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Belgium
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Hoogstraten

De Klapekster Visitor Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

De Klapekster Visitor Centre

Recommended for

Hiking

by 115 explorers out of 123

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Wortel-kolonie

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    Location: Hoogstraten, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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    Tips

    December 26, 2021

    Hiking

    Ideal starting point for cycling or walking tours.
    Information boards at the Visitor Center 'De Klapekster' provide detailed information about the history and landscape of the Colony.
    Translated by

    August 31, 2021

    Hiking

    The visitor center is named after the gray shrike, a blackbird-sized winged resident of the colony. Housed in the former Grote Hoeve dairy, you can find out more about the history of the Wortel and Merksplas colony here.

    Take a virtual flight over the colony. Learn more about the plants and animals that make their home here or find out where the shepherd is grazing his sheep.

    Next to the visitor center you will find the Brasserie Kolonie 7, where you can strengthen yourself for your round or rest after the hike.
    Translated by

    August 17, 2025

    Hiking

    The old vagrant farm now houses the De Klapekster Visitor Center, the ideal starting point for your exploration of Wortel-Kolonie. Here, Natuurpunt (Nature Center) tells the fascinating history of the Colony of Benevolence – now a UNESCO World Heritage site – and nature awakens with fens, stately avenues, and rare fauna and flora. Come visit for educational opportunities, guided walks, or simply to reflect on the silence and beauty of this unique place.
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    Routes here

    Best routes to De Klapekster Visitor Centre

    4.6

    (87)

    494

    hikers

    1. Flirting with the border in the Valley of the Merkske

    9.38km

    02:21

    10m

    10m

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

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    Moderate

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

    Easy

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

    Moderate

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 20 m

    Weather

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    Friday 6 February

    12°C

    4°C

    0 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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    Location: Hoogstraten, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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