What are the most beautiful dog walks in Belgium?

Belgium is one of Europe's most dog-friendly countries, and for good reason: the country has some excellent walking territory. Whether you're in Flanders, Wallonia, or the eastern cantons, there are routes worth making the trip for. Here are seven of the best.

Dog walk in the Kalmthoutse Heide

In the province of Antwerp, the Kalmthoutse Heide is perhaps the best-known walking area. As one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in Flanders, this area offers 37.5 km² of beautiful countryside that you can enjoy with your dog in every season. Dogs are permitted across the entire area on a lead. There is also a separate dog park where they can run free with other dogs. Dog-friendly walks to follow here include:

• Mier Walking Trail: 6.5 km
• Pauw Walking Trail: 5 km
• Eekhoorn Walking Trail: 7.8 km

The Kloosterbos

The Kloosterbos nature reserve is in the Waasland region of East Flanders. Within the reserve there is a play forest for children, plus 8 km of walking and cycling paths you can explore with your dog:

• Kloosterbos Walking Route: 4.8 km
• Kloosterbos – Loop from Wachtebeke: 8.13 km
• Kloosterbos – Loop from Klein Rusland: 6.99 km

In total you can choose from around 15 dog-friendly walks, filterable by difficulty, duration, and distance. A good option if you're walking with both children and dogs.

Terhills (Hoge Kempen National Park)

Located in the Hoge Kempen National Park, Terhills is a former mining site transformed into a striking nature reserve. The reclaimed landscape gives the walks an unusual, almost cinematic quality. In addition to walking, there's a cablepark on site for water sports. The main Terhills walking route is 9.8 km and takes roughly 2.5 hours. Shorter options include:

• Terhills – Dilserbos starting point: 4.4 km
• Terhills – Litzberg starting point: 3.1 km
• Hoge Kempen National Park – Terhills entrance: 5.4 km

Walking with your dog in Het Rivierenhof

Het Rivierenhof is a 132-hectare provincial park in Antwerp with dedicated dog walks, designated relief areas, and snuffle poles, making it one of the more dog-friendly parks in the country. Starting points for the dog walks include:

• Start Sterrenbos
• Start Jezuitendreef
• Start Lundendreef
• Start West playground

Dog walks in the High Fens

5,000 hectares of open moorland, year-round flora and fauna, and walking routes through heathland, forest, and along streams. The High Fens are a reliable highlight for dog walkers. Just note that dogs are not permitted inside the nature reserve itself (where fauna and flora protection is strict) and must always be kept on a lead in the surrounding area. Three recommended routes:

• Montenau: 8.9 km (a pleasant walk along the water)
• Burg-Reuland: 12.5 km, with panoramic views and ridges
• Rocherath: 7.5 km of forest walking

The Voer region

On the border between Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, the Voer region offers 124 km of walking trails through nature and past historic villages. It's known for its greenery, village centres, and castles. Recommended walks:

• Altenbroek Walk: 10 km
• Bronnen Walk: 8 km
• Castles Walk: 9 km

Walking with your dog in the Meerdaal Forest

The Meerdaal Forest in Oud-Heverlee, together with the Heverlee Forest, covers approximately 2,071 hectares and has been continuously forested since the Ice Age. Over 100 kilometres of walking trails, six play areas, and designated off-lead zones make it one of the most complete dog walking destinations in Flemish Brabant. Dogs must be on a lead outside the off-lead areas. Three favourite routes:

• Rolling Through the Woods: 4.5 km
• Five Oaks Walk: 8.7 km
• The Great Beech Walk: 13.2 km

Make sure you have plenty of food and drink with you during the walk

On longer routes, bring enough water for both you and your dog, and pack snacks to keep energy up. IMBY makes a range of dog snacks designed for different purposes. Worth throwing a bag or two in your rucksack: