Natuurpark Plateaux - Hageven and Uitkijkpost via Tweelandenpad and Hagevenpad

Nestled along the Dutch-Belgian border, this 7 km (about 4.3 miles) loop through Natuurpark Plateaux-Hageven is a gentle, flat walk with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. The trailhead is conveniently located near the Hageven Visitor Center (Bezoekerscentrum Hageven), just outside Neerpelt, Belgium. For those arriving by public transport, Neerpelt train station is the nearest major stop, with local buses or a short taxi ride connecting you to the visitor center. Drivers will find ample parking at the visitor center itself.

Getting Started: The Hageven Visitor Center and Tweelandenpad

Begin your journey at the Hageven Visitor Center, a hub for nature lovers and the perfect spot to pick up maps or ask about current trail conditions. The route follows the Tweelandenpad, aptly named for its passage through two countries. The path quickly immerses you in a landscape shaped by centuries of water management, with wide-open fens, meandering streams, and lush meadows.

Landscapes and Wildlife

The first section leads you through the Hageven, a mosaic of wetlands and heath. Keep an eye out for Highland cattle grazing in the open fields—these gentle giants help maintain the biodiversity of the area. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of species, especially during migration seasons. The wetlands are home to rare dragonflies, frogs, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive European otter.

Crossing Borders and the Uitkijkpost

About halfway (3.5 km/2.2 miles in), you’ll cross the border into the Netherlands, marked by subtle posts and changes in the landscape. Here, the trail joins the Uitkijkpost, a raised observation platform offering panoramic views over the Plateaux’s vast moorlands. This is an excellent spot for a break and some photography—on clear days, you can see for miles across the borderlands.

Historical Significance

This region has a rich history of cross-border cooperation and conservation. The Plateaux-Hageven nature reserve was once threatened by peat extraction and agricultural expansion, but joint Dutch-Belgian efforts have restored much of its original wetland character. Interpretive signs along the route explain the area’s transformation and the importance of its unique habitats.

Navigation and Trail Conditions

The entire route is well-marked, but for added confidence, use HiiKER to follow the Tweelandenpad and Hagevenpad tracks. The terrain is mostly flat and consists of well-maintained dirt and gravel paths, with occasional boardwalks over wetter sections. Waterproof footwear is recommended after heavy rain, as some areas can become muddy.

Finishing the Loop

The final stretch brings you back through tranquil birch woods and open grasslands, with benches along the way for rest or a picnic. The loop ends where it began, at the Hageven Visitor Center, where you can enjoy a coffee or browse local nature exhibits before heading home.