How to Get To Hoge Kempen National Park – Brussels Day Trip!

Hoge Kempen is Belgium’s first national park and the most popular. I found out about this while scrolling through Tiktok and some of the nature caught my eye. The spot that got my attention was a place called Terhills with iconic mine towers and hilltop viewpoints. If you are a reader of this blog then you know I enjoy plenty of hikes and I try and include one on every trip. This time the Hoge Kempen National Park & Terhills Hike satisfied this need and although it wasn’t a strenuous hike, it was rather enjoyable with options to extend your visit.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get to Hoge Kempen National Park from Brussels as well as the option for some shopping in the nearby Maasmechelen Village. This shopping outlet is what provided me easy transport to the start point to this national park, it’s quicker and more convenient. I will get into more detail into this below as well as what the Terhills hike is really like, and what else you can do in Hoge Kempen if you have more time.

Quick overview of Hoge Kempen National Park

What is Hoge Kempen National Park?

Hoge Kempen National Park sits in the Belgian province of Limburg, close to the Dutch border. It’s a huge protected nature area of forests, heathland and lakes spread over several municipalities. What I found really cool about this national park is that it used to be a coal mine and it got transformed into this huge national park that we see today. While it is somewhat man made, you will not be able to tell and it is really quite stunning.

Rather than one single entrance, the park is organised around “gateways” where visitor hubs with parking, maps and marked loop trails starting from each gateway. In total, you’ve got 80+ signposted hiking loops, all colour-coded and easy to combine. In this post we are going to focus on Terhills gateway as it is the easiest to access and offers one of the best views – win,win!

Why Terhills is the best choice for a Brussels day trip

If you’re visiting without a car and you just want one key hike on your visit to Belgium then Hoge Kempen, Terhills is the most practical choice:

• It’s the best-connected gateway by public transport (train to Genk, then local bus).
• The trails are short but steep, so you get big views for relatively little time.
• There’s proper infrastructure: visitor centre, café, toilets and clear signage.
• Maasmechelen Village and Terhills Hotel sit right at the entrance, so you can easily combine hiking with food or outlet shopping.

How to get to Hoge Kempen (Terhills) From Brussels

There are three options for reaching the starting point of Hoge Kempen National Park.

1. Train + local bus (pure public transport)
2. Shopping Express shuttle via Maasmechelen Village
3. Driving from Brussels (if you have a car)

Option 1 – Train + Bus from Brussels

This is the most flexible year-round option if you don’t have a car and don’t want to rely on the shopping shuttle.

Step 1 – Train from Brussels to Genk

From Brussels (Central, Midi or North), take a direct IC train to Genk. Trains usually run at least hourly; the journey takes roughly 1h30–1h40. Tickets cost around €12–€15 one-way (cheaper with youth or weekend discounts). Trains typically depart hourly, making this pretty flexible.

(Pro tip: If it’s a weekend, get the SNCB weekend ticket – 50% off!)

• Use the official SNCB/app or website to search “Brussels-Central → Genk”.
• Trains often start in Brussels-Midi, pass through Brussels-Central and Brussels-North, then head east.

Step 2 – Bus from Genk Station to Terhills (Eisden / Maasmechelen Village)

From Genk station, you’ll switch to a De Lijn bus that drops you very close to Terhills. You will need to catch bus 44 which runs between Hasselt and Maasmechelen, stopping at Genk station and Eisden Kunstacademie / Maasmechelen Village.

The bus ride takes a further 30-45 minutes and it costs a few euros where you can buy the ticket on board or in the De Lijn app.

This takes the total travel time around the 2-2.5 hour mark so make sure to plan accordingly. Personally I looked for alternatives as I thought this was a bit hectic just for a specific hike. Luckily there was another option.

Option 2 – Using the Maasmechelen Village Shopping Express from Brussels (How I Did It)

This was really a stroke of luck and genius that I found this method. While this blog is focused on budget travel I am a sucker for a shopping outlet to see if I can score some deals. This is by fat the most convenient way to get to Hoge Kempen as it is direct service from central Brussels to the doorstep of the national park. You can book your tickets from the shopping outlet website and search for the Maasmechelen Village Shopping Express.

It runs only on weekends and bank holidays, and they might do daily in the summer months but this is subject to change. It departs at 9:30 from Brussels and returns at 17:00. It costs €10 round trip making it easily affordable and convenient if you can fit this day to fall on the weekend. The bus journey takes around 1h 30minutes.

To get to the Terhills hike starting point from the outlet drop off is just a simple 10 minute walk down one end of the village and then turn right. You will see signs of the Terhills visitor center, head through that building and you will be well on your way.

Option 3 – Driving to Hoge Kempen National Park

If you have a car, getting to Terhills is straightforward. It is roughly a 1h 15-1h30 minute drive. The only worry you will have is parking but there is dedicated parking around the visitor centre and Terhills Resort. Just check the signs as some parking areas might be free and others may charge. If you have an eletric car there are also 30 charging points at the main car park.

Pros and Cons of Train & Shopping Express Route

Each option has its own advantages and setbacks and here is a list breaking each down so you can choose the option that is the best one for you

Pros and cons of the Shopping Express route

Pros

• Super simple: no transfers, no De Lijn ticket machines, no worrying about bus timetables.
• Timed day trip – you’re forced not to overthink logistics.
• Great if you want to combine hiking + outlet shopping in one day.

Cons

• Fixed arrival and departure times – if you’re late or early, you’re stuck waiting.
• Only runs on specific days, not daily year-round.
• You’re slightly rushed if you want to do the longest Terhills loop plus a relaxed sit-down meal.

Pros and cons of the train + bus route

Pros

• Works all year, not limited to weekends or specific dates.
• You’re not tied to a fixed departure/return time like the shopping coach.
• Flexible for onward travel in Limburg (Hasselt, Maastricht, etc.).

Cons

• Two transfers (train + bus), so it’s not the most relaxing door-to-door option.
• If you miss a bus, you might be waiting 30–60 minutes, especially on Sundays.

I whole heartedly recommend the shopping express as it was really convenient direct transfer but if you want to go and your plans don’t fall on a weekend then the train via Genk is the way to go.

Hiking in the Terhills – My Route

Now, the actual fun begins. After walking to the Terhills visitor center from the dropoff you can find multiple routes here. We tackled only a portion taking us to the long terill panorama viewpoint and then down to the lake. There are plenty of marked trails to choose from and the full details can be found on the Hoge Kempen website

Trail basics

From the National Park Visitor Centre at Terhills, several loop trails start and finish at the same point. Official info mentions circuits from about 1.4 km up to around 10–14 km, depending on the map and route colour you follow.

The colour codes and exact distances can change as the park updates its signage, but in general you’ll see:

• Short family loops (~1.5–3 km) – mostly flat or gently rolling, good with kids or limited mobility.
• Medium panoramic loop (~5–7 km) – the sweet spot with one or two major climbs and multiple viewpoints over the lakes.
• Longest route (~10–14 km) – often marked in yellow or red on newer maps; this adds extra ridges, lakeside sections and more up-and-down.

For a day trip from Brussels, I felt that the short uphill climb to the viewpoint and then heading down lakeside gave me the best of both worlds and different views from both.

Terhills Hiking Highlights

I started at the visitor center and went through some sort of barricades to access the national park. Heading into the forests I kept walking

Rough outline:

Start at the Visitor Centre (A):

After the visitor center walk straight into the forest and then head left. Grab a paper map if available, or take a photo of the trail board pictured above.

Hike to Lange Terill (B)

This is the majority of the hike. It is easy and paths are well maintained with majority being wide paths and sections with concrete as well. It is not strenuous just a casual uphill battle. It takes around 30 minutes to climb up at a leisurely pace. You will be rewarded with views as you climb of the village in the distance as well as the remains of what was a large coal mine.

I hiked this trail in November and the trees were beautiful in their own way with some being orange and some green. However a problem which I found that would definitely not be present if you are hiking in the summer months was the presence of mud. On the bright side it was only present in the final stretch to actually go to the viewpoint. The walk up and the way down like I said was majority concrete paths, so you don’t need proper hiking boots for this hike.

Lakeside Bridge (C)

The trail continues back down as you zigzag downhill to come near the lake. You will pass by a wellness centre. Keep walking past it and you will come by the pontoon bridge over the lake in an S shape. This is where you have an option to either continue on hiking back up to another viewpoint on the other side of the park or head back. I decided to head back to do some shopping at the shopping village and grab something to eat.

Return to Visitor Centre / Terhills Hotel (D)

There is no need to head back the way you came. Just follow the straight path back past the wellness centre and keep heading straight. It’s about a 20-25 minute walk.

Trail Overview

Exact numbers depend on which loop you pick and how many “extras” you add (mine tower, little detours), but for the classic panoramic loop that I did:

• Distance: roughly 5–7 km
• Elevation gain: around 200–300 m over the whole loop (spread across a couple of short, steep climbs).
• Time: around 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace, including photo stops.
• Difficulty:
  • Physically: moderate – short, sharp climbs where you’ll be slightly out of breath.
  • Technically: easy – mostly good paths, some steeper stair sections and gravel

Practical tips for the Terhills hike

Like I mentioned the paths are a mix of gravel, compact dirt and steps. Some of the paths can get muddy in the wetter seasons so if you are hiking in autumn/winter then I would recommend some light hiking shoes. I hiked in my normal trainers Nike AirForce and I managed easily but I had to be careful.

Take some water on the hike with you as well as some snacks. If you are visiting in nice weather there are some benches at the top which could be a nice spot to pause and take in the view.

Best time of year

I think this hike is enjoyable year round and offers something different during all the seasons. I really appreciated the contrast of the colour of the leaves in the autumn season but I can guarantee that this would be equally impressive at any time of year

Best time of day

Realistically from a day trip to Brussels you will be starting this hike at around 11am. Otherwise if visiting in summer, I would try at an earlier time if possible to avoid the heat or start later in the afternoon.

More Things To Know About Hoge Kempen National Park.

Some other things to know apart how to get to Hoge Kempen National Park from Brussels is the facilities found here and other practical information to ensure a smooth visit.

Park Entry & Hours

Entry to Hoge Kempen National Park is completely free and the hiking areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor centers (like Terhills) have limited seasonal hours and may close on Mondays in winter, but trail access remains available via side gates. Just make sure to finish your hike before dark as the park has no lighting.

Facilities (Bathrooms & Water)

Some gateways, like Terhills, Kattevennen and Station As, offer clean restrooms and water refill options, but others such as Mechelse Heide may have little to no facilities. Always bring water, tissues and sanitizer as bathrooms are not guaranteed on the trails. There are no water fountains along the routes.

Food Options

Food inside the park is minimal, so bringing snacks or a picnic is the best plan. Terhills has a small café, and Kattevennen or Station As offer basic meals during open hours. If you want more variety, Maasmechelen Village (5 minutes from Terhills) has plenty of restaurants and a food court.

Pets

Dogs are welcome throughout most of Hoge Kempen as long as they are kept on a leash. Some specific areas (like the Lieteberg barefoot trail) do not allow pets, but the regular hiking routes are fine. Dog waste bins are available at entrances, so owners should clean up after their pets.

Rules & Safety

Visitors must stay on marked trails to protect the environment and avoid unstable old mining areas. No fires, camping or off-trail biking are allowed, and the park follows standard Leave No Trace principles. For emergencies, call 112, though rangers and other hikers are usually nearby on popular routes.

Signage & Language

Trail markers are simple colored shapes, so knowing Dutch isn’t necessary. Information boards may be in Dutch, but staff often speak English and maps are easy to follow. Taking a photo of the trail map before starting is still helpful.

Timing & Weather

Autumn and winter bring shorter days and colder temperatures, so aim to start hikes by late morning. Summer can be hot, especially on the exposed terrils, so carry extra water and sun protection. Weather rarely closes the park, but conditions can change quickly.

Accessibility

Some gateways have accessible paths, but the main viewpoints at Terhills are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to steep climbs. Families with young children should use a baby carrier rather than a stroller.

Hoge Kempen National Park – Beyond Terhills

Terhills is only one gateway into Hoge Kempen. If you fall in love with this national park and want more, here’s a quick overview of other gateways and hikes.

Main gateways in Hoge Kempen

Mechelse Heide – Mechelse Heide is the most “wild” and open-looking part of Hoge Kempen, famous for its rolling heathland and wide-open views. It’s at its most beautiful in late summer when the heather turns purple, but even in autumn and winter the landscape feels remote and peaceful. Trails here are longer and more natural, with fewer buildings and plenty of quiet photo spots. It’s the best gateway if you want space and a bit of solitude.

Kattevennen – Kattevennen mixes forest walking with a unique attraction: the Cosmodrome planetarium. This gateway is perfect if you want a lighter hike combined with something educational or family-friendly. Trails are shorter and mostly flat, weaving through pine woods and past small lakes.

Pietersheim – Pietersheim is the most family-oriented gateway, centred around a restored moated castle and gentle woodland trails. Kids love the small animal park here, making it a great choice for easy weekend outings. The walks are short and flat, perfect if you don’t want to tackle the terrils at Terhills.

Station As – Station As used to be a railway stop and still has a restored signal house and railway tower you can climb for sweeping views over the forest. The area is popular with both hikers and cyclists thanks to its linked trail networks. Walks here feel peaceful and old-school, with lots of quiet woodland paths. It’s a strong option if you want a slower, less touristy side of the park.

Sample day trip itinerary from Brussels

This is what my day itinerary looked like visiting Terhills and Maasmechelen village as a day trip from Brussels.

• 09:30 – Depart Brussels on Shopping Express
• 10:30–11:00 – Arrive at Maasmechelen Village
• 11:15 – Walk to Terhills Visitor Centre
• 12:30 – Arrive at Terhills viewpoint
• 13:00 – Lakeside stroll
• 13:30 – Lunch Stop
• 14:00 – Shopping at Maasmechelen Village
• 17:00 – Shopping Express departs back to Brussels

Is the Hoge Kempen National Park Belgium & Terhills Hike worth it from Brussels?

I would say that the Hoge Kempen National Park in Belgium offers one of the best natural experiences in the country. Visiting in autumn was a really pleasant experience in my opinion. However, if you’re expecting alpine peaks dramatic gorges or beautiful lakes then I would keep my focus on other European countries such as Slovenia and Lake Bled, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re happy with a reasonable stroll to get away from the charming Belgium cities then yes, the Hoge Kempen National Park Belgium & Terhills Hike is absolutely worth the effort.

Check out my other posts about Belgium and if you are looking for some inspiration then check out my list of 19 day trips from Brussels including a visit to the nearby city of Antwerp!

Frequently Asked Questions – Hoge Kempen National Park.