
Hageven-De Plateaux
A stunning nature reserve straddling the Netherlands and Belgium, offering diverse landscapes, unique cross-border walks, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Butterflies & dragonflies abound

Hageven-De Plateaux
Best Time
Butterflies & dragonflies abound
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning nature reserve straddling the Netherlands and Belgium, offering diverse landscapes, unique cross-border walks, and abundant wildlife.
"One of the most beautiful nature reserves I've visited, offering everything from fens to heathland!"

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the varied terrain.
🗺️ Choose Your Route
Select from short or long walks to suit your time and energy levels.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Bridge
Various points along the trails
A striking bridge offers unique perspectives and photo opportunities within the diverse landscape.

Cross-Border Exploration
Netherlands and Belgium
Experience the unique sensation of walking between two countries on a single, memorable journey.

Birdwatching Tower
Specific viewpoint within the reserve
Ascend for panoramic views and a chance to spot diverse birdlife in their natural habitat.

Heathland and Fens
Throughout the reserve
Discover a rich tapestry of landscapes, from vibrant heathlands to serene fens, teeming with life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Seasonal Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the varied terrain.
🗺️ Choose Your Route
Select from short or long walks to suit your time and energy levels.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning landscapes, unique bridges, and abundant wildlife.
🦋 Summer Wildlife
Visit in summer for a chance to see butterflies and dragonflies.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the varied terrain.
🗺️ Choose Your Route
Select from short or long walks to suit your time and energy levels.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning landscapes, unique bridges, and abundant wildlife.
🦋 Summer Wildlife
Visit in summer for a chance to see butterflies and dragonflies.
🌸 September Blooms
Don't miss the autumn crocuses if you visit in September.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hageven-De Plateaux for its stunningly diverse landscapes, offering everything from fens and heathlands to forests and meadows. The unique experience of walking between the Netherlands and Belgium, along with the well-marked trails and ample free parking, makes it a highly recommended destination for enjoyable walks. Some may find certain paths a bit uneven, but the overall beauty and variety make it a top nature reserve.
"Top nature reserve where you are surprised with every visit."
Nick Janssen
"It's a beautiful area for walking. You can follow various routes, each with its own unique aspects. I especially like the bridge, but you'll encounter several other beautiful sights along the way. You can choose a short or long walk. There's plenty of parking, free of charge, and easy to find. We've already done two of the routes here and always thoroughly enjoyed them! It's also nice that you cross the Netherlands and Belgium in one walk!"
Ilona ARK
"So far, one of the most beautiful nature reserves I've visited. I walked the blue route and finally the red one. This area offers everything: fens, heathland, meadow views, forests, a birdwatching tower—too many to mention. Part of it is in the Netherlands and part in Belgium. There's a restaurant halfway along. Highly recommended for a fantastic walk—do it!"
Anton Buiks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hageven-De Plateaux is accessible by car with ample free parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available, making it easy to start your exploration.
Absolutely! A unique feature of Hageven-De Plateaux is that it spans both countries, allowing you to walk across the border.
No, access to the nature reserve and its walking trails is free of charge.
The reserve offers various marked routes, including blue and red options, catering to different lengths and preferences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for entry; Hageven-De Plateaux is a public nature reserve.
As a nature reserve, Hageven-De Plateaux is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
The reserve is beautiful year-round, but summer offers butterflies and dragonflies, while September has autumn crocuses.
While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, there is a restaurant located halfway along some routes, which may offer restroom facilities.
Information on dog policies is not readily available, but it's generally advisable to check local regulations or keep dogs on a leash in nature reserves.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Expect a highly varied landscape including fens, heathland, meadows, and forests. You'll also find unique sights like bridges and a birdwatching tower.
Many visitors highlight the unique bridge and the birdwatching tower. The opportunity to walk between the Netherlands and Belgium is also a major draw.
Yes, the varied landscapes and opportunities for exploration, including climbing trees at the edge of the heath, make it enjoyable for children.
In summer, you can spot many butterflies and dragonflies. Free-roaming cattle are also present, and the area is rich in birdlife, especially from the tower.
The duration depends on the route chosen; there are options for both short and long walks, allowing flexibility for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located halfway along some of the walking routes, offering a convenient spot to rest and refuel.
While specific picnic areas aren't detailed, enjoying a picnic in designated spots within the nature reserve is generally permissible.
Specific menu details are not provided, but it's likely to offer refreshments and meals suitable for hikers.
The main dining option mentioned is a restaurant, but smaller snack facilities might be available depending on the season.
The restaurant halfway point would be the most reliable place to purchase drinks during your walk.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique bridge, the birdwatching tower offering panoramic views, and the diverse landscapes of heathland and fens are prime photography locations.
It's ideal for landscape photography, wildlife shots (butterflies, dragonflies, birds), and capturing the unique cross-border experience.
With abundant butterflies, dragonflies, and wildflowers, especially in summer and early autumn, it's excellent for macro photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, while midday can be good for spotting wildlife.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography might require special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The reserve's natural beauty, from meadows to forests, provides a great backdrop for imaginative play. The chance to see butterflies and dragonflies in the summer months adds an extra element of excitement. Choosing a shorter, well-marked route will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The cross-border walking experience is a unique draw for hikers, allowing them to cover ground in two countries. With routes ranging from short to long, you can tailor your hike to your preference. Don't forget to check for seasonal highlights like the autumn crocuses in September for an added visual treat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Landscapes
The reserve's unique geographical position straddling the Netherlands and Belgium adds another layer of interest. This cross-border aspect means you can experience two distinct environments and cultures within a single outing. The well-maintained walking paths, including distinct blue and red routes, ensure that visitors can easily navigate and appreciate the different facets of this beautiful nature reserve.
Seasonal changes significantly impact the visual appeal. Summer brings a buzz of activity with numerous butterflies and dragonflies, while September is marked by the delicate bloom of autumn crocuses. These natural spectacles provide excellent opportunities for photography and simply enjoying the dynamic beauty of the landscape.
Walking Routes and Accessibility
Comfortable footwear is highly recommended as some paths can be uneven, traversing natural ground, heath, and forest floors. The reserve's accessibility is enhanced by ample free parking, making it easy for visitors to arrive and begin their exploration without hassle.
The unique feature of walking between the Netherlands and Belgium is a highlight for many. This cross-border experience is seamlessly integrated into the trail network, offering a memorable journey. For those seeking a break or a meal, a restaurant is conveniently located halfway along some of the longer routes.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit