Bosmuseum Pijnven

About the museum

The Bosmuseum stands in the Pijnven in Eksel, a large coniferous forest that has been part of Bosland National Park since 2023. The forest was planted from 1904 onwards on former heathland and drift sand, mainly with Scots pine for pit props (mining timber). The area is owned by the Flemish government and managed by the Agency for Nature and Forest. The museum highlights the history and ecology of the Campine forest.

Generations of children and nature lovers learned there about the rich life in the forest. After more than fifty years the museum was due for renewal: it was first completely emptied and then given a new layout. In October 2024 the public could discover the renewed museum.

The new layout revolves around the five most fascinating animal species of Bosland: fox, roe deer, eagle owl, wild boar and wolf. You see them up close, as taxidermy specimens. The eye-catcher is a mounted wolf cub. Authentic forest elements, a cosy reading corner and a floor where you experience the forest in the dark make the visit an experience.

Highlights

• The five large forest animals of Bosland: fox, roe deer, eagle owl, wild boar and wolf
• Mounted wolf cub as the eye-catcher
• Floor where you experience the forest in the dark
• Reading corner and authentic forest elements
• Starting point of walking routes in the Pijnven

Permanent exhibition

• De Big Five van Bosland – The new permanent display shows fox, roe deer, eagle owl, wild boar and wolf as taxidermy specimens and tells about life in the Campine forest.

Operated by

Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Playground / play area

The museum has been a place where children learn about the forest for generations. Nearby are a large play forest with four play meadows and the Bosbewonersroute (forest residents’ route), a playful 2.4 km walk past wooden animals.

Getting there & parking

The walks in the Pijnven start from here.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit