Oude Landen

Oude Landen is a nearly hundred-hectare nature reserve on the northern edge of Antwerp, in the Ekeren district, right at the border with Kapellen. It is one of the few nature areas of such size located almost within the boundaries of a large city, making it a popular destination for walks and wildlife watching among residents of northern Antwerp.

Where does the name come from?

The name "Oude Landen" (literally "old lands") reflects the site's history — the area lies in the valley of the Oudelandse Beek stream, from which it takes its name. For decades the land belonged to the military as part of the former Kazerne Luchtbal barracks complex. It was only after local residents protested against development plans that the site was saved and turned into a protected nature area.

What protection status does the area have?

Oude Landen has been a protected landscape since 1980, and in 2002 it was officially recognized as a Flemish nature reserve. It is currently managed by Natuurpunt, the organization responsible for nature conservation in the Antwerp region.

What can visitors see here?

The landscape of Oude Landen is varied and semi-open, made up of reed margins, former polder land, and embankments left over from disused railway lines. Visitors can find forests, shrubland, and grassland, as well as wild orchids growing along the walking paths, including marsh orchid and other orchid species. The reserve is known for its abundant wildflowers and reed-dwelling birdlife, including nightingales.

How is the landscape maintained?

A small herd of Galloway cattle helps maintain the semi-open character of the landscape. This hardy Scottish breed is well suited to grazing on wild, marshy terrain. The animals roam freely across the reserve, preventing the land from becoming overgrown with trees and shrubs, which helps preserve a diversity of habitats ranging from open meadows to thickets and reed beds.

Why is it worth visiting?

Oude Landen is often described as one of the most beautiful urban nature reserves in Flanders — a rarity for a city as large as Antwerp. Its network of walking paths allows for a peaceful encounter with nature without having to travel far outside the city, and the variety of habitats means different plants and animals can be observed depending on the season, from spring orchids to autumn birds feeding among the reeds.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Oude Landen located? The reserve lies in the Ekeren district in northern Antwerp, close to the border with the municipality of Kapellen, in the valley of the Oudelandse Beek stream.

Who manages the area? The reserve is managed by Natuurpunt, the organization responsible for nature conservation in the Antwerp and Kempen region.

What is the history of this place? The land previously belonged to the military as part of the Kazerne Luchtbal barracks. Following protests against development plans, it was saved and granted Flemish nature reserve status in 2002, having already held protected landscape status since 1980.

What animals can be found here? A distinctive feature of the landscape is the herd of Galloway cattle grazing across the reserve, while nightingales can be heard nesting among the reed beds.