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Feel the Heat. Taste the Moment.

July 20 & 21 | Athena

Imagine this: you walk into a sauna for an ongieting and come out feeling like you’ve just been to a festival.

That’s exactly the idea behind Saunsation, a brand-new wellness festival where saunas, music, relaxation, immersive experiences, and a fun atmosphere come together in one unique experience.

For two days, Athena transforms into a festival grounds filled with extraordinary steam sessions, surprising activities, relaxing rituals, and unique encounters. From energetic morning raves to captivating stories, from summery cocktail vibes to traditional rituals and intense ice experiences.

Good news for fans of comfortable camping in nature: the completely renovated safari tent at Athena Ossendrecht is ready and now available for booking. The first guests have already tried out the renovated accommodation, and their feedback has been extremely enthusiastic.

The safari tent, situated in one of the most beautiful spots on the grounds at the top of the hill, has undergone a complete transformation over the past few months. While the tent was already popular for its unique location and charming atmosphere, it now offers even more comfort for a carefree glamping experience.

Private bathroom and greater comfort

The biggest improvement is undoubtedly the addition of a private bathroom. Guests now have access to a toilet, a comfortable shower, and a sink, putting all the amenities they need right at their fingertips.

The kitchen was also completely renovated and equipped with running water and even a dishwasher. In addition, the tent was fitted with new flooring, a redesigned layout, and modern furniture that perfectly complements the cozy glamping atmosphere.

To ensure a comfortable stay even on chilly spring and fall days, a powerful permanent heating system was also installed. This way, you can enjoy extra comfort all season long.

 

“The combination of the beautiful location and the extra comfort makes this safari tent truly unique. It felt like camping in nature, but with the luxury of a vacation home.” – First guests of the renovated safari tent

 

The Lodge also got a facelift

 

It wasn’t just the safari tent that was renovated. The Lodge also got a minor facelift. The Lodge already had a bathroom; now, some of the furniture has been replaced and a more efficient heating system has been installed, making this accommodation even more comfortable.

 

Discover glamping at Athena Ossendrecht

 

With these investments, Athena Ossendrecht continues to focus on high-quality accommodations surrounded by nature. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a longer vacation, or your first experience with naturist camping, the renovated safari tent offers a unique combination of freedom, a connection with nature, and comfort.

Interest is already high. There is still some availability here and there for the summer months, but there aren’t many open dates left. So if you want to enjoy a comfortable glamping vacation this summer at one of the most beautiful spots at Athena Ossendrecht, don’t wait too long to make your reservation.

 

Would you like to see for yourself why our first guests are so enthusiastic? The renovated safari tent is now available and can be booked right away on our website. We look forward to welcoming you for a wonderful glamping vacation at Athena Ossendrecht!

 

-> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE

Summer is just around the corner, and at our three beautiful Athena parks, we’re getting ready to give hundreds of vacationers an unforgettable experience.

That’s why we’re urgently looking for enthusiastic student workers, summer workers, temporary staff, and dedicated campers who would like to join our team during July and August.

Are you looking for a unique summer experience in a green, relaxing, and welcoming setting? Then this is your chance!

Who are we looking for?

Athena Ossