Horseback riding
At a trot through the Grenspark
The Grenspark remains the Grenspark, yet experiencing it is completely different on horseback than on foot or by bike. How fortunate: in the Grenspark, there are some 30km of bridle paths just waiting to be discovered!
On horseback you feel at one with nature. All in all, an excellent reason to go riding. The Grenspark has about 30km of bridle paths, most of which are in the northern part of the reserve. These bridle paths are signposted with a horseshoe. Here, riders may also encounter other recreational visitors, so be careful and always pass others at walking pace.
In the southern part of the Grenspark, riders can connect from the Withoefse Heide in Kalmthout to the bridle path around the Stappersven and to the northern bridle paths towards Huijbergen and Ossendrecht: there are lovely loops to ride here. Be aware, though, that the connections between different bridle paths sometimes run along public roads.
The bridle paths are marked with a black line on our interactive experience map below.
Please note
Horse riding is only permitted on the paths marked with a horseshoe symbol and on public roads; it is not permitted on footpaths, mountain bike trails or within the grazing and quiet zones.
Some bridleways are shared paths, so please be considerate of other visitors such as walkers and mountain bikers.
MTB News from the park
MONA News from the park
Routes for riders
There are also opportunities for carriage drivers with their horse and carriage to explore the area around the Grenspark . The Border Route for riders and horse-and-carriage drivers offers three loops in Essen and the immediate vicinity. The green loop in Wildert allows you to explore a section of the Grenspark : through the Groenendries woods, along the Verbindingsstraat and past the Stappersven towards the Wildertse Duintjes. Other nature reserves covered by the Border Routes include the Horendonkse woods and the northern part of the Hemelrijk estate.
The map of the Grensroute is available from the Essen Tourist Information Office
Sleep, little horse, sleep
Along the Grensroute mentioned above, you can stop off at riding schools and catering establishments along the way. And you can even stay overnight with your horse at one of the farmhouses or B&Bs along the routes!
Please note
Keep a close eye on the Grensroute signs. All routes are clearly marked with signs bearing route numbers; the arrows indicate the direction.
