In winter, the Kempen becomes quieter. The days are shorter, the air is crisp and nature seems to slow down for a while. It is the perfect moment to head outdoors again.
The forests around Kasterlee are beautiful in every season, but winter adds something extra. You mainly hear your own footsteps, an occasional bird, and above all: silence. The summer crowds are long gone – this is the time to slow down, breathe in fresh air and simply enjoy nature.
Those who like to combine that with a comfortable stay will feel right at home at Camping Houtum. From here, you can step or cycle straight into nature, and after a cold day outside it is pleasant to return to a warm and quiet place.
In this article, you will discover why winter in the Kempen is so special, which walking and cycling routes are worth exploring, and how you can combine all of that with a relaxed winter stay at Camping Houtum.
In winter, the Kempen is calm and quiet. The forests lie still, the Kleine Nete flows slowly through the landscape and the air is clear and fresh. The Hoge Mouw and the fields around Kasterlee take on those pale winter colours that are so typical for this region.
It is the season to bundle up for a walk or hop on your bike. A warm jacket, scarf and hat are all you need to enjoy the outdoors. And after time outside, a cup of hot chocolate or coffee tastes even better.
Winterwandeling in Kasterlee
From Camping Houtum, you can step straight onto the walking network and explore the area at your own pace. Good walking shoes are recommended, as the routes combine paved paths, forest trails and the occasional muddy section.
We have mapped out three different winter walks for you, all starting directly from the campsite. The Houtum loop gradually becomes a little longer each time, allowing you to choose between 2.5 km, 6 km or 8.5 km. The routes are easy to follow via the walking node system of the Kempense Heuvelrug network.
Route 1 - 2,5 km
A short, quiet loop to simply get outside for a while. From Camping Houtum, you walk towards the Kleine Nete, where the water flows slowly through the landscape. Small paths lead you back between the trees, with only the sound of your own footsteps under the leaves. Short, simple and perfect for anyone who just wants some fresh air.
Duration: approx. 35 minutes
Walking nodes: 20 → 70 → 71 → 69 → 68 → 64 → 2 → 1 → 69
Route 2 - 6 km
Those who want to stay out a bit longer can connect this loop to the first one. You continue past the river and along open fields with views over the Kempen. The paths gently rise and fall between forest edges and small sandy roads. A pleasant walk to loosen the legs on a crisp winter day.
Duration: approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Walking nodes: 20 → 70 → 71 → 69 → 68 → 64 → 2 → 1 → 3 → 77 → 151 → 17 → 84 → 73 → 72 → 20
Route 3 - 8,5 km
For those in the mood for a longer walk. After the familiar start, you continue towards the Hoge Mouw, the forest area between Kasterlee and Lichtaart. The route follows soft forest paths and open heathland, offering plenty of peace and fresh air along the way. A solid winter walk that really clears your head.
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Walking nodes: 20 → 70 → 71 → 69 → 68 → 64 → 2 → 1 → 3 → 77 → 151 → 16 → 152 → 12 → 82 → 81 → 13 → 15 → 16 → 74 → 73 → 72 → 20
Enjoyable winter cycling routes
Cycling in the Kempen is also highly recommended in winter. The air is clear, the paths are quiet, and the forests and fields around Kasterlee show their calm, understated side. From Camping Houtum, you cycle straight onto the network and choose between three loops of 16 km, 27 km or 35 km.
All routes follow the cycling nodes of the Kempens cycling network and are largely paved, making them perfectly suitable for winter cycling.
Route 1 - 16 km
A short loop around Houtum and Kasterlee. You ride along country roads and small paths past fields and farmland. Near the Kleine Nete, you enjoy open views over the water and surroundings. A calm ride to start or end your day.
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Fiets Knooppunten: 88 → 31 → 33 → 34 → 88
Route 2 - 27 km
This route extends the first loop towards Lichtaart. After the open fields, you cycle into the Hoge Mouw, where pine and beech trees provide shelter from the wind. You pass through small hamlets and quiet village roads before returning via Kasterlee.
Duration: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
Fiets Knooppunten: 88 → 31 → 33 → 34 → 35 → 89 → 28 → 27 → 26 → 87 → 88
Route 3 - 35 km
The longest loop takes you further through Kasterlee, Lichtaart, Tielen and part of Retie. A varied ride through forest, fields and villages, with plenty of peace and space along the way. Ideal for those who enjoy being out a bit longer.
Duration: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
Fiets Knooppunten: 88 → 31 → 33 → 34 → 35 → 89 → 20 → 64 → 21 → 91 → 27 → 26 → 87 → 88
Local food in Kasterlee
After a brisk winter walk or cycling trip, something warm tastes even better. In Kasterlee, you will find plenty of cosy places to eat or simply step inside for a drink. From simple brasseries to small eateries serving regional dishes – there is something for everyone.
Winter menus often focus on stews, game, soups and oven dishes, but a plate of fries or a bowl of soup of the day by the fire can be just as perfect after a day outdoors. In the centre of Kasterlee, several restaurants are within walking distance of each other, and in Houtum you will find even more quiet, tucked-away spots. In short: no fine dining, just honest food in a warm atmosphere – exactly what you expect in the Kempen.
Winterfabrik
Winterfabrik brings extra atmosphere to December every year. In a large, heated tent along Boekweitbaan in Kasterlee, you can enjoy music, winter drinks and cosy evenings.
