Dessel at its best

View the photos from this walk

We did this walk on 17/11/2025 (14,010 steps)

This walk takes you through the nature reserve Den Diel, a beautiful piece of Kempen nature. You walk through quiet forests and along the Desselse Neet, which appears remarkably straightened here. The area is marshy, and therefore several boardwalks have been constructed so that you can comfortably traverse this wet landscape.

Along the way, you’ll pass a series of interesting sights:

Lock 4 Dessel – part of the Bocholt-Herentals Canal, a hub of waterways.

Sas4 Tower – a lookout tower where three canals converge, offering panoramic views of the region.

World War II Memorial – commemorates the dramatic events of May 1940 in Dessel-Witgoor.

Pancake Boat – a unique dining venue with an enormous selection of pancakes.

The Biodiversity Tower – a “flat” for forest animals, a playful and educational element.

The Desselse Neet – the stream that forms the boundary between Dessel and Retie and flows into the Zwarte Neet.

Dessel-Schoten Canal – an important Kempen waterway that connects towards Antwerp.

The White Hare – a historic eating and drinking establishment with roots in the 19th century.

✨ Atmosphere and experience

The route is car-free and largely through nature reserve, allowing you to fully enjoy peace and quiet. The landscape alternates between forests, canals, and open water bodies. The boardwalks along the Neet add a special charm: you feel the proximity of the water and the fragile nature.

Enjoy your walk,

Eddy, Rita, and Prinske