Car & Van Hire - Merksplas

Merksplas is right in the centre of reserve territory, so its heartlands and forests are its greatest assets. Hoogmoerheide is perhaps its most prized nature preserve, offering endless fields of heather that lend it its characteristic lilac hue. There’s a circular trail that will take you past the charming boathouse at the foot of the Grote Vijver. Settings don’t get more idyllic than this, so plan a slow, lazy day with a picnic in tow. Don’t miss Amsterdamse Bos. This watery play area spans several islands and has its own self-operated ferry.

Merksplas Kolonie is one of the most unique historic sites in Europe. During the late 1800s, it was turned into a thriving farmland and residential area for vagrants and beggars. Residents made a living in the region while sheltering in its many dormitories. Today this 600-hectare site includes a Prison Museum and Botanic Garden. The former chapel and school are still open to tourists. In 2022, a natural cemetery was created to add historical relevance to this lush, wooded area.

Merksplas’ attractions might be wholly Belgian in character, but its cuisine borrows from countries all over the world. Whether you’re craving real French food, authentic goulash, or a comforting UK pub dish, you’ll find it here. Fetch your car hire in Merksplas before heading down the N132. Most local restaurants are situated on either side of the highway, so you won’t need a map to plan your own food tour.

The Backyard Festival turns the town into a musical hotspot every second weekend of September. While DJs often liven up the stage, the festival is renowned for its exceptional rock bands. If you’re looking for a more laid-back trip, September is the perfect month to visit Plantentuin de Keile Boerderij – a reserve that’s rife with flowers of every description. You’ll see hydrangeas, African lilies, Peonies, and more. The botanic garden is the perfect family destination. It also hosts events, so if you’re planning a business trip or party, look no further.

Historic travellers shouldn’t miss the Gevangenismuseum, which has important lessons to teach about poverty. The site tells the stories of several free and unfree vagrant colonies who were trained to become farmers centuries ago. The museum also explains how some of the area’s prisons were developed. There aren’t any guided tours, but the on-site movie will give you an in-depth introduction.

The local roads have clear signage and no tolls, so car or van hire in Merksplas is a decidedly easy way to navigate the region. When you need assistance, emergency services are just a phone call away. There are several highways in and around the municipality. If you’re travelling north, the N132 will carry you straight to the urban hub of the town. The N124 and N132 enter from the east and west. If you’re arriving from the north, you’ll need to divert off the N14 into Hoogstraten.

A network of freeways covers Merksplas itself, the N124 and N312 being the easiest ways to enter the town centre. The district has a population of 8,600, so traffic jams are a rare event. Even so, the intersection of N132 and N124 often experiences moderate traffic. The N131/N132 intersection is almost as problematic, so you might want to hop onto Leest Road as you enter the area.

The municipality’s roads aren’t as haphazard as older towns, but a GPS is still advised, particularly to avoid the many dead ends and narrow streets in residential areas.

Antwerp is a Low Emission Zone, so your vehicle will need to meet the scheme’s standards to enter. If you choose a vehicle that was manufactured after 2020, you’ll find it easier to travel the region. Stay away from diesel and try to secure an electric car. Otherwise, Euro 6/VI and 5/V diesel and petrol-dependent cars are admitted free of charge.

You can cut administrative time off your trip by buying a permit and registering your vehicle online. It’s also possible to buy a LEZ day pass for short trips. Unlike ZTL zones, however, Belgian LEZs come with very few traps and fines.

Keep your car registration documents, insurance paperwork, and passport in your vehicle at all times. Non-EU residents should also carry their local license and International Driving Permit. The latter isn’t a requirement if you hold a valid license from an EU country.

There’s plenty of street parking throughout Merksplas, but if you want extra security, there are a few commercial lots to choose from. The Colony, of course, has its own parking spaces, but Leopold Street and Hoogstraten both have parking lots as well. Local crime rates are even lower than those in the rest of Belgium, so you needn’t worry about your parked vehicle.