The programme is spread over several days: sometimes there is live music or a party, at other times a calm family day. A nice tip for anyone staying at Camping Houtum around the end of the year.
Location: Boekweitbaan 43, Kasterlee
Period: 12 t.e.m. 31 december 2025 (not open every day)
More info:
winterfabrik.be
Netherust Wintert
Netherrust Wintert brings a cosy winter atmosphere to Houtum in Kasterlee. You can stop by for a drink, a bowl of warm soup or a piece of homemade cake. Regular activities are organised as well, such as winter walks, live music, comedy nights and creative workshops like painting or flower arranging. The breakfast buffet with local products is also well worth a visit. After 1 February, Netherust closes briefly to prepare for the new season.
Location: Houtum 53a, Kasterlee
Period: 22 december 2025 – 1 februari 2026 (not open every day)
More info:
netherust.be
Domein de Putten
At the back of our campsite lies Domein De Putten – a meeting place for young and old. You will find food and drinks here, along with a large play area for children, ideal for relaxing for a while.
In the past, this used to be our second reception, and many family celebrations for campers were held here. Over the years, Domein De Putten has become an inseparable part of the campsite and remains a place filled with memories for many children.
In winter, Domein De Putten is open every weekend (except during their annual holiday) and daily during school holidays.
't Tofste Speelhuis
At ’t Tofste Speelhuis you will find two large indoor play towers where children can fully enjoy themselves. While they play, you can enjoy good company or simply relax with a book.
Next to the playground, there is a café where you can have a drink or order a warm meal. Highly recommended on colder days – and with a full stomach, you can easily walk back to your camping pitch or accommodation afterwards.
Moe Marie
Prefer to sit longer at the table or come with a larger group? That is possible too. Then you can take a seat at Moe Marie, located on the other side of the same building as Domein De Putten. Monthly breakfast, lunch and buffet events are organised here as well.
Location: Houtum 51, Kasterlee
Period: open all year round
More info:
domeindeputten.be
Staying overnight at Camping Houtum
Winter camping? Absolutely. This is when the surroundings are calm, the air is clear and you have all the space you need to enjoy nature. Our paved camping pitches make staying comfortable, even in colder or wetter weather. And of course, we also offer accommodations that are very suitable for the winter months.
Our camping pitches
During the winter months, camping is only possible on paved pitches. These include our six camper pitches, complemented by five larger parking pitches that we reinforce in winter. These spots are suitable for both motorhomes and caravans and are all equipped with electricity. As the number of pitches is limited, we recommend reserving in time. This way, you are assured of a warm, quiet place in the middle of nature – with the comfort you need to fully enjoy winter.
Heated sanitary facilities
At Camping Houtum, we find it important that camping remains comfortable in winter as well. Our sanitary building is fully heated, allowing you to enjoy a warm shower or wash dishes indoors even on cold days.
The building is well maintained and practically laid out, with spacious showers, toilets, a baby area and facilities for guests with reduced mobility. Underfloor heating extends into the shower areas, and everything is provided, including toilet paper, soap and drying towels. Those who wish to wash or dry clothes can use the washing machine and dryer.
In winter, we use the smaller sanitary building at the back of the campsite – close to the camping pitches and always pleasantly warm.
Our winter accommodations
During the winter months, you are also welcome to stay in one of our accommodations. They are well insulated and heated, ensuring you always return comfortably after a fresh day outdoors. Whether you choose The Rowan for two people, The White Linden for a cosy family stay, or the more spacious The Silver Birch and The Poplar for four to six guests, you will enjoy peace, warmth and the nature surrounding the campsite. A winter stay is simple, calm and exactly what you need to recharge.
Winter in the Kempen has something special. The silence, the light and the fresh air – these are exactly the small things that make a stay in this period so worthwhile. Whether you come to walk along the Kleine Nete, cycle through the forests or simply unwind, Camping Houtum places you right in the middle of it all.
In the morning, you step straight into nature, and in the evening you settle into warmth with a book, a hot drink or simply some quiet. Winter does not have to be busy or far away – sometimes it is right here, among the fields of Kasterlee.
Feeling inspired to discover the Kempen in winter?
Come and experience it yourself at Camping Houtum – calm, warm and right in the heart of nature.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found the article interesting. Do you have nice tips or ideas for new topics? Feel free to share them with us and follow us on Instagram for even more updates.
Looking for inspiration for a relaxing camping holiday or enjoyable activities in Kasterlee? Read our blog for tips about life at Camping Houtum and in the surrounding area. Do you have ideas of your own or feel something is missing? Send us an email at info@campinghoutum.be.
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about staying overnight at Camping Houtum
Camping Houtum is largely open during the winter months. Each year, there is a short closure from mid-November to mid-December for our annual break. Outside this period, winter camping and winter stays in accommodation are possible.
Yes. During the winter period, the reception is open at fixed times. You can check in, ask questions or get practical information about your stay. Outside reception hours, we work with clear arrangements so you always know where to turn.
Yes. At the reception, we are happy to help with suggestions for winter walks and cycling routes in the area. We take into account the weather, your available time and your preferred pace.
Even outside reception hours, you are not left on your own. Upon arrival, you receive clear information on how to reach us if you have questions or practical issues.