Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know about your visit to the Grenspark
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 in bloom?
Depending on the weather, the heather is at its most beautiful between mid-August and mid-September. In extremely dry or extremely wet periods this may vary a little.
When is Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide open?
Always.
The Grenspark is not fenced off. You can visit the area freely between sunrise and sunset.
Can I smoke in the area?
No.
There is a general smoking ban in the entire Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide.
Why are there few litter bins to be found in the nature reserve?
In the experience of nature managers, placing more litter bins does not solve the litter problem, but often makes it worse. Litter is created because people throw their rubbish next to the bins. Animals, such as crows and foxes, also pull the rubbish out of the bins when they are looking for food scraps. So we ask our visitors to take their rubbish home neatly, or throw it away in the bins in the car parks and at the entrance gates. Read more about it here.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes, dogs are welcome (almost everywhere) in the Grenspark provided they are kept on a leash.
Dogs are not allowed inside the grazing area. Some dog-walking zones have been marked out where your dog may run free, but here too he must (be able to) listen carefully. It is not allowed to chase game or disturb other holidaymakers. So watch over your dog's behaviour. Read more about it here.
Where are dogs not allowed?
Dogs are not allowed inside the grazing and rest area, not even on a leash.
In concrete terms, this means that you and your dog should avoid the Duin, Schaap, Ree and Mont Noir footpaths, as these routes cross the grid. The other signposted hiking trails are accessible with a dog, provided they are leashed.
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 signposted with a pictogram in a certain colour: so you can easily follow 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 โฌ2). Walking maps cannot be bought online. Read more about it here
Why the gates and fences in the area?
The gates and fences protect the peace of the 'managers of the heath': the sheep, cows and horses in the area.
By grazing, they help manage the heathland. A number of walks cross the grazing area. As a walker, you can therefore see the animals 'at work' and observe them in peace and quiet. We like to guarantee this peace and quiet, so always stay on the footpaths. For the sake of this peace and quiet, dogs and cyclists are not allowed inside the grazing area. Furthermore, keep a sufficient distance from the animals and do not feed them. Close the gates behind you when entering and leaving, so that the cattle stay within the grazing area.
Where can I cycle?
Especially for recreational cyclists, cross-border cycle routes have been mapped out on existing cycle junctions in cooperation with the surrounding municipalities of Stabroek, Kalmthout, Essen and Woensdrecht. These 'Gateway cycling loops' (each about 30 km long) start from the four entrance gates of the Grenspark and show the most beautiful spots around the area and the surrounding border municipalities.
Is mountain biking allowed?
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 also ride horses in the Grenspark?
Yes, you can. You can only ride on bridleways marked with a horseshoe.
Most bridle paths are in the north of the area. Some paths are used twice: you may encounter other recreational users here. Pass others at walking pace, be careful and respect each other. Horse riding in the grazing and rest area is prohibited at all times. Read more about it here.
MTB News from the park
MONA News from the park
Can I have a picnic?
Of course! There are even special spots available for it.
You will find picnic benches at the entrance gates and along the walking routes. They are marked on the walking maps and start boards. Please note: do not leave any rubbish behind, take everything back home as there are no rubbish bins in the area. Don't feel like dragging your own food and drinks? The Grenspark offers a real picnic service, organised by the Piknikfabrik.
Can I organise an event or group activities?
This is not allowed just like that.
Organising an event or group activity requires approval or a permit. This applies to both the Flemish and Dutch sides of the Grenspark. Contact us for more information and advice.
Can I make professional film or photo recordings?
That's not allowed, you need permission.
For all recordings on the Flemish side, you first have to ask the Agency for Nature and Forest (Natuurinvest) for permission. For recordings on the Dutch side, contact us and we will put you in touch with the right manager who will decide on the matter.
I am an (amateur) nature photographer. What should I bear in mind?
Respect the rules and nature: do not disturb it.
The Grenspark potentially offers a lot of beautiful pictures: it is logical that you want to capture that! But do respect the general rules for visitors. Stay on the paths and do not disturb nature. We welcome the sharing of border park photos! Share them on social media with #grensparkkalmthoutseheide or share them with us by sending them by e-mail.
Can I fly a drone over the Grenspark to take photos or films?
No, flying drones in the Grenspark Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is in principle not allowed, whether for recreational or professional use. This ban is based on the nature legislation in Flanders and the geozoning rules in the Netherlands. Only with specific permission from the competent authorities can an exception be made. Read the detailed explanation on drones in the Grenspark here
Can I reach the Grenspark by public transport?
You certainly can! We even encourage you to travel to the park in a sustainable way. Take a look at our accessibility page or check out stations, bus stops and share bike stations on our digital map.
What is the breeding season and when does it take place?
Most birds breed between March and July: the breeding season.
The breeding season is fixed from 15 March to 30 June. It is the time when birds form pairs, choose nest sites, build nests, lay eggs, breed and then raise their young. It is stipulated in the Nature Protection Act that nests, eggs and young may not be disturbed. This applies not only to birds, but to all animals: we also protect the young lives of hares, small rabbits and fawn. In that period from March to July, it is very important not to deviate from the footpaths and to keep dogs on a short leash, so as not to disturb the (young) animals and nesting birds. Some connecting paths in the area are even closed during this period to give the animals their necessary rest.
What is the grazing and rest area?
A large part of the central rest area is fenced off with a grid because these parts are also grazed by sheep and cows.
The general rule is: within the grazing and rest area (in the grids), visitors walk only on the marked paths. No dogs are allowed here (not even on a leash). No cycling, mountain biking or horse riding is allowed here either. Stay on the paths and respect the gates there: always close them behind you so that cattle cannot escape.
