"The Twin Cities Houthalen-HELCHTEREN" Houthalen by Wafro

Houthalen Travel Guide: 26 reviews and 116 photos

After a period of almost three decades, I have changed the small and peaceful HEPPEN for the big and crowdie Helchteren.
Helchteren is the smaller brother of the twin cities Houthalen-Helchteren, which are located in the centre of the province Limburg.
Houthalen-Helchteren has got 29.603(+2) inhabitants on a surface of 7 826 ha 88 a 05 ca(11a is my property).
The economy of H-H is based on:
- Small industry
- Services
- Tourism

In ancient times Houthalen-Helchteren had a flourishing coalmine industry and the remains are still visible in the everyday life.
- Giant elevators
- Coal mountains
- Mining monuments
- Etc
But Houthalen-Helchteren has got much more to offer.
- Green and forested recreation areas
- Old abbeys and castles with their breweries
- Nature reserves
- Many different ethnics with their specific cultures
- Sandy dunes
- And endless flat heather- and grass plains
With such a variety of beauty, it isn't difficult to feel at home.

Belgium is such a great Place!!!

Houthalen-Helchteren is the perfect place for outdoor recreation.
65 % of the total surface is covered with pine forests, heater plains, leave forests and sandy dunes and pools.
You can find four main areas:
- Molenheide Park
- Stakeberg/Remo/Helchteren forest
- Ten Haagdoornheide reserve/Hengelhoef recreation park
- Kelchterhoef recreation park
Each with its own specialities and qualities.

Here you can find moreINFO about Houthalen-Helchteren.

Pros and Cons

Pros:You name it!
Cons:???
In a nutshell:My Heaven

Intro Updated Mar 21, 2007
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Reviews (29)

Limburg Golf & Country Club Sports & Outdoors (3)

I'm not a golfer, but for those who like to golf. The golf area is located near Kelchterhoef in a quiet surrounding. more travel advice

Small ECO-tunnel. Tourist Traps (1)

This eco-tunnel connects the "Ten Haagdoornheide Reserve" with the "Teut-Holstenen Reserve" in Zonhoven. Only for animal... more travel advice

Things to see Tip. Things to Do (12)

Things to see, once or maybe twice in a lifetime, when you are living in Houthalen-Helchteren. I was surprised when I... more travel advice

REMO dumping area Warnings and Dangers (6)

under construction more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All The "Mangelbeek Vallei"
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Travelogues (6)

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Comments (10)

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Nemorino Oct 18, 2011 at 7:59 AM

Thanks for posting VT’s first and only page on Houthalen-Helchteren. Interesting tips on your home town and region! I’m glad to hear they have lots of bicycle trails.
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KiKitC Nov 25, 2008 at 6:14 AM

Looks and sounds wonderful to visit Houthalen. Old mining trails out here offer great off-roading...but I may be in for a balloon flight over that beautiful country. Thanks for the great tips.
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hunterV Feb 22, 2008 at 10:44 AM

Ian, your place is very nice indeed! See you in Belgium some day (hopefully)!
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Laura_Mexico Jan 26, 2008 at 7:36 PM

Very nice wildlife pictures -- didn't imagine that you had such a place in Belgium. And... it's great that you already have a welcome msg in Spanish on your main page ;) Cheers!
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mvtouring Apr 3, 2007 at 3:06 AM

Lieflike blad ;-)
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edachsund Nov 28, 2006 at 11:55 PM

Happy belated birthday, and u have a very nice travel pages. greeting from asia.
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irisbe Nov 26, 2005 at 2:10 PM

Gelukkige verjaardag!!!
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sayedaburas Aug 14, 2005 at 11:57 PM

Intersesting ne tip. Best ofluck. :)
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Karolina01 Sep 22, 2004 at 7:01 AM

Good start Ian! I am looking forward for more later. Greet.
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Eilian Jul 14, 2004 at 9:17 PM

Hey Ian! I hope I'll see and learn more of your hometown soon ;)