On Sunday, December 8, the launch of 'Het Schandaal van Zutendaal', an interactive walking route of 5,5 km, took place at EuroParcs Hoge Kempen. With this, the holiday park makes a very clear link with the region. The 'Escape Route' concept is a new variation on the popular 'escape room,' to which the story of the region is also linked in the form of storytelling.
Mayor Ann Schrijvers performed the opening ceremony with the words: “Tourism is the engine of our local economy. Zutendaal’s asset is nature. With this project, connections are forged between the past, the present, and nature.” The creators, Hans Suntjens and Sandra Borsboom of Escape Route Limburg, gave the guests further explanation of how this special walking project came about.
Creator Sandra Borsboom said that she was looking for special regional folk tales for routes. During this search, she came into contact with the historical society of Zutendaal. Sandra: “Via Armand Put of the historical society Zutendaal, I got my hands on a book about the History of Zutendaal. It contained information about the redoubt from 1647 that was recently restored, as well as an accompanying bridge. But my eye was particularly drawn to a story about a girl, 13-year-old Catharina Timmermans. In 1649, she was warned by the ghost of her deceased uncle. We embraced this character and used it as a common thread for the historical folk tale about Zutendaal. What did this uncle want to tell her?” During the walking route, the participants listen to the podcast story that focuses on the history of the region. The story is about the uncle wanting to make something clear to her. But what is that? The podcast fragments provide more information. In this way, the participants gradually come closer to the denouement of the story.
History of the region
The walk goes through the forests around EuroParcs and the participants are introduced to the history of the region. The story is about trust, faith and betrayal. Hans Suntjens: “The escape route around Zutendaal is the seventh route that we have recently realized. We started during the corona crisis and were looking for ways to let people go out into nature. We think that this initiative can certainly also be useful for team building, at companies and sports clubs”. In addition to the guests of EuroParcs, this route is suitable for families and groups of friends. A mobile phone and internet connection are required for this route. 'Escape Route Limburg', a start-up company that was founded during the corona crisis in 2021. Sandra Borsboom: “We came up with the idea of creating escape routes as a variation on the escape room. Our routes are distinguished by the fact that on the one hand they are based on a true story and on the other hand they have 'a link' with the region. Furthermore, we like it when the participants learn something from this activity during the walk”.
Seven routes
To date, 'Escape Route Limburg' has compiled seven routes that run through Belgian and Dutch Limburg: 'The Scandal of Zutendaal' (walking), 'The Knights of Ensebroeck' (car), 'The Missing Birdwatcher' (bicycle), 'The Secret of the Hermit' (walking), 'The Revenge of the Witch Child' (walking), 'The Dark Death' (walking), Operation Fear Feather (walking), and 'Rowwen Hèze and the Lost Eye' (walking). The routes have a historical background and pass through striking nature reserves. This allows visitors to discover a region or city in an exciting and interactive way. The activity is also perfectly suited for staff events or school trips . Most routes start at an easily accessible location with parking and a restaurant. At the starting point of the escape route 'The Scandal of Zutendaal', you will also find Brasserie Julia's, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal after the walk and solving the route's riddle. All in all, park manager Robert Haan is pleased with this new opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings from the park in a playful way.
EuroParcs 'De Hoge Kempen' is located a stone's throw from the Hoge Kempen National Park. It is an excellent base for cycling and hiking. Since December 8, 2024, guests of EuroParcs can also start here to participate in the escape route. Escape routes are based on a true story and lead participants along special places in the area. With the help of a podcast and a route booklet, participants must solve riddles, answer questions and decipher codes. Routes can be walked, cycled or completed by car. The escape route 'Scandal of Zutendaal' is a walking route that takes about three hours. The route starts at the reception of EuroParcs.
Part of a renewal process
The park has been expanded over the past five years with a wide variety of modern accommodations for various target groups. The park gives high priority to sustainability. The combination of glamping and rental of luxury cottages is distinctive. There are also tiny houses for 2 people, kids cottages (specially designed for children) and sustainable cottages of the Belsano type. This type of home is equipped with infrared ceiling heating, among other things. Several facilities can be operated via the smartphone. There are extensive play facilities for children, such as playgrounds and a Spray Park. There is daily entertainment in the season. Bicycle rental is provided by the local rental company (pick-up and drop-off service). In the summer, you can use the outdoor swimming pool, which is within walking distance.
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With thanks to (author of this article): Frits van Wolveren, freelance editor in the leisure sector