Caron's Hofke – Merksplas Colony loop from Merksplas

Running trails & routes

Caron's Hofke – Merksplas Colony loop from Merksplas

Moderate

runners

Caron's Hofke – Merksplas Colony loop from Merksplas

01:31

14.2km

20m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

90 m

Caron's Hofke

Highlight • Parking

The Carons Hofke, a small site where the 'story of Merksplas' is made visual by information boards and QR codes. Meet the impact of the past.
More info at marcblas.be/de-historie-van-carons-hofke-verteld

Translated by Google •

Tip by

200 m

Motte Castle of Merksplas

Highlight • Historical Site

In the early Middle Ages (5th to 10th century), the motte castle was still in use by the Lords of Merksplas.
A motte castle is an earthen mound with a …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.03 km

Het Pannenhuis - Merksplas

Highlight • Historical Site

The Pannenhuis is a farm on the Hoekeinde in Merksplas. It is a former inn and brewery ('De Zwaan'), built in 1654 on one of the old connecting roads between …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.65 km

Merksplas Colony

Highlight • Historical Site

The Merksplas colony was established in the early 19th century and existed until the 1990s. Nowadays the buildings house various farms, a refugee reception center and a prison.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.64 km

Colony 7 Visitor Center

Highlight • Historical Site

Get to know Colony 5-7 here!
The visitor center tells the story of Wortel and Merksplas Colony. Walk at your own pace through this former pigsty of the Grote Hoeve …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.93 km

Landlopers Chapel Merksplas-Kolonie

Highlight • Religious Site

The monumental space of the former prison chapel of Merksplas colony has been used as an event location for a number of years.
The Chapel of Merksplas Colony is a …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.42 km

Historic main building - Merksplas Colony

Highlight • Historical Site

The Merksplas penitentiary was built in 1825 as a colony to accommodate beggars and vagrants. After WWII it evolved into a semi-open prison with a community regime. Today it is a closed institution for convicts.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.60 km

The Basin - Historic Swimming Pool Colony

Highlight • Lake

Historic Swimming Pool was dug manually by vagrants in the 19th century. The 'Bassin' of yesteryear had the allure of the French Riviera and was only allowed for staff. There …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

14.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types