The Grotenhoutbos, located in the south of Vosselaar and partly in Gierle, is one of the oldest forests in the Antwerp Kempen. The forest (300 ha) also has an extremely rich history.
Until the end of the 17th century, hunting fulfilled the most important function in the forest. For example, the Dukes of Brabant held grand hunting parties there in the thirteenth century.
This changed from the 17th century onwards. In 1667, Adriaen Ghys, a forester from Vosselaar, sowed the first pine tree in the Kempen. The domain remained in the hands of important noble families, but they now focused on timber production. One of the owners was Victor Bracht, who was able to save the remaining 415 ha. of forest from destruction in 1929.
Since 2000, the Grotenhoutbos has been owned by the Agency for Nature and Forests of the Flemish government. Through sophisticated forest management, the original landscape is to be restored as much as possible. Centuries-old forest plants are given every chance again, which in turn attracts rare animals. The greatest asset of the Grotenhoutbos is the enormous variety of different ecosystems.
Various signposted walks run through the domain.
The main entrance to the Grotenhoutbos is located at De Breem, at the bridge over the E34 motorway.