The exceptionally warm summer of 2026 resulted in record numbers at various recreational domains in the province of Antwerp. Both day recreation and campsites benefited from the high temperatures. In particular, recreationists seeking cooling by the water flocked en masse to the recreational domains De Nekker, De Lilse Bergen, and Zilvermeer.
The Lilse Mountains
The De Lilse Bergen campsite received up to 8,3% more bookings in 2026 compared to 2025. 32% of the bookings are from foreign campers, with notable increases from Dutch (+28%) and German (+15%) campers.
As far as day recreation is concerned, 123.760 tickets had already been sold by the end of August, which in itself is 22% more than for the full year 2025. A few hundred walkers, cyclists, and swimmers will be added to this in the autumn. The summer holidays (July and August) of 2026 brought 76.179 day visitors to De Lilse Bergen, compared to 59.836 visitors in 2025; the heatwaves accounted for 27% extra visitors.
Another striking figure: over 2000 climbers came to enjoy themselves on the high ropes course/climbing park. This will remain open every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of September.
Silver Lake
So far in 2026, no fewer than 141.000 people have come to the Provincial Recreation Domain Zilvermeer for a day of swimming and playing. Including water sports enthusiasts, Zilvermeer has reached 162.000 day visitors. That is a total of over 20.000 more than last year and 30.000 more than in 2023. The campsite was fuller than ever in July; up to and including August, 89.000 people stayed in the various accommodation modules at Zilvermeer this year.
The Nekker
The record hunt was also underway at De Nekker in Mechelen. Not only did temperatures reach dizzying figures, but ticket sales did as well. With 110.000 day visitors, De Nekker nearly surpassed the exceptional peak of 1993. The summer of 2026 was the most successful high season in decades for the Provincial Recreational Domain in Mechelen. Compared to the last record summer (2018), there was an increase of 27,3%. Compared to the somewhat less hot summer of 2025, there was even an increase of no less than 41,4%.
In addition, many people sought the coolness of the forests and parks.
Deputy Mireille Colson: “These figures show how important our provincial domains are for relaxation close to home. During the heatwaves, hundreds of thousands of people found relief by the water or in our green domains, while our campsites also performed exceptionally well. The fact that De Lilse Bergen welcomed 27 percent more day visitors this summer and that De Nekker experienced its best high season in decades speaks volumes. Our investments in high-quality and accessible recreation clearly reach a very broad audience.”
Such a record-breaking summer doesn't happen by itself. Behind those hundreds of thousands of visitors stand our employees, who ensure everything runs smoothly even on the busiest and hottest days. I am extremely grateful to them for that. And while summer may be over, our estates certainly aren't. In the autumn, too, they remain fantastic destinations for walking, exercising, and enjoying nature close to home.
More information: www.provincieantwerpen.be