Forest Trails in the Merode Woods

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.Southwest of this area it connects to the Kruiskensberg and the valley of the Grote Nete.

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.

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.