On the outskirts of Kapelle lies the Kapelse Bos, a green space perfect for walking, playing, and enjoying the outdoors. A surprise awaits children during their walk: in the Kapelse Bos, you’ll find the gnome forest. All kinds of little gnomes live among the trees, along the paths, and sometimes just above your head.

The gnomes are easy to spot because of their red caps. If you look between the tree trunks, you might find the circus or spot the sleeping gnomes. But be sure not to just look at the ground when you’re searching! They’re also in higher places. Plus, new gnomes and gnome houses are still being added, so there’s always something new to discover.

The gnome forest was created by a creative resident of the municipality of Kapelle. The gnomes were warmly welcomed by the forest ranger and have since found a permanent home in the forest.

Discover more than just gnomes

The gnomes aren’t the only inhabitants of the forest. Of course, all kinds of animals live there too, and there’s something new to discover every season. In the spring, fresh, green leaves appear on the trees, and nature slowly comes back to life. In the fall, the forest floor is covered with colorful leaves, and you can go looking for chestnuts, acorns, and unusual mushrooms.

So why not turn your walk into a little nature scavenger hunt? How many birds can you count? What colors of flowers do you come across? And what different kinds of trees can you spot?

There's plenty to look for in the fall, too. What colors are the leaves? How many chestnuts and acorns can you count? And how many different kinds of mushrooms can you spot?

Please leave the mushrooms where they are. Take a closer look at them or take a picture. That way, other visitors can discover them after you.

Join the Kabouterbos Bingo

Make your walk even more fun with Kabouterbos Bingo! Print out the bingo card and bring it with you to the Kapelse Bos. Will you spot a gnome, a mushroom, or a chestnut?

Found it? Check the box! Who will be the first to get three in a row? Or can you all work together to fill up the entire map? Leave the gnomes and nature where they are, so the next explorers can enjoy them too.

Playing in the Kapelse Forest

Are you out and about with kids? Then combine your search for gnomes with a visit to the nature playground in the Kapelse Bos. Here, kids can climb and scramble over tree trunks and little hills. Feel free to bring a soccer ball—there’s a small soccer field right next to the woods.

There are even more opportunities to play and be active around De Bloesem Sports Center. Among other things, you’ll find a skate park, a panna cage, a basketball court, and climbing frames. This makes it easy to turn a visit to the woods into a slightly longer outing.

Hiking with and without gnomes

Of course, the Kapelse Bos isn’t just for kids. Even without looking for gnomes, you can take a walk here and enjoy the greenery. Staatsbosbeheer manages the Kapelse Bos as part of its nature reserve in Zuid-Beveland. There’s also a dog-off-leash trail in one section of the forest. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash there, and in the other sections, they’re welcome on a leash. Please check the signs at the entrance for the exact rules.

Practical information

A convenient starting point is De Bloesem Sports Center at Vroonlandseweg 45 in Kapelle. There’s a spacious parking lot here, and you can also park your bike. From the parking lot, follow the path along the skate park. You’ll walk past the Scout troop and into the Kapelse Forest. You’ll soon come across the first little gnomes.

The forest is open to the public. During your visit, please follow the access rules posted on the signs at the entrance.

Discover more in the area

Want to explore even more after your gnome hunt? Head to Kapelle to look for the characters from Annie M.G. Schmidt’s stories, such as Jip and Janneke. Or check out the hiking trails in the municipality of Kapelle for your next trip through the region.