specialstays
Holiday homes in Hoge Kempen

region

Holiday homes in Hoge Kempen

Flanders' first national park: 12,000 hectares of heathland, pine forest, and historic mining country.

region: hoge kempen

When you wake up on the Kempen Plateau in the Hoge Kempen, all you hear in the early morning is the sound of birds. You are staying in the forests of Belgian Limburg, where 12,000 hectares of pine forest and heathland define the landscape. This setting feels entirely distinct from the immediately neighboring regions. While the nearby Meuse Valley River Park revolves around water and the city of Maastricht offers an urban landscape with monuments such as the 13th-century Helpoort and major cultural institutions, places like Lanaken and Rekem offer the solitude of nature above all else. specialstays has selected accommodations here where tranquility takes center stage. Step straight out of your forest cabin into the pine forest, smell the fragrance of the trees, and look out over the heathlands. In late summer, the Mechelse Heide turns vivid purple. The contrast between the complete stillness of nature and the close proximity of Maastricht, just a short drive away, defines a stay in this region. You enjoy the privacy of a secluded cabin, with the waters of the Meuse nearby.

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What guests write here

8.8/ 10 · 927 reviews

  • Af en toe ik werk in maastrich centrum in de winkels in de nacht , Deze apartament is dichtbij de centrum en de bed is super confortable , de badkammer is spectacular , Volgende kier wil ik graag komen maar voor vrijdagen en geniten , super blij mee

    Roberto D. · Maas Suites - Loft Suite · 10.0

  • Gezellig en mooi huisje op een prachtige locatie. Efficiënte hersteldienst die het probleem met de sleutel van het huisje snel heeft opgelost.

    Margareta W. · Boshuisje Rekem - Luka · 10.0

  • Heel fijne sfeer, schoon en opgeknapt met qualiteits- en fijne materialen. Eerste benodigdheden aanwezig. Voelde heel persoonlijk. Echt n superfijn kort verblijf en welkom gevoel!

    Nicole H. · Boshuisje Rekem - Nilsson · 10.0

Why stay here

The Hoge Kempen stretches across 12,000 hectares on the Kempen Plateau. This area in Belgian Limburg consists primarily of pine forest and vast heathlands. The landscape is flat, without mountains or steep hills, making it easy to take long walks through the woods. You can enter the region via several gateway points, each introducing its own natural theme. At Mechelse Heide, everything revolves around the expansive, purple heathland in late summer. If you choose the gateway at Station As, you walk along a former coal railway line. In Lanaken and Rekem, home to the specialstays properties, you stay right among the trees with a focus on silence.

The rhythm of your days here is strongly guided by the natural surroundings. Guests of specialstays often describe the early morning as their favorite moment. Opening the door of your cabin, you listen to the birds waking up in the pine forest. Enjoy a cup of coffee on your private terrace, equipped with garden furniture. Tranquility is highlighted in 187 guest reviews, with 98% of guests specifically emphasizing the silence and calm of the location. This quiet setting forms the heart of a stay on the plateau. Nature is mentioned 138 times, receiving 100% positive ratings.

In addition to nature, visitors greatly appreciate the interior design of their accommodation. In no fewer than 203 reviews, guests mention the warmth and thoughtfully styled interiors of the cabins, with 99% of these comments praising the design. Comfortable amenities await you after a long walk. When the sun shines, relax outdoors on the terrace. On rainy days, the cabins offer a cozy retreat. Should the weather turn, plenty of sheltered outings are close by. For instance, Oud Rekem Castle lies just 6.8 kilometers away. Places such as ThanaRetreat (1.7 km) or the Japanese headspa (1.8 km) also offer relaxing massages for a quiet afternoon indoors.

The region invites a harmonious balance between solitude and activity. Spend your days exploring the trails in the pine forest or enjoying the waters of the Meuse River in the Meuse Valley River Park, 6.0 kilometers from your stay. Towards evening, many guests trade the quiet for a visit to the city. Maastricht borders the Hoge Kempen forests almost directly. Here, stroll along historic streets to the 13th-century Helpoort. Visit the large, modern Centre Céramique or admire art at the Bonnefanten Museum with its striking dome tower. You are also well-placed for a quick errand or dinner. In Lanaken, you will find dining spots like Kim's Brasserie at 1.9 kilometers, and Panos City Lanaken at 1.7 kilometers for a bakery.

Historical heritage is also close to your home in the Hoge Kempen. Within a 10-kilometer radius, visit the Grand Commandery Alden Biesen (9.8 km), a restored 16th-century castle that regularly hosts events. Fort Eben-Emael lies 8.7 kilometers away. Captured by German paratroopers in 1940, this fort is now open to visitors. Adding these historic and cultural destinations gives depth to your stay among the pine woods. Take a morning walk among the trees, then stand before the stone walls of a fortress or medieval gateway in the afternoon. The Hoge Kempen region offers a rich, varied stay for anyone who loves the outdoors.

specialstays offers 26 distinct accommodations here in Lanaken, ranging in size from 20 to 185 square meters. Intimate stays for 2 guests include Forest Cabin Rekem - Ignis with 1 bedroom. For larger groups, there are cabins for 4 or 6 guests, with regional capacity reaching up to 7 people. Forest Cabin Rekem - Boris, Rivus, Alma, Arden, Azure, Flora, and Kitoko accommodate 6 guests and feature 3 bedrooms. Forest Cabin Rekem - Luka, Ember, Fleur, and Lotus offer 2 bedrooms for 4 guests. The interior decor across all properties complements the wooded surroundings, a feature frequently praised in reviews and contributing to an overall average rating of 8.8 across 889 reviews.

You also have plenty of options for an afternoon of shopping nearby. The ZEB concept store is located 2.4 kilometers away, or you can visit Bel&Bo Lanaken at the same distance. For specialized furniture, visit Marres at 1.6 kilometers, known for design furniture. The Studio Viertien concept store lies 6.1 kilometers away. In the late afternoon, guests also like to visit ice cream parlors, such as Mario's Ice Rekem at 6.2 kilometers or Ijsparadijs Zutendaal at the same distance. This combination of staying in quiet forests alongside easy access to shops, dining, and culture makes your days here remarkably varied.

Practical details

specialstays offers 26 accommodations in the municipality of Lanaken, on the edge of the Hoge Kempen. The capacity of these cabins ranges from 2 to 7 people. Property sizes range from 20 to 185 square meters, with 1 to 4 bedrooms. Every property comes standard with Wi-Fi, a shower, a toilet, and a sink. Outside, each cabin features a private terrace with garden furniture. Kitchens are always equipped with cutlery and plates.

Guests traveling with a dog can stay in 11 of the 26 pet-friendly accommodations. For wellness and relaxation outside your stay, several options are close by. Book a treatment at Japanese headspa lanaken or Maastricht 1.8 kilometers away, or at Phuthai Massage 6.2 kilometers away. Relax Lanaken is located at 4.2 kilometers. For wellness on your own terrace, you can order Sauna on Wheels, located 2.5 kilometers away, which delivers a mobile sauna right to your cabin.

Groceries and meals are easily arranged nearby. Bakkerij Hansen Lanaken is 1.8 kilometers away, and Panos City Lanaken is at 1.7 kilometers. For dining and drinks, several venues are available, including Bar Loise by Bierpunt Lanaken and Eetcafé Huis Meers, both 1.8 kilometers away, or Brasserie Gusteau at 1.9 kilometers. For larger cultural outings, Maastricht is within easy reach, with venues such as Theater aan het Vrijthof at 3.6 kilometers and the Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof at 3.8 kilometers. Visiting the region is wonderful year-round, with the blooming purple heath in late summer serving as a highlight at Mechelse Heide.

Who it is for

A stay in the Hoge Kempen with specialstays is ideal for travelers who appreciate the proximity of vast pine forests and walking trails. Offering cabins for 2 to 7 people, this region suits couples seeking a quiet retreat in nature as well as families looking to explore the open spaces of the Kempen Plateau. Larger travel groups will find comfort in properties with 3 or 4 bedrooms, such as Forest Cabin Rekem - Boris or Forest Cabin Rekem - Kitoko.

Dog owners can bring their pets to one of the 11 dog-friendly accommodations in Lanaken and enjoy long walks through the forest or along the riverbanks in the Meuse Valley River Park. History and culture enthusiasts can effortlessly pair the quiet of a forest cabin with visits to the 16th-century Grand Commandery Alden Biesen, Fort Eben-Emael, or the 13th-century Helpoort in Maastricht.

Those looking for interior design that exudes calmness will feel right at home in these cabins, as guests enthusiasm in 203 reviews highlights the carefully styled interiors and warmth. Travelers seeking a balance between peace and activity will also find their rhythm here. Spend the day playing a round at Het Rijk van Margraten Golf Club 8.4 kilometers away, or go bowling at Olround Maastricht & Prison Island 3.4 kilometers away. This makes the location an excellent base for a versatile holiday with a strong focus on the forests and heathlands.

At a glance

Cabins
26
Capacity
2 to 7 people
Locations
Lanaken
Dog welcome
11 of the 26 cabins

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy?

The cancellation terms are listed with your booking and in your confirmation email. If you wish to cancel or modify your booking, please contact us as soon as possible.

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Can I change my dates or number of guests?

This is often possible, provided the property is available on the new dates. Submit your request as early as possible via your booking confirmation.

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What if I cannot come due to illness or unforeseen circumstances?

We recommend travel cancellation insurance. For circumstances beyond your control, we always see if we can find a solution together. Please call or email us directly.

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What is included in the final price?

The price shown is the all-in price for the house. Additional items such as bed linen, towels, or tourist tax are shown separately on the cabin page and during checkout.

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Are high chairs or baby cots available?

For many of our houses, you can book or request a cot or high chair. Check the amenities on the cabin page or ask when booking.

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How does my property get added to the specialstays collection?

We visit in person, see if the house fits the collection, and discuss the process. See the Rent out your house page for more.

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