Holiday home in the Kempen with your dog: enclosed gardens and the best walking routes
The Kempen is one of the best regions in Belgium for a holiday with your dog. Vast heathlands, quiet forest paths and flat cycling routes: your four-legged companion will enjoy it just as much as you do. Here are our tips for the best holiday homes, walking routes, things to watch out for and what makes the Kempen different from the Ardennes or the coast.
The Kempen is ideal for a holiday with your dog: little traffic, plenty of nature and many holiday homes with enclosed gardens. The region is flatter than the Ardennes, which is better for older dogs or dogs that struggle with hills.
Why the Kempen is so well suited for dogs
The Kempen, spread across the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg, is a succession of pine forests, heathlands and ponds. For a dog, it is paradise: space to run, scents to discover and water to splash in. Most walking paths are wide and well maintained, with little traffic nearby.
An added advantage: the Kempen is much less touristy than the Ardennes or the coast. That means quieter paths, friendlier prices for holiday homes and a relaxed pace that benefits your dog too. You will encounter fewer other dogs and tourists, which is a big plus for dogs that do not like crowds.
The Kempen is also flatter than the Ardennes. This makes the region particularly suitable for older dogs, dogs with hip problems or dogs that struggle with steep terrain.
Enclosed garden: why it matters
A holiday home with an enclosed garden is an absolute must for many dog owners. You want to let your dog roam freely without having to constantly chase after it. In the Kempen there are plenty of holiday homes that offer this, but always check the height and condition of the fence before booking.
Questions to ask the host: how high is the fence? Are there gaps at the bottom? Is there a separate dog gate? Is there an outdoor tap to rinse the dog off after a walk? A good host will have clear answers to these questions and will understand that this is essential for dog owners.
In the Kempen, holiday homes are generally on larger plots than at the coast or in urban fringe areas. That means even homes without a fully enclosed garden often have a large outdoor area that can be closed off with a simple fence.
The best walking routes in the Kempen for dogs
Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg is the top choice for walkers with dogs. The park has more than 50 kilometres of walking paths through forests and over heathland. Dogs must be kept on a lead, but the routes are so beautiful that this is no hardship. The routes from the access gates in As, Maasmechelen or Dilsen-Stokkem are ideal.
In the province of Antwerp, the Kalmthout Heath is highly recommended: 4,000 hectares of heathland and ponds on the Dutch border. Dogs are welcome on a lead here too. The routes are flat and suitable for all dogs, including older ones. In August the heather blooms purple, making it one of Belgium's most beautiful landscapes.
Bosland in the north of Limburg (between Neerpelt, Lommel and Peer) is the largest continuous forest area in Flanders: almost 10,000 hectares. The walking routes are well signposted with routes for all levels. Dogs are welcome on a lead on most paths.
The Lommel sand dunes are a unique location: a vast drifting sand area that looks like a miniature Sahara. Dogs love running in the soft sand. The dunes are located within the Bosland area.
Popular walking areas in the Kempen with your dog
- Hoge Kempen National Park (Limburg), 50+ km of paths, multiple access gates
- Kalmthout Heath (Antwerp), 4,000 ha of heath and ponds, flat terrain
- Bosland (Limburg), 10,000 ha of continuous forest, best for long walks
- Lommel sand dunes, drifting sand area, dogs love it
- Zilvermeer (Mol), walking and swimming around the lake, quieter than the coast
- De Wijers (Limburg), vast pond area, ideal for water-loving dogs
What to do besides walking in the Kempen
The Kempen is more than walking. The region has an extensive cycling network of junction routes. With a dog on a lead or in a bike basket, the flat Kempen cycling routes are ideal. Ask the holiday home owner for recommendations for routes along the water or through quiet forests.
Many recreational lakes in the Kempen allow dogs in an enclosed area or at specific times. The Zilvermeer in Mol is one of the few official swimming spots in Flanders where dogs can swim. Check the rules on the domain's website before you go.
The Kempen also has an interesting cultural offering: the Bokrijk Open Air Museum in Genk is one of the largest open air museums in Europe and allows dogs on the outdoor grounds. Ideal for combining an afternoon walk with a historical visit.
Practical tips for a holiday with your dog in the Kempen
Before you leave, check whether the holiday park or surrounding area has restaurants that welcome dogs. In the Kempen there are plenty of terraces and brasseries that welcome dogs, but it is always good to know this in advance. Ask the host for suggestions for dog-friendly restaurants nearby.
Bring a long tracking lead (5 to 10 metres) for walks in open nature. Dogs must be kept on a lead in most protected areas, but a long lead gives them more freedom of movement than a standard walking lead. In the heath and forest you can let the lead out longer when no one else is nearby.
Bear in mind the tick season: the Kempen has tick populations, especially from March to November. Treat your dog with a good tick preventative beforehand and check it thoroughly after every walk in tall grass or at forest edges. Check yourself too: ticks in the Kempen can also infect people with Lyme disease.
In summer the heathland can get very hot, especially in the afternoon. Walk early in the morning or late in the evening, and make sure your dog always has water. The heathlands offer little shade and the temperature there can feel 5 to 10 degrees higher than in the forest.
What does a holiday home in the Kempen cost?
Holiday homes in the Kempen are on average 20 to 30% cheaper than comparable homes in the Ardennes. A spacious home for 4 to 6 people with a garden costs on average between 80 and 130 euros per night. In high season (July-August) prices are higher, but the Kempen remains more affordable than the most popular Ardennes destinations.
Most hosts charge a dog supplement of 10 to 25 euros per dog per stay. Always ask about this in advance. Some hosts only allow one dog, others are more flexible. If you are travelling with two dogs, always mention this when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Are there many holiday homes with enclosed gardens in the Kempen?
Yes, the Kempen has a relatively large supply. Homes there are on bigger plots than at the coast or in urban fringe areas. Search specifically for 'enclosed garden' in the filters.
Which walking area is best for my dog?
Hoge Kempen National Park and the Kalmthout Heath are the best choices for extensive walks. Bosland is ideal for those who prefer quieter, longer forest walks.
Are ticks a problem in the Kempen?
Yes. The Kempen is a tick region. Treat your dog preventatively and check it after every walk. Check yourself too, especially after walks in tall vegetation.
