Kalmthoutse Heide

A vast heathland just across the border

The Kalmthoutse Heide lies in the Belgian province of Antwerpen, just south of the Dutch border near Ossendrecht. It is one of the largest unbroken heathland areas in the Low Countries, with open plains, drift dunes and ponds alternating throughout. For landscape photography that is a rare combination. There is space here, big skies and a horizon uninterrupted by buildings or forest.

August and September are the finest months

The heather bloom draws photographers every year, and rightly so. In August the heather turns purple, receding into the frame layer by layer. It works best in early morning light, when the sky is still soft and there is a chance of mist above the wetter sections. A telephoto focal length between 100 and 200mm lets you compress the layers in the landscape, giving those purple expanses much more weight in your composition. A wide angle makes the landscape feel smaller than it actually is.

In September and October the mood shifts. The bloom is over, but the autumn colours and low sun more than make up for it. Shadows grow longer, the light more raking. The texture of the drift sand and dry heather becomes far more visible precisely then.

Practical things to know

There are several entry points to the area. The visitor centre De Vroente in Kalmthout is a logical starting point with parking available. From there you can head deeper into the area. Bear in mind that large parts of the heathland are sensitive, so stick to the paths. During dry periods some sections may be closed due to fire risk.

The area crosses the border: part of it lies in the Netherlands as part of the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. You can cross the border without noticing, which also makes a longer walk possible if you want to photograph more locations.

Light and season in brief

Golden hour in August for the bloom, preferably early in the morning. Overcast autumn weather in October gives calm, diffused light that shows the earthy colours of the dead heather well. Avoid the middle of the day in summer, the light is harsh and the purple of the heather loses its glow.

Sources and further reading

• Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide (officiële site)
• Natuurpunt – Kalmthoutse Heide
• Bezoekerscentrum De Vroente