Could the Kempen be Flanders’ easiest short-break answer?
Tourism in the Kempen is reportedly growing faster than elsewhere in Vlaanderen, helped by short domestic breaks, cycling routes, nature stays and the region’s accessibility from Antwerp, Brussels and the Netherlands.
In 30 seconds
- Het Nieuwsblad reports that tourism in the Kempen is growing faster than elsewhere in Vlaanderen.
- The reported trend is linked to short domestic stays, with people more often choosing Belgium for shorter periods.
- Statbel is the official federal source for Belgian arrivals and overnight-stay accommodation statistics.
- Toerisme Vlaanderen is the Flemish tourism agency responsible for tourism research, policy support and destination promotion.
The Kempen, or Campine, is a cross-border sandy-soil region spanning parts of Antwerp and Limburg provinces in Belgium and North Brabant in the Netherlands. In this article the focus is the Flemish Kempen, including municipalities such as Geel, Mol, Kasterlee, Turnhout, Herentals and Retie, where nature tourism, cycling, camping, holiday parks and short domestic breaks are central to the visitor economy.
Background
The Kempen has long been associated with heathland, pine forests, canals, abbeys, rural villages and later industrial and recreational redevelopment. Its modern tourism appeal rests heavily on Flemish cycling infrastructure, provincial recreation domains, holiday parks and a tradition of domestic family holidays rather than international landmark tourism.
What to do
For a weekend, choose a base first, then plan by activity: Mol for lakes and family stays, Kasterlee for forests and walking, Turnhout for culture and services, Geel or Herentals for rail access. Check Dutch-language gemeente pages, NMBS/SNCB connections, Sunday bus frequency and accommodation cancellation terms before booking.
Impact
Regional — The impact is strongest in the Antwerp and Limburg Kempen, where more overnight stays can support cafés, restaurants, campsites, holiday parks, B&Bs, bike-rental businesses and municipal tourism services, while also increasing pressure on mobility, nature areas and weekend capacity.
EvidenceWell established · 1 primary source + 2 official documents · Background sources: 2Explore evidence →Hide evidence ↑
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- Retrieved by ODIN:
- 9 Jul 2026
- Publication date unavailable
- Retrieved by ODIN:
- 9 Jul 2026
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This story was assembled from verified evidence, with its sources and reasoning recorded as it was written.