The Kempen, a surprisingly versatile destination

The De Kempen region is an area to go to if you need peace, nature and space without traveling far. The Kempen is located partly in the Netherlands(North Brabant and Limburg) and partly in Belgium(Antwerp, Flemish Brabant and Limburg). In the Kempen you will find a landscape of forests, heaths and lakes where the pace naturally slows down. Instead of busy attractions, it is all about being outside, walking and cycling through varied nature and staying overnight in special places that really add something to your stay. It is this combination that makes the Kempen interesting for a weekend or short holiday. It is not for nothing that it is an ideal destination for many vacationers every year. 

What makes the Kempen special is the simplicity of the landscape. It is flat, green and uncluttered, making it easy to explore on your own. You don't have to plan anything to still see a lot. Biking and hiking almost come naturally here. The network of routes is extensive and takes you past forests, open fields and quiet natural areas. It is precisely this variety without crowds that makes it pleasant to be here.

One of the best known ways to discover the region is by bicycle. The junction network makes it easy to map out your own route. There are special routes to follow, such as 'Cycling through the water' and 'Cycling through the trees', two routes that have really put the Kempen on the map. Walking is also easy and varied in the region, with natural areas such as the Hoge Kempen National Park where you can walk through forests and moors without complicated routes or steep sections.

What makes staying in the Kempen really interesting is the variety of accommodations. You can sleep here in places that make your stay as special as the surroundings themselves. If you are primarily looking for tranquility and green surroundings, you will find many small-scale nature accommodations in the Kempen. These accommodations are often secluded, giving you a real sense of being away from it all. Check out a number of special overnight stays in De Kempen below.

Close to National Park De Hoge Kempen, for example, you can spend the night in a nice shepherds hut with private hot tub, where you literally stay in the middle of the greenery. The highlight of this stay is without a doubt the private hot tub outside the shepherds hut. In the evening you can dream away under the stars while relaxing in the warm water.

This 2-person wellness lodge in the Brabant Kempen region of the Netherlands is also ideal if you just want to recharge together. Not a standard holiday home, but a private domain where everything is about relaxation. Thanks to the large windows, you have a beautiful view of the trees from the spacious king-size bed, so you wake up in the middle of the greenery in the morning.

A particularly atmospheric option is this beautiful A-frame forest cabin with romantic bathtub, where your stay is given that extra bit of character by the special shape of the cabin and the romantic setting in the forest. After a day outdoors, it's great to relax in the living room bathtub. The cottage can be found between Genk in Belgium and Maastricht in the Netherlands.

Glamping in the countryside

For those who want to experience the outdoors without compromising on comfort, the Kempen offers several glamping options. For example, take a look at this luxury glamping tent for 8 near Turnhout, ideal for large families or groups who want to stay together without compromising on convenience.

Unique and distinctive stays

In addition to nature and glamping, there are also accommodations that really stand out because of their design or concept. These stays provide an extra special experience during your stay.

For example, you can spend the night in a luxurious and spacious treehouse for 6 people, in the middle of nature but with a surprising amount of comfort. This treehouse is located in a wooded area in the Antwerp Kempen and is very luxuriously furnished. From the various terraces you can enjoy unique views.

Accommodations with character and history
In the Kempen you will also find accommodations where the building itself is an important part of the experience. Here you sleep in places with a clear story and a special appearance. For example, you can stay in a former monastery near Turnhout, a unique domain from the 14th century where history and tranquility come together in an atmospheric setting. In the annexes of the monastery you can book several characteristic hotel rooms. 

A historical mill for 4 people in a green setting also fits this bill, where the building itself is part of your experience. The quiet pace of the countryside and the special history of the building make it a place to truly unwind. You can easily get away from the daily hustle and bustle here and have all the space you need to walk in nature and spend time together.

Finally, for those who especially want to relax, there is this insane wellness overnight stay in the woods. This beautiful holiday home is located on a private domain near Antwerp. Here you can completely relax in a peaceful, natural environment. Indeed, during your stay you can make unlimited use of high-end wellness facilities such as a sauna with starry sky, a hot tub with bubbles and jets and a coldtub, cuddle tub. 

The Kempen is a region that suits many different types of travelers precisely because the area is so accessible and versatile. Depending on how you want to travel and what you're looking for in a stay, the region feels slightly different for everyone.

The Kempen, for example, fits well with:

The best period to visit the Kempen is from spring to autumn. In spring and summer everything is in bloom and the days are long, while in autumn nature is often quieter and the forests take on a warm splash of color.

If you are visiting the Kempen for the first time, a weekend is often enough to experience the atmosphere. If you want to explore more and combine several activities, a midweek is ideal.

The Belgian Kempen is not about one big attraction, but about the overall feeling. Nature, space, small surprises and special places to stay come together here. It is precisely this combination that makes it a region where you do not go just to do something, but especially to be different from home for a while.

Do you have your own accommodation in the Kempen or elsewhere in Belgium and want to bring it to the attention of a wide audience? Through Vipio you reach travelers who are actively looking for special and unique places for their next overnight stay. Whether it's a holiday home among nature, a historical residence or a small-scale and unique accommodation, Vipio helps you to make it visible to the right target group. Want to know more about the possibilities? Then contact our team at [email protected] or check out this page for more information about offering special overnight stays on Vipio.