At the end of the 18th century there were still heaths and marshes here. During the first half of the 19th century, this area was reclaimed and forested. Around 1900, lanes were built through the woods.

Most of the forests are in the municipality of Herenthout, but the part to the west of this is on the territory of Bevel. There is also the associated Castle Steynehof. To the north of this castle you can still find heathland remnants and some fens.

The forest area is relatively isolated in the open landscape and is important for many breeding birds.

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Claudine en Robert🇧🇪🚴

November 4, 2024

Cycling

This nature reserve lies at the crossroads of the provinces of Antwerp, Limburg and Flemish Brabant and has a rich noble and literary history. It boasts mighty landscapes and attracts walkers and cyclists from all sides. Merodebossen comprises four wooded areas in the southeast of Antwerp: Sterschotsbos, Hertberg, Varenbroek and Helschot. This beautiful landscape inspired writer Alfons Jozef de Ridder for his famous pseudonym Willem Elsschot. The wooded areas are ideal for walking and valuable for numerous plants and animals.

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Frank en Nancy 🇧🇪

April 22, 2022

Cycling

The Merodese Bossen in the municipalities of Herenthout and Bevel are located north of the valley of the Grote Nete in the Zuiderkempen. It is a heavily wooded landscape with a number of swamps interlaced with long lanes. The extensive fields in combination with the forest make this walk a varied tour.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Forest Trails in the Merode Woods

5.0

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1. Kruiskensberg Chapel – 't Schipke on the Nete loop from Berlaar

57.6km

03:44

90m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3

(4)

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2. Bridge over the Grote Nete – 't Schipke on the Nete loop from Beerzel

32.7km

01:57

70m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.0

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3. Bouwel Windmill – Bridge over the Grote Nete loop from Nijlen

41.4km

02:30

50m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Tuesday 17 March

16°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Herenthout, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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Bridge Over the Grote Nete

Kruiskensberg Chapel

Along the Kleine Nete

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Forest Trails in the Merode Woods

1. Kruiskensberg Chapel – 't Schipke on the Nete loop from Berlaar

2. Bridge over the Grote Nete – 't Schipke on the Nete loop from Beerzel

3. Bouwel Windmill – Bridge over the Grote Nete loop from Nijlen

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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