Things To Do
in Oud-Turnhout
Oud-Turnhout is a quiet Flemish municipality in the Kempen region of Antwerp Province, known for its lush greenery and rural charm. The town sits near the Dutch border and serves as a convenient base for cycling and nature trips in the broader Kempen landscape. It combines traditional Flemish architecture with open farmland, waterways, and shaded forests.
Visitors can enjoy peaceful country lanes, local Belgian hospitality, and quick access to larger cities like Turnhout and Antwerp for day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful St. John's Church, where you can admire its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic town square, soaking in the charm of the traditional Belgian buildings. Stop by a local café to enjoy a cup of fresh Belgian coffee and a delicious pastry.
In the afternoon, visit the Oud-Turnhout Castle, where you can explore its picturesque grounds and learn about the history of the region. The castle's museum offers fascinating exhibits that delve into the local culture and heritage. After your tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby bistro, sampling local Belgian dishes.
As the sun begins to set, head to a local brewery for a tasting session of Oud-Turnhout’s craft beers. Engage with the brewers and learn about the beer-making process while enjoying the ambiance of this cozy establishment. Wrap up your evening with a delightful dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring local delicacies.
Kick off your day with a refreshing nature walk in the adjacent Turnhoutse Heide, a beautiful heathland area. Breathe in the fresh air as you explore the winding trails and spot various wildlife, making it a perfect start to your day. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy in one of the serene spots along the way.
After your morning hike, visit the nearby Arboretum de Rhoode, where you can wander through the stunning collection of trees and plants. This peaceful setting is perfect for botany enthusiasts and offers numerous photo opportunities. Enjoy a light lunch at the arboretum's café, surrounded by nature.
As evening falls, attend an outdoor concert or cultural event if available, immersing yourself in local music and traditions. The atmosphere is lively, with locals joining in for a fun-filled evening. Indulge in some street food or local snacks while enjoying the performances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer in bar | $4-7 |
| 🚆One-way train ticket | $7-12 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful, walkable town with easy access to nature
- Excellent cyclists' network and scenic Kempen scenery
- Close to Turnhout, Antwerp, and Brussels for day trips
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Smaller international dining scene in some spots
- Weather can be variable, especially in shoulder seasons
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / You're welcome
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Oud-Turnhout
Visit one of these nice places.
A vast heathland just outside Oud-Turnhout, ideal for sunrise or sunset photography with purple heather, expansive skies, and light woodland piers.
Historic Flemish church and surrounding streets provide classic urban photography, particularly in golden hour light.
Picturesque agricultural landscapes, hedgerows, and calm canals offer tranquil compositions and seasonal color.
Food in Oud-Turnhout
Oud-Turnhout Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mussels with fries, a Belgian staple often prepared with a light garlic and herb broth; look for fresh mussels at seasonal markets or coastal-influenced eateries.
Must-Try!
A rich beer-braised beef stew served with fries or crusty bread; a true comfort dish in Belgian brasseries.
Creamy chicken and mushroom filling in a flaky pastry shell; a popular option in local cafés and bistros.
Classic waffles with a range of toppings; widely available at cafés and market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties; great for tasting Belgian products and observing daily life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; greet with 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' and maintain polite, friendly conversation.
Be punctual for appointments and respectful of personal space; small talk is common but direct communication is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Oud-Turnhout
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are not always included; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common when service is good.
Most places accept debit/credit cards; cash remains widely used in markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming wildflowers; great for nature walks, cycling, and close-up photography of flora.
Warm days with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor activities and scenic photos, though expect occasional showers.
Colorful foliage and harvest markets; soft, flattering light for landscapes and village scenes.
Cool to cold with possible frost and rain; cozy indoor cafés are inviting and outdoor scenes have a quiet charm.
Oud-Turnhout at Night
Hiking in Oud-Turnhout
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive heathland with marked trails, ideal for long walks and wildlife watching; best in spring and autumn.
Local heath and pine forest area offering peaceful hiking paths and scenic viewpoints.
Forest and wetland reserve with easy-to-moderate hikes and opportunities to spot birds and wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Oud-Turnhout by plane.
Major international hub about 100-140 km from Oud-Turnhout; accessible by rail and road, with frequent connections to major Belgian cities.
Close to the Belgian border; convenient for budget flights and regional connections.
Smaller airport near Antwerp; useful for short-haul flights and convenient for quick trips to the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Dutch-speaking Flemish residents.
A mix of families, retirees, and professionals within a largely rural-urban blend.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A favored activity with many flat routes through the Kempen and easy access to scenic towns.
Local clubs and community games are common; matches are a social event.
Popular in the Kempen forests and heathlands with well-marked trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oud-Turnhout.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Belgian cuisine offers plenty of vegetables, potato dishes, and cheeses; ask for vegetarian mains or seasonal vegetable dishes; many places can adapt classic dishes to suit vegetarians.