From industrial mining to a nature park—Terhills has undergone quite a transformation in recent years. Today, you can enjoy breathtaking hikes in this unique part of the Hoge Kempen National Park. With three different routes ranging from 3.6 to 9.5 km, you’ll experience stunning landscapes, panoramic views, and shimmering waters. I personally took the longer red route and would love to share my experience with you!
Practical Information
- Distance: 9.5 km
- Duration: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Starting Point: Terhills Gateway (Zetellaan 54, 3630 Maasmechelen)
- Signs: Red trapezium
- Download GPX
Important: the purple route became the red route recently. The route has slightly changed. Instead of through Center Parcs it now runs over the bridge on the water.
Starting at the Terhills Gateway
The hike begins at the Terhills Gateway of the Hoge Kempen National Park. Here, you’ll find a full-fledged visitor center where you can get more information and enjoy a drink before or after your hike. This gateway marks the entrance to the national park and the official starting point of the trail.
Parking is easy at the National Park Visitor Center, which also houses the tourist office of Visit Maasmechelen. Parking here is free, and after your hike, you can even do some shopping!
With your face toward Maasmechelen Village, turn left around Hotel Terhills and head toward the towering mine shafts that loom in the distance. That’s where the hike truly begins!
Before setting off, take a moment to climb one of the mine shafts. During the Visitor Centre’s opening hours, you can go all the way up to enjoy the view. While it may not be the most breathtaking panorama, it still gives you a great overview of the park’s layout.
Tip: Climb the mine shaft before your hike, not after—because you’ll definitely be exhausted by then
The Purple Hiking Route in Terhills
I myself chose to follow the red (formerly purple) route. This is also the longest route in Terhills with about 9.5 km. If you prefer a shorter route, you can also opt for the 5.4 km (blue) or 3.6 km (green). While the red route runs around the Grote Plas and over two slag heaps, the blue route goes around the Kleine Plas where you can see the water sports enthusiasts at work. The green route runs over the Lange Terril towards the Grote Plas so that you still get to see a nice view during this short route.
All routes can be completed in two directions. I chose to start the red route on the right, and fortunately so, because this way you do the most tiring parts of the hiking route first, and then you end with a quiet flat part along the water. The beginning starts off tough because the route runs up the Lange Terril. Walking in the sunshine you will wish you were one of the water sports enthusiasts you see whizzing by in the distance on the Kleine Plas!
Fortunately, you will be immediately rewarded with a beautiful view. First is Maasmechelen itself, where you can distinguish between the two mine shafts, the church tower of Eisden-Tuinwijk and the single minaret of the Tevhid mosque, later about the Grote Plas with the Twin Slag Heap in the background. A picture to frame! Moreover, you can also take a look inside the Centre Parcs Resort and the luxurious Elaisa Wellness. However, these buildings do take away from the green charm of the view.
What follows is a trip down through the woods before you arrive at the gate of the Centre Parcs Resort. Terhills’ self-driving shuttles regularly pass through here. The temptation is sometimes too great to take a ride yourself. The tour continues in the direction of the Twin slag heaps on the brand new bridge over the lake. Here, another, more tiring climb awaits. Fortunately, you are also rewarded with a view over the other slag heaps, although they are less wide.
This is also where the most tiring part of the walk is over. What follows is a descent to the shores of the lake where the route continues without further tiring ground. Stop at the small coves to paddle to cool down your heated feet and enjoy a well-deserved break.
After that, all you have to do is enjoy the mirrored surface of the water next to the shady paths that complete the loop of the walk. It is really nice to enjoy and relax here, especially after the effort that was needed to climb the slag heaps.
The last kilometre of the walk you will leave the lake behind you to walk towards the entrance gate again. Quite tiring in the sun, but certainly doable with the prospect of a fresh drink in the visitor centre!
Tip: Take a pit stop in the Beach House of the Centre Parcs resort Terhills. Here you can imagine yourself abroad for a short while!
Good to know
- Dogs are welcome in the park on a lead.
- You can just walk through the Center Parcs Resort without any problems. However, the route doesn’t pass through it anymore.
- The red route is not accessible with a buggy. The climbs are too steep for that.
Staying nearby
Are you visiting the Hoge Kempen National Park at the Terhills gateway? Then be sure to stay in one of these two accommodations:
Hotel Terhills
This luxurious 4-star hotel is located just in front of the entrance to the park and just next to Maasmechelen Village. In the imposing country house, you can enjoy brand new, modern rooms with high windows and fully equipped. In the evening, I recommend that you make a reservation in their restaurant. The cuisine is truly delicious! The breakfast buffet in the morning is also equipped with everything you can imagine. Highly recommended!
Centre Parcs Resort
I have always promised myself never to stay in a holiday park. After all, I am not really a holiday park goer. But after walking through the park, I fell in love with it a bit. I can really see myself in one of the cosy houses along the water. With a boat in front of the door and in the evening enjoying a drink in the beach bar. Yes, this is definitely worth considering!
