Frequently asked questions

Many of your questions have already been asked by other visitors. You can read the answers below. Is your question not in the list? Then contact us, we will be happy to help you.

When is the heather at its most beautiful in bloom?
Depending on the weather, the heather is at its most colourful between mid-August and mid-September. This may vary slightly during periods of extreme drought or heavy rainfall.

When is Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide open?
Always.
The Grenspark is not fenced off. You are free to visit the area between sunrise and sunset.

Am I allowed to smoke in the area?
No.
There is a general ban on smoking throughout Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.

Why are there so few litter bins in the nature reserve?
Nature conservationists’ experience is that the litter problem is not solved by installing more litter bins, but often gets worse. Litter accumulates because people throw their rubbish next to the bins. Animals, such as crows and foxes, also rummage through the bins when searching for food scraps. We therefore ask our visitors to take their rubbish home with them, or to dispose of it in the bins in the car parks and at the entrance gates. Read more about this here.

Are dogs welcome?
Yes, dogs are welcome (almost everywhere) in the Grenspark , provided they are kept on a lead.
Dogs are not permitted within the grazing area. There are a few designated off-lead areas where your dog may run free, but even here it must be able to obey commands. It is not permitted to chase wildlife or disturb other visitors. So please keep a close eye on your dog’s behaviour. Read more about this here.

Where are dogs not allowed?
Dogs are not permitted within the grazing and quiet zones, not even on a lead.
In practical terms, this means you must avoid the Duin, Schaap, Ree and Mont Noir walking trails with your dog, as these routes cross the fencing. The other signposted walking routes are accessible with a dog, provided it is kept on a lead.

Can I walk with a pet other than a dog?
Yes, you may also walk with other pets in the ‘ Grenspark ’, provided you stay on the authorised paths and keep your pet on a lead.
Pets are not permitted within the permanent grazing enclosure, even if kept on a lead. This applies not only to dogs, but also to other pets, such as cats or parrots. The access rules for the Flemish side of the ‘ Grenspark ’ are set out in approved access regulations. View the access regulations for the province of Antwerp here.

On the ‘Beleefkaart’ (Experience Map) of the Grenspark, you’ll find walking routes where you can take your pet.

Are the walking routes signposted? And is there a walking map?
Yes, walking routes are clearly signposted and yes, a walking map is available.
At each entrance gate and starting point, there is a clear overview map with all routes. Each of them is marked with a pictogram in a specific colour: so you can easily continue on your way without a map. Do you prefer a walking map? You can buy them at the entry gates of the Grenspark, the VVV offices, De Vroente, Visit Kalmthout and the hosts of the Grenspark (price €2). Walking maps cannot be bought online. Read more about it here

Why are there gates and fences in the area?
The gates and fences protect the peace and quiet of the ‘heathland managers’: the sheep, cows and horses in the area.
They help to manage the heathland by grazing. A number of walking routes cross the grazing area. As a walker, you can therefore see the animals ‘at work’ and observe them in peace. We are keen to ensure this peace and quiet, so please always stay on the footpaths. To preserve this tranquillity, dogs and cyclists are strictly prohibited within the grazing enclosure. Furthermore, please keep a safe distance from the animals and do not feed them. Close the gates behind you when entering and leaving, so that the livestock remain within the grazing area.

Where can I cycle?
Especially for recreational cyclists, cross-border cycle routes have been mapped out using existing cycle junction points, in collaboration with the surrounding municipalities of Stabroek, Kalmthout, Essen and Woensdrecht. These‘Poortfietslussen’(each around 30 km long) start from the four entry points to the Grenspark and showcase the most beautiful spots around the area and the surrounding border municipalities.

Is mountain biking permitted?
Mountain bikers have their own routes in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.
Read all about mountain biking in the Grenspark on this page.

Be sure to also read the specific 'frequently asked questions for MTB'.

Can I go horse riding in the Grenspark?
Yes, you can. Horse riding is only permitted on the bridleways, marked with a horseshoe symbol.
Most of the bridleways are located in the northern part of the area. Some paths are used by both horse riders and other visitors: you may encounter other visitors here. Pass others at a walking pace, be careful and show consideration for one another. Horse riding in the grazing and quiet areas is prohibited at all times. Read more about this here.