About this place
VVV-toren is a metal lookout tower in Tessenderlo, standing on the Zandberg (Sand Hill) — an old sand dune at the heart of the Gerhagen nature park. The tower rises 18.75 meters, and a spiral staircase of 100 steps leads visitors to the top.
Where does the name come from and what is the tower's history?
The name VVV-toren refers to the former local tourism organisation VVV-Tessenderlo, which from the 1960s onwards developed the area around the Zandberg into a tourist hub. That period saw the creation of the Ter Scoete café, the Forest Museum (Bosmuseum), walking and horse-riding paths, and rest benches.
The first lookout tower was built on the dune in 1969 and was a concrete structure. Over time the concrete deteriorated and suffered from concrete rot, so the tower was demolished towards the end of the 1990s. In 1999 a new tower was erected on the same spot — a metal construction, taller than its predecessor, which is the one still standing today.
What can you see from the top?
From the viewing platform, at a height of almost 19 meters, visitors get a wide panorama over the Gerhagen forests and the surrounding Kempen landscape. On a clear day the view extends to the mining terrils of Beringen, the abbey of Averbode, and even the basilica of Scherpenheuvel in the distance. On April 11, 2014, a telescope was installed on the platform to help visitors pick out these distant landmarks.
What else is there to see around the tower?
The VVV-toren sits at the heart of the Gerhagen nature park, surrounded by forest and the sandy hills typical of the Kempen region. At the foot of the tower there is a playground, making it a popular stop for families. Nearby is the Forest Museum mentioned above, along with a network of marked walking and cycling routes running through the park.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the VVV-toren? The tower is 18.75 meters high, with the viewing point situated at roughly 19 meters above ground.
How many steps are there to the top? A spiral staircase of 100 steps leads to the viewing platform.
Is today's tower the same one built in the 1960s? No. The original concrete tower dates from 1969, but it was demolished towards the end of the 1990s after the concrete deteriorated. In 1999 it was replaced by a newer, taller metal tower.
What can you see from the viewing platform? A panorama of the Gerhagen forests, and on clear days the mining terrils of Beringen, the abbey of Averbode, and the basilica of Scherpenheuvel — made easier to spot thanks to the telescope installed in 2014.
Is there anything for children near the tower? Yes, there is a playground right at the base of the tower.
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