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In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Kesselse Heide was a popular location for military exercises. It was used successively by the Belgian army (specifically the Achterbist region), during World War II by German soldiers, and in the post-war period by the Allies. Locals would sometimes "play" with the soldiers as children, participating in exercises such as quickly reassembling a weapon. However, from the early 1950s onward, the fun ended: the start of the Korean War and more frequent exercises led to stricter rules. Perhaps for the best, as the soldiers had access to heavy artillery. The heath contained several gun pits, part of the defense line around Nijlen. The famous "Horseshoe Pit" was one of them. This pit was originally circular and was (possibly) dug during the First World War to wash the soldiers' horses. Later, a small land bridge was added, making the island in the middle accessible. For many locals, it served as a beautiful swimming hole and a place for summer recreation.

Nice story about rivalry between local youth from surrounding villages

Winding paths lead along the ponds and through the silence area...

Winter lighting, quiet walking

It is a beautiful park, with beautiful water features and the Rivierhof castle where you can enjoy a snack and a drink.

In 1921, the last noble heirs decided to sell the domain. Thanks to the alert actions of provincial registrar Jozef Schobbens, the province bought the domain as a green lung for the then heavily populated Deurne-Borgerhout region where many workers lived. It was hoped that the Rivierenhof would be able to offer them healthy air, relaxation and tranquility. The province expanded the park from 40 to 135 hectares. Ponds were dug, lands were raised, castles were renovated and picturesque shelters were built. Bridges, a rose garden and sports fields were constructed. All this to allow everyone to enjoy the fresh greenery as much as possible. 100 years later, the Rivierenhof is still the most beautiful park in the entire province, where visitors from near and far admire everything this special place has to offer.

On May 7, 1923, the Rivierenhof opened its gates to the general public. It is the oldest provincial domain in Belgium. Later all other provinces followed suit. History: In 1921 the last noble heirs decided to sell the domain. Thanks to the alert actions of provincial registrar Jozef Schobbens, the province purchased the domain as a green lung for the already heavily populated Deurne-Borgerhout region where many workers lived. It was hoped that the Rivierenhof would be able to offer them healthy air, relaxation and tranquility. The province expanded the park from 40 to 135 hectares. Ponds were dug, lands were raised, castles were renovated and picturesque shelters were built. Bridges, a rose garden and sports fields were constructed. All this to allow everyone to enjoy the fresh greenery as much as possible. 100 years later, the Rivierenhof is still the most beautiful park in the entire province, where visitors from near and far admire everything this special place has to offer.

Historical explanation about the 'Boathouse'. In 1922, the Province of Antwerp started the construction of the Rivierenhof as a public park. Two ponds will be dug on the south side, one on each side of Het Schijn. These ponds act as a buffer: they collect the water when the Schijn floods. The excavated sand from the ponds is used to raise the walking paths. It is wonderful to relax along the banks. There are always new places and views to discover. The boating lake was put into use in 1929. Visitors can explore the pond in rowing boats. These rowing boats are rented by the operator of Riviernhof Castle, where a hotel / restaurant / tavern was located between 1926 and 1981. A boathouse is being built to store the boats and provide a shelter for visitors. this still stands today. An ideal location to dream away to a distant past.