In full bloom, the heide at Brunsummerheide takes on a purple hue (KimWillems-Adobe Stock )
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Brunsummerheide (Brunssum)
This extensive trail network is only a six-minute drive from Brunssum. Hikers and cyclists gather here, especially at the end of summer, to see the purple heather in bloom across the rolling moors. There are easy-to-moderate trails that connect to neighboring villages. Along the way, you will see the Schoonebeker sheep, shifting sand dunes, historical and ancient remnants, and the Witch’s Mountain (The Heksenberg). Dogs are allowed on leash, and there is a designated off-leash zone near Kamperheideweg.
Highlights
Brunssummerheide Experience Trail (Orange): For kids and families, this 1 km route is semi-paved and features tree sculptures of local residents and a Huttenbos (designated play area where kids can use natural materials to build forts).
Sterrenwacht Limburg: Take a night hike, then stop at this observatory opened by astronaut Wubbo Ockels to gaze at the stars. Open every Friday evening with a ticket.
Brunsummerheide grows blooms across the moorish hills (Katie Wells)
The nature trails in Brunssum have diverse plant species and wildlife (Katie Wells)
The Brunssumerheide has extensive and diverse trails (Katie Wells)
Les Hauts-Pays Nature Park (SHAPE and Chièvres)
Just under 30 minutes south of SHAPE and 40 minutes from Chièvres, the Colfontaine Forest spans the French-Belgian border. It is a wonderful place for a hike (varying levels), bike ride or to explore villages connected by the trail network. Along the way, you will see beautiful forests, rivers, a museum area and interesting geological formations. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Highlights
Caillou-qui-Bique: A famous 20 to 25 meters high 370-million-year-old rock formation along an easy hiking loop.
Montignies-Sur-Roc: Considered the “Pearl of the Haut-Pays,” this charming village is a great place to grab a bite to eat while overlooking the Petite Honnelle River and see the classically-styled Montignies-sur-Roc Castle.
See the famous rock formation Caillou-qui-Bique (Agrillo Mario Me contacter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
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Bois de la Cambre (Brussels)
Only 13 minutes from Brussels city center is the ancient Sonian Forest and green space with easy, mostly flat trails and a lake. Along the way, you will see ponds, an eight-meter-high waterfall, old toll houses and water towers as well as a rock bridge. During the summer, look for Guinguettes, open-air pop-up bars, for a drink or snack. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Highlights
Chalet Robinson: After a nice hike, hop on a boat to get to this restaurant on an island in the middle of the lake. We recommend making a reservation first.
The Monument of the Foresters: A circle of standing monoliths that serves as a memorial to 11 forest rangers killed while fighting during World War I.
See the Monument of the Foresters at Bois de la Cambre in Brussels, Belgium. (Damien-Adobe Stock )
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