Pietersheim at Hoge Kempen National Park

**Roam around like royalty as you explore Hoge Kempen National Park’s ruins, forests, valleys and heathland. **

Walk in the footsteps of knights and noblemen as you explore the former royal ‘Pietershiem’ estate - it comes with its own medieval castle, naturally. The 12th-century ruins serve as the entry point to the national park, a bit more exciting than your usual visitors centre, eh? From the castle’s tower, you get a panoramic view of the park and courtyard and in the information centre you can learn all about the estate’s exciting past.

A large moat surrounds the castle, leading to the building getting its name - ‘Waterburcht’ - or, unimaginatively, ‘water castle’ in English. You won’t be spending too long here, but it does make for a grand beginning to several scenic walks through the estate. Stroll or hike your way through pine-forest, beech tree-lined avenues, past streams and wet heathland. Pietersheim has 8 signposted hiking loops for you to choose from.

Starting point 1: P2 Pietersheim-Waterburcht, 3620 Lanaken, Belgium

• Green rectangle: This 3.7 km walk begins at the water castle and should take just under an hour. The loop is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
• Blue diamond: This 6.8km walk begins at the castle and should take just under 2 hours.
• Red triangle: This 11.2 km walk begins at the water castle and should take just under 3 hours.

North of the water castle is the starting place La Butte aux Bois. If you’re feeling indulgent after a long walk, treat yourself to a meal at the restaurant of the 5-star Hotel La Butte aux Bois. It’s fancy so you need to reserve ahead of time!

Starting point 2: Paalsteenlaan 90, 3620 Lanaken, Belgium

• Green rectangle: This 4.3 km forest walk should take just over an hour.
• Purple trapezium: This award-winning 11.2 km walk, known for its beautiful views, should take just under 3 hours.

North-west of the water castle is the starting place in Bessemer. Unfortunately this isn’t a 5-star hotel, it's just a gravel car park, but there is an ice-cream parlour right across the street!

Starting point 3: Molenbergstraat 1, 3620 Lanaken, Belgium

• Green rectangle: This 5.6 km heather-filled route should take about an hour and a half.
• Blue diamond: This 6.8 km loop is the same as the one that starts at the castle, but Bessemer is just an alternate entry point.
• Yellow: This 12.5 km trek takes you through the forests of Peitersheim and the heather-filled Ziepbeek valley. It should take just over 3 hours.