Brochure de Hoge Rielen EN

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welcome

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de Hoge Rielen Centre for youth, nature and adventure

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de Hoge Rielen

Centre for youth, nature and adventure

Colophon

Molenstraat 62 2460 Kasterlee +32 14 55 84 10

RECEPTION & INFORMATION Monday to Thursday: 8.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

EDITORIAL TEAM Kato Stijnen Marthe Theuns

Friday: 8.30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

GRAPHIC DESIGN WNDR

info@dehogerielen.be www.dehogerielen.be

Saturday, Sunday and holiday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

PHOTOGRAPHY Frederik Buyckx Sarah Haggag Steven Massart Luc Roymans

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table of contents

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welcome staying accommodation buildings camping hostel wadi catering site plan create and meet sports and games workshops educational programme volunteers Destelheide and Hanenbos practical

e Rielen 5 Welcome!

De Hoge Rielen is a youth centre dedicated to youth, nature and adventure — a place where groups come together to explore, create, play, or simply unwind.

Nestled in the forests of Kasterlee, in the Antwerp Kempen region, the centre offers 230 hectares of open space and nature. It’s a place where the pace of everyday life fades away almost instantly. From the moment you arrive, you feel it: this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.

Designed for young people.

Open to everyone.

De Hoge Rielen is built around young people, youth work and education. Every day, the energy, curiosity and creativity of young visitors bring the domain to life. Alongside youth organisations and schools, we also welcome associations, educational institutions, families, companies and many other groups.

We actively support group leaders, think along with organisers and remain open to fresh ideas. That way, every stay becomes a unique and memorable experience.

Where nature and experience meet

De Hoge Rielen is a place where nature and adventure go hand in hand. The green surroundings, simple facilities and freedom to shape your own stay create a unique and relaxed atmosphere. Non-formal learning is part of everything we do. Through our educational programmes, children and young people discover nature through play, teamwork and hands-on challenges. Together, these experiences create space for what truly matters: connecting with others, growing together and recharging in nature.

“For forty years, people have been telling us that the best memories are made during school camps at de Hoge Rielen.”

Sofie De Witte, teacher at ‘t Hofje Hofstade

de Hoge 6 Are you planning a multiday group activity, a school trip, a youth camp, a family weekend or just a day out? At de Hoge Rielen, you’ll find all the space and facilities you need to relax, explore and enjoy nature together.

Endless possibilities

Whether you stay in one of our buildings, camp on a campsite or spend the night at Hostel Wadi: at de Hoge Rielen, you’re always surrounded by nature. The forest is the setting for every stay and creates a unique atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

Groups can gather in many different spaces across the domain: from a theatre and multi-purpose spaces for creative activities to a restaurant for shared meals. There are also plenty of sports and outdoor facilities, including a sports hall, multi-purpose

fields, campfire areas, a swimming pond, an adventure course and a wide range of activities. Here, nature encourages you to get active, discover and seek adventure together.

Our team is happy to help organize your stay. Whether you’re visiting with a small group or a large one, we’ll help you find the accommodation and facilities that best match your plans. From arrival to departure, we aim to provide a warm welcome and a high-quality experience, so you can focus on what truly matters: sharing memorable moments together in nature.

e Rielen 7 De Hoge Rielen proudly holds several national and international quality labels and certifications: The Council of Europe’s Quality Label for Youth Centres is awarded to centres with a strong commitment to youth work and non-formal learning. At de Hoge Rielen, themes such as democracy, children’s rights and human rights are actively integrated into both our daily operations and our activities.

Green Key is an international sustainability label.

It recognises tourism operators for their efforts towards the environment and their sustainable operations.

The Smiley Label, awarded by the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV), recognizes the strong self-monitoring system in our kitchen and confirms that we fully comply with food safety and hygiene regulations.

“It took a long time to find a place where sixty of us could stay, have breakfast and train in an onsite sports hall. Now that we’ve discovered de Hoge Rielen, we’re sure this will become a tradition.”

Fee, Sipiro Ropeskipping

de Hoge 8 Spread across the domain, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation buildings. Each one is comfortable, practical and perfectly suited for hosting large groups, with plenty of space for activities and shared experiences.

Group accommodations tailored to your group

Every building has its own character, capacity and layout. Some include multifunctional activity rooms, others offer unique sleeping arrangements or enhanced accessibility features. This variety makes it easy to find the accommodation that best matches your group, your programme and your needs.

Visiting with a very large group and looking to combine several buildings? Be sure to explore the site map to choose the most convenient locations and keep everything within easy reach for your activities.

Curious about all the possibilities?

Discover all our accommodation options on our website.

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“For our three-day group dynamics workshop, we deliberately chose a location in the middle of nature where students would really depend on one another. The instructors stayed at the hostel, while the students stayed in Buildings 3 – Penseel, 5 – Kegel and 6 – Dobbelsteen, because those buildings offered the workspaces we needed — especially in case of rain.”

Charlotte Vanhoof, lecturer in Social Readaptation Sciences at UCLL

de Hoge 10 Does your group love adventure?

Then come camping at de Hoge Rielen and experience nature at its purest. Enjoy the freedom, space and outdoor life together on your own campsite in the middle of the forest.

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Camping with complete freedom

Each campsite has its own size and capacity, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your group and activities.

Every site is equipped with sanitary facilities and a private fire pit. It’s perfect for gathering around the campfire after a day full of adventure.

Looking for extra comfort while camping? Discover our unique camping concept: loodskamperen. Several campsites at de Hoge Rielen are combined with a covered shed, creating a practical indoor space for cooking, playing or spending time together. That way, you can fully enjoy the outdoor experience, even when the weather turns rainy.

The sheds at Camp 8 – Bow and Camp 9 – Boomerang also include a heated sleeping area.

Curious about all the possibilities?

Explore all campsites on our website.

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Looking for an inspiring venue for a multi-day training course, a school trip with your students or a relaxing family getaway?

Hostel Wadi offers a unique stay in the heart of nature.

A unique stay at Hostel Wadi

With its remarkable circular design, Hostel Wadi blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest. The building seems to embrace the landscape, creating a truly special place to stay unlike anywhere else in Belgium.

You’ll stay in comfortable four-person rooms, each with a private bathroom. The adjustable beds offer extra flexibility, and several rooms are fully accessible for guests with disabilities.

Wake up among the trees, step outside into nature and enjoy a short morning walk to the restaurant for breakfast. It’s the perfect start to a day filled with fresh air, inspiration and outdoor experiences.

Next to the restaurant, the Lounge provides a warm and welcoming meeting place, ideal for relaxing together, chatting or sheltering from the rain.

e Rielen 13 “What a beautiful design. The rooms are arranged in a circle around a small forest in the centre. Really impressive! The rooms themselves are compact but have everything you need, and the design is very clever too. You can even combine the two beds into a double bed.”

Katrien Verwaest, family weekend

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No time to cook or wash dishes yourself? Is your kitchen team taking a welldeserved break? Or would you simply like fresh bread delivered every morning?

Our catering service takes care of it all, so you can fully enjoy your stay.

“The barbecue was excellent quality and more than sufficient.

By far the best evening meal we’ve had during our teambuilding activities in recent years.”

Silvio Giovanilli, FC Landen

e Rielen 15 “Through de Hoge Rielen, we were able to order baguettes from a local bakery. Very convenient!”

Noah, Physical Education Recreation student HOGent

Enjoy your stay without worries

In our restaurant, you can enjoy fresh, balanced meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do you prefer to eat together in your own accommodation? No problem, we’ll gladly deliver the meals directly to your group.

Alongside the regular meals served in the restaurant, we also offer additional catering options such as barbecues, sandwich lunches at the workspaces, and tasty treats from our trusted food truck partners.

We take dietary preferences and specific needs into account, including vegetarian, vegan, halal and medically required diets or allergens. That way, everyone can enjoy mealtimes without concerns.

You order, we deliver

Need groceries or extra supplies during your stay? Our ordering service makes things easy. Instead of carrying heavy shopping bags yourself, simply place your order and we’ll deliver everything straight to your accommodation.

You can find the full catering offer and all practical information on our website.

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“During our Easter and summer camps, the Theatre becomes the beating heart of our workshops and final performances. The large, flexible space gives us complete freedom to create and arrange the room exactly as we need. The atmosphere, the character of the building and its location on the domain all add to the authentic camp feeling. We’re always happy to return.”

Gregory en Jens, Hoogerop Musical

e Rielen 19 At de Hoge Rielen, you’ll find inspiring spaces for meetings, creative projects and events — all surrounded by nature. Our venues offer the peace, space and flexibility needed to collaborate, exchange ideas and bring new plans to life.

The Theatre

The Theatre is a versatile venue with a flexible layout, making it ideal for concerts, performances, rehearsals, gatherings and creative projects. The space includes sanitary facilities, a bar, a backstage area and a cozy fireplace, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Workspaces in a green setting

Building 56 – Squirrel and Building 54 – Clover are fully equipped for meetings, training sessions, seminars and workshops. Each building offers four multifunctional rooms that can be rented separately or combined, depending on the size and needs of your group.

Looking for a relaxed venue for a group gathering, reception or evening at the bar? Building 56 – Squirrel also includes a welcoming bar area with a terrace overlooking the greenery.

Across the domain, you’ll find several other inspiring spaces and venues to suit different activities and events.

Curious about all the possibilities?

Discover all rooms and workspaces on our website.

de Hoge 20 Looking for the perfect location for a sports camp, training session or active day outdoors? At de Hoge Rielen, you’ll find plenty of space and facilities to move, play and enjoy nature together.

Action and relaxation

With a sports hall, multi-purpose fields, hiking trails, a vast forest to explore and a swimming pond open during the summer months, de Hoge Rielen offers endless opportunities for sports, games and adventure. Whether your group wants to train or simply have fun outdoors, there’s room for everyone to stay active.

Rental equipments and activities

Curious about the full range?

Discover all our activities, loan kits and equipment on our website.

Still looking to fill a gap in your programme? Our wide range of rental activities, sports equipment and games guarantees there’s never a dull moment.

Perfect for active group activities and outdoor adventures in nature. During your stay, you can also borrow practical equipment such as bicycles, lashing wood and ropes and audiovisual equipment.

That way, you don’t have to transport extra gear yourself and can fully focus on your activities and experience.

e Rielen 21 “The speleobox is really fun! You have to crawl through small, dark passages, just like in a real cave. Luckily, they were just big enough for me to fit through.”

Florian, student at MFC Sint-Gregorius

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Discover new experiences through the workshops and activities at de Hoge Rielen. We invite groups to learn through play, challenge themselves, explore nature together and grow stronger as a team.

Workshops full of adventure and discovery

Together with one of our educational guides, you’ll head out into the green surroundings for an inspiring activity. From nature to culture, from team building to human rights: our workshops always feature one or more of these themes. Ensuring there is always an activity that suits your group. From preschoolers to adults, everyone can take part.

Let our workshops inspire you and discover the full range of guided activities on our website.

“The zipline in the high rope course was amazing. I had to overcome my fear first, but that’s exactly what made it feel so rewarding afterwards.”

Kendra, student at avAnt Antwerp

e Rielen 23 “I never knew there were so many herbs you could simply pick and use in food.

We made toasts and cookies with plants like yarrow, sheep’s sorrel and ground ivy.

So tasty!”

Shakeem, student at ‘t Hofje Hofstade

“The SuperHumanRights workshop is a fantastic way to introduce children to children’s rights. The conversations after each activity are especially valuable.”

Teacher at De Pagadder

“In the ‘Mapmakers’ workshop, we created a creative map of the domain together. It’s a wonderful way to help children look at their environment more consciously.”

Hadewijch De Villé, Teacher at Rinkrank

de Hoge 24 De Hoge Rielen is a place where education, adventure and nature come together. We strongly believe in non-formal learning: learning through experience, exploration and experimentation. In this way, children and young people grow both individually and as a group, while creating memories that last a lifetime.

“The international exchange on human rights was a real eye-opener. I learnt so much and made new friends.

Romina Pauwels, participant in the Youth Exchange: Human Rights through Art & Outdoor Education

e Rielen 25 Our educational programme is built around four central themes: nature, culture, team building & cooperation, and human rights.

These themes run through everything we do, from workshops and summer activities to international projects and other educational initiatives.

International connections

Together with its sister domains Destelheide and Hanenbos, de Hoge Rielen actively invests in international cooperation and exchange.

Through international projects, young people meet peers from different backgrounds, discover new perspectives and contribute to a more open and inclusive society.

Through Erasmus+, we bring young people and youth workers together in international activities such as youth exchanges, training courses and study visits. These experiences place encounter, learning and collaboration at the heart of every project.

Young people can also explore the world through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).

As a sending organisation, de Hoge Rielen supports young people from Belgium who want to volunteer abroad. These experiences allow them to gain international experience, develop new skills and grow in an inspiring environment. At the same time, we warmly welcome international volunteers to our domain every year.

Interested in developing an (international) educational project together? We’re always open to new ideas and collaborations.

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De Hoge Rielen is supported by an enthusiastic team of local and international volunteers. Together with our permanent staff, they help create a warm and welcoming environment where every group and visitor can fully enjoy their stay in nature.

Volunteering in the heart of nature

International volunteers

Our volunteers take on many different roles across the domain. They help organise events, support international volunteers as mentors and provide overnight standby support for urgent situations. Others guide workshops and activities such as the high ropes course, building structures with wood and ropes, or exploring nature through biotope studies. There is truly a place for everyone to contribute their talents.

Thanks to the support of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), young people from different countries join de Hoge Rielen each year as international volunteers. During their stay, they discover and develop their talents, gain valuable experience and become part of our team and community. Their international backgrounds and fresh perspectives bring new ideas, creativity and energy to the organisation.

New volunteers are always welcome. You can find more information about volunteering at de Hoge Rielen on our website.

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“Alongside communication tasks like photography, social media content creation and graphic design, I also stepped outside my comfort zone by leading workshops, welcoming guests and helping with summer projects. It was a time to slow down, a breath of fresh air for both body and mind — a year in which I felt like I lived not one but ten different lives. I will never forget it.”

Sara Haggag, ESC-volunteer 2025

hanenbos

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CONTACT Hanenbos Lotsesteenweg 103 1653 Dworp 02 380 47 13

At our sister site Hanenbos, a centre for youth, nature and adventure, you stay in complete tranquility, surrounded by forest, in Dworp (Beersel). Here you can truly get away from it all, far from school, work or home. Hanenbos offers accommodation in simple yet comfortable rooms, tasty meals, relaxation and all the facilities you need for your forest classes, camps, internships, meetings or events.

All info at www.hanenbos.be

destelheide

At our sister site Destelheide, it is also a pleasure to stay. This centre for youth, art and creativity is located, just like Hanenbos, in Dworp (Beersel), in a green setting, yet close to Brussels. The surroundings help you focus, collaborate and take a step back from the pace of daily life. Destelheide offers inspiring facilities for meetings, training sessions and a wide range of artistic activities.

All info at www.destelheide.be

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CONTACT Destelheide Destelheidestraat 66 1653 Dworp +32 2 380 39 15

de Hoge 30 The rates and booking conditions at de Hoge Rielen depend on the category your group belongs to. This also determines how far in advance you can make a reservation.

Not sure which category applies to your group?

CATEGORY 1

CATEGORY 3

Recognised youth work organisations This category includes groups officially recognised as youth work initiatives by a local (municipal), provincial or Flemish government authority. De Hoge Rielen may request official proof of recognition.

EXAMPLES: • The Zottegem Scouts are visiting for a summer camp with their cub scouts.

• Arktos is organising a multi-day training programme for young people in vulnerable situations.

Our reception team will be happy to help you.

You can find the current rates on our website.

International youth and school groups, and local socio-cultural organisations EXAMPLES: • A football club from Eindhoven is organising a youth training camp at De Hoge Rielen.

• The Femma branch from Schoten is planning a team day on the domain.

Booking period: up to 2 years in advance

Booking period: up to 3 years in advance

CATEGORY 2

Other Belgian youth groups, Belgian school groups and care organisations EXAMPLES: • Year 6 pupils from De Oogappel Primary School in Hasselt are coming for a forest school trip.

• The Kiko youth band from Zomergem is staying for a rehearsal weekend ahead of a concert.

Booking period: up to 2.5 years in advance

CATEGORY 4

Families, adult groups and companies.

We charge VAT for this category.

EXAMPLES: • The Dierckx family is celebrating Christmas together at de Hoge Rielen.

• Former leaders of KSA Opoeteren are organising a reunion weekend.

Booking period: up to 1.5 years in advance

e Rielen At anytime

www.dehogerielen.be info@dehogerielen.be

During reception opening hours Monday to Thursday: 8u30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday: 8.30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday and holiday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Molenstraat 62 2460 Kasterlee +32 14 55 84 10 Outside opening hours, we remain reachable by phone for emergencies and urgent issues.

mobility

Info and reservations

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De Hoge Rielen is a car-free domain, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the peace of nature during your stay. Moving around the domain is easy on foot or by using the bicycles, cargo bikes or gokarts with luggage compartments that are included with your stay, perfect for transporting luggage and equipment. Need to drive onto the domain? A limited number of driving permits are available when necessary.

De Hoge Rielen can be reached by public transport, bicycle or car.

As a car-free domain, we actively encourage sustainable travel and environmentally friendly mobility.

You can find all practical information about accessibility, transportation and getting around the domain on our website.

de Hoge 32 Centre for Youth, Nature and Adventure Molenstraat 62 2460 Kasterlee +32 14 55 84 10 info@dehogerielen.be www.dehogerielen.be

de Hoge Rielen dehogerielen de Hoge Rielen

De Hoge Rielen, together with Destelheide and Hanenbos, is managed on behalf of the Flemish Government by the non-profit organisation Algemene Dienst voor Jeugdtoerisme (ADJ).

R.P. Didier L’homme, Molenstraat 62, 2460 Kasterlee