Nature reserve “De Teut” is located in Zonhoven and mainly consists out of heatland. Combined with the neighboring nature reserve “Ter Haagdoorn” in Houthalen-Helchteren, it’s the largest heatland in Limburg, covering 1700 ha. Starting from mid August up to mid September, the heather starts blooming, transforming the landscape into a pink picturesque scenery.
Location
Nature reserve “De Teut” is located exactly in the geographical center of the province of Limburg in the municipality of Zonhoven. The E313 borders De Teut on the north, dividing it from nature reserve “Terhaagdoorn”. However both nature reserves are connected true an underground wildlife crossing.
Nature and wildlife
De Teut is the largest heathland in Central Limburg, Belgium. The area is a paradise for nature lovers, with a variety of flora and fauna to discover. A large flock of sheep grazes the heathland, helping to keep it in good condition. On the heathland of De Teut, you can find the carnivorous plant sundew. Sundew is a special plant that catches insects with sticky leaves. Animals that can be found include the smooth snake and viviparous lizard.
Origins of the heathland
At De Teut, you can witness how the majority of Limburg looked untill the beginning of the 20th century.
Due to the deforestation of the primeval forest in the past and the lack of fertilizers, the terrain changed. It became covered with heathland that was part of the agricultural system for centuries. Livestock, especially sheep, grazed there during the day. The heath was then common land.
In the Limburg Kempen, the heath began to disappear with the advent of artificial fertilizers and the mechanization of agriculture. Most of it was converted into fields and pastures. After the discovery of coal in the Kempen Basin in 1901 and the establishment of the Kempen mining centers, even more large areas of heathland disappeared. Coniferous trees were planted for the mining industry.
Archeological sites
In the De Teut nature reserve in Zonhoven, Belgium, there are two important archaeological sites. The reindeer hunting camp, a former campsite of nomadic reindeer hunters, and the “Holsteen”, a place for these hunters where they came to polish their stone objects, among other things. Both archaeological sites are protected and unique in Flanders.
Best time to visit
De Teut can be visited all year long. From mid-august to mid-september the heather is blooming, covering the landscape with a beautiful purple carpet. Personally I make sure to visit De Teut every year around the 1st of september, when it’s beauty is at it’s peak.
Hiking Trails at De Teut
There are 4 different hiking trails leading through the beautiful heatland of “De Teut”. Visitors can choose from 2 different starting places: Donderslagseweg or Holsteenbron.
- The blue hiking route starts at Donderslagseweg and is 3.2km long.
- The green hiking route starts at Donderslagseweg and is 4.3km long.
- The yellow hiking route starts at Holsteenbron and is 5.8km long.
- The black long distance hiking trail of 24.4km connects “De Teut” with “Terhaagdoornheide” on the other side of the highway. You can enter this trail from all starting points at “De Teut” as wel as “Terhaagdoornheide”.
Please always stay on the designated paths!
Where to stay near De Teut?
B&B’s
Enjoy the typical Limburg Hospitality at a Bed & Breakfast. We recommend staying at B&B 1001 Nacht or B&B Casa Roman.
Campsites
Wildcamping is forbidden at De Teut. However you can find a campsite closely near the “Holsteenbron” starting point, called “Camping Holsteenbron“. This is a great campsite with an excellent location. Aside from traditional camping grounds for caravans, motorhomes and tents, the camping also offers pods and small bungalows for travelers.
Other campsites in the area include Camping de Binnenvaart and Camping Hengelhoef in Houthalen-Helchteren.
Youth Hostels
Youth Hostel “De Roerdomp” from Hosteling International, is located close to the Molenheide, in the middle of the forest. Not only does it offer a great location at a cheap price, the staff is also super friendly and welcoming.
More things to see & do nearby
- Nature reserve Terhaagdoornheide
- Nature reserve “De Wijers”
- Nature and recreation area Hengelhoef
- Bokrijk open air museum
- C-mine Genk
