The Merksplas penitentiary was built in 1825 as a colony to accommodate beggars and vagrants. After WWII it evolved into a semi-open prison with a community regime. Today it is a closed institution for convicts.

The penal institution has been a protected monument since 1999 and is located in a classified landscape.

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🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

December 26, 2020

Hiking

Colonies 5-7 from Wortel and Merksplas were part of the 'Colonies of Benevolence' at the beginning of the 19th. These Colonies emerged at the beginning of the 19th century as an ambitious social experiment in the present-day Netherlands and Belgium. Merksplas was founded as the seventh Colony. Poor beggars, vagabonds, were sent to this corner to live from agriculture and industry. Highly recommended to discover this bygone history.

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StefaanS

January 24, 2021

Hiking

Merksplas Kolonie has many unpaved roads between field and forest. Nice walking there.

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Best routes near Historic main building - Merksplas Colony

4.5

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#1.

Colony - Eastern Rampart – Open hay barns Kolonie 5-7 loop from Kolonie Merksplas

11.1km

02:48

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.3

(16)

124

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#2.

Grote Hoeve – Colony - Eastern Rampart loop from Merksplas

6.60km

01:40

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.5

(24)

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#3.

Grote Hoeve – Colony 7 Visitor Center loop from Kolonie Merksplas

5.04km

01:17

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

Weather

Wednesday 25 March

7°C

1°C

56 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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Location: Merksplas, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Historic main building - Merksplas Colony

#1.

Colony - Eastern Rampart – Open hay barns Kolonie 5-7 loop from Kolonie Merksplas

#2.

Grote Hoeve – Colony - Eastern Rampart loop from Merksplas

#3.

Grote Hoeve – Colony 7 Visitor Center loop from Kolonie Merksplas

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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