Practical information:

• The ruin is accessible via a wide and gently sloping (<4%) wooden boardwalk between the trees. Along the path, there are regular flat resting areas. The entire route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, except for the viewing platform. However, thanks to cameras, you can still see live footage from the roof.

• In addition to bats, beavers, deer, and many birds have also made their home in the area surrounding the hotel. To avoid disturbing these animals, dogs are not allowed.

• After your visit to the hotel ruin, you can enjoy a drink and a snack at Taverne Vrijbroekhof. 
• Toilets are available at Vrijbroekhof and in the visitor center.
• Search for the "Big Five" at the hotel ruin! Pick up a participation form and a colored pencil at our visitor center.

Accessibility & Parking:

• The park is accessible by bus and train. Bus lines 88 and 89 stop near the Hombeeksesteenweg entrance. From Mechelen station, it’s a 20-minute walk.
• Coming by bike? You can park at Taverne Vrijbroekhof.
• Coming by car? You can park at Eekhoornparking or Kellanova parking (the latter is only open on Saturdays and Sundays). From both parking lots, it’s a 15-minute walk. See the location and walking route on this webpage. This page is only available in Dutch.
• Do you have a blue parking card for people with disabilities? You can park at Taverne Vrijbroekhof.

If you have any questions, you can always contact the park rangers at 015 45 13 83.

Fauna & flora

The ruin was developed with respect for local wildlife. The bat population living there is an important focus, and we aim to further expand and improve their habitat. Our park rangers have extensive expertise on this topic and are happy to share their knowledge. You can also book a guided tour. This page is only available in Dutch.

Graffiti

One of the highlights of the hotel ruin is undoubtedly the graffiti art you’ll find there. Artists like Gijs Vanhee and Dzia created some of their first works here. The graffiti adds to the unique atmosphere surrounding the ruin.

Participation

Over the past year, young people from Mechelen and the surrounding areas contributed ideas about the design, communication, and activities for the Spooky Hotel project in the Vrijbroekpark.

• How do we combine nature and culture in an engaging walking experience at the Spooky Hotel? 
• How do we keep this place interesting for young people once it’s open? 

We wanted to hear the answers to these and other questions directly from the youth.

Read more: Young people take the lead in participatory project Spooky Hotel 2.0. This page is only available in Dutch.

In collaboration with:

Motion Planet, Ecovery, RADAR Mechelen, Locked Insight, VISITMechelen

With financial support from:

Provincie Antwerpen, Toerisme Vlaanderen, ANB