Last minute Antwerp

Is time pressing you, yet you are still wondering where your next holiday should be? Check out our last-minute accommodations in Antwerp. This region is situated on the northeast border of Belgium and the Netherlands. Antwerp is linked to the North Sea by the River Scheldt. The city is prosperous, with the second biggest port in Europe after Rotterdam and half a million citizens.

In terms of surface area, it is the third largest municipality with 20,429 hectares, after Tournai and Couvin. There is still amazing nature waiting just outside the outskirts of the city. Here is where most of our accommodations are located. In the middle of the woods or by a lake you name it! Some allow pets and come in different styles like bungalows, gipsycars, glamping, tiny houses and vacation homes. They are equipped with a new and luxurious interior. Internet and tv are provided, as well as a fully functioning kitchenette. The more expensive ones even have their own swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. In the back, a beautiful garden is waiting for the best barbeque you ever had.

Behold the Belgian countryside

The greenest area must be the Kampen region. It has sandy soil, as a result of which the Kempen was largely covered with heather, oak forest, fens and peat areas in the past. At present there are still a number of forests, fens, heaths and meadows. You can also find swamps, dark areas and heathlands, often now forested with pine trees. In summer, the Kempen is the hottest place in Flanders. In the south of the Kempen, a record temperature of 41.8 ° C was measured on 25 July 2019 in Begijnendijk. That was also the highest temperature ever recorded in Belgium. In winter, the Limburg Kempen is the coldest place in Flanders.

The most impressive forest is set inside De Kempen Natural Reserve. It covers parts of Belgium and Holland. It consists largely of coniferous wood with avenues lined with American oak, which houses the black woodpecker, among other things. There is also a heathland area of 75 hectares that is known under the name Hapertse Heide. In the 20th century these vast heathlands were largely forested. Although it is a relatively high-lying covered sand area, with heights of up to 36 meters above sea level, there are some humid parts. There are some swampy areas with gale thickets and swamp forest. Swamp wolf claw, pilfern, spotted orchid and various sedge species can be found there. Ground stars can be found in the woods. An attempt is also being made to introduce more variation in the coniferous forest, which serves both nature and recreation.

Time flies when you're having fun

For people seeking peace and quiet, there are hiking trails, picnic areas and cycle paths as well as a natural camping area in De Kampen Natural Reserve. You can rent a bike for a day with your partner and explore the forest, while breathing the fresh air. Make a stop to a nice and quiet place and have a tasty afternoon picnic. And while there you can take advantage of the camping area and sleep under the bright stars. The light pollution there is so low that you can see double the stars that you can see above the city.

In summer you must visit Boekenbergpark. The park is at least 200 years old and has an artificial ruin, castle, Chinese pavilion, free swimming pool and a museum for natural history. Another big park is Rivierenhof. It is close to the city center. It has many resting areas, pathways, petting zoo, traffic garden and an open-air theatre.

You can have a peaceful fishing trip with the kids or go on a bug hunt and teach them which insect is dangerous for them and which isn’t. While hiking in the forest you can make a nature bracelet. All you need is a piece of tape around your wrist and imagination. Pick all kinds of colorful flowers and leaves along the way and stick them to the tape. At the end of the day compare which one is the best next to the cozy fireplace or on the couch in front of the tv.

So don’t wait or overthink it anymore, because even in the last minute, Antwerp is the place for you. Great people, prosperous city, old Belgian and Dutch culture combined and huge forests and heathlands. Have an unforgettable experience with our accommodations, designed for the best holiday out in nature.

How is the weather in Antwerp?

Antwerp has an oceanic climate similar to that of Southern England, while being far enough inland to build up summer warmth above 23 °C average highs for both July and August. Winters are more dominated by the maritime currents instead, with temps being heavily moderated. The wind blows frequently, and can be intense, especially from November to March. The rainiest seasons are summer and autumn, and the least rainy season is spring. Rainfall often occurs in the form of short showers or drizzle.

Winter, from December to February, is cold with temperatures on average around freezing at night and a few degrees above during the day. Some days it can reach 10 °C, but wind and rain are sure to follow. Spring, from March to May, is initially cold, with possible snowfalls still in March, and then it gradually becomes milder in April and May. Typically, by the second half of May, the temperatures become as warm as 25 °C. Summer, from June to August, is mild. The wind blows constantly from the sea, and even rainfall is quite frequent. However, there are pleasant periods when the daytime temperatures are between 20 °C and 25 °C. There are heat waves occurring for a week or two, where the temperatures can reach 40 °C. Autumn, from September to November, is initially pleasant in the first half of September, then it gradually becomes more cold, dull, wet and windy.

The best time to visit Antwerp runs from mid-May to mid-September, since it is the mildest of the year. July and August are the warmest months. However, it's better to bring a sweatshirt or sweater, a light jacket and an umbrella, for cool and rainy days.