The Hobos, a unique small-scale landscape, is located in Overpelt. It has an area of 142 hectares and is located on the northwestern extension of the Kempen Plateau. Since 2023, the area has been part of Bosland National Park.
It is bordered in the north by Gortenstraat and M.S. clinic, in the east by the N74, in the south by the Winnerstraat and a forest road in its extension and in the west by the Steenweg op Liège (Hasselt - Eindhoven).
Originally it was a heathland area (the Lindelse Heide) that was cultivated from the late Middle Ages. Important witnesses of these old exploitations are the numerous wooded banks that are still present.
An important element in the development of the landscape is the Hobos farm. It is first mentioned in 1524. In the second half of the 18th century, a gin distillery was established there. The Hobos still contains the authentic home of Drossaard Jan Clercx, the exterminator of the infamous Bokkenrijdersgangs. In 2000, the then Flemish minister Sauwens decided that the Hobos would become a protected area. In 2012, the area was purchased by the Flemish government and included in Bosland.
Translated by Google •
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