of the village’s heritage: in 1820, the priest Lodewijk Vincent Donche and Countess Regina della Faille advocated the establishment of a “Werkschool” for poor children.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Vorselaar, it is worth first deciding on your preferred focus. For hiking enthusiasts, the various routes offer a clear choice between short educational trails, medium-length circular walks and long routes. Those who want to combine nature observation with history can include the village’s nature and history themes in their plans. For a varied stay, Schranshoeve, the cyclocross course and the cultural sights also offer different starting points for planning each day.

Accommodation in Vorselaar can therefore serve as a base for a holiday in which you can choose anew each day between nature, exercise and local history. When searching, check which location and type of accommodation best suit your personal itinerary.

Discover more places

For your further search, you can also look at Malle, Rijmenam, Grobbendonk, Kapellen, Rumst, Geel, Bornem and Herentals.

To the overarching travel overview: Antwerp Province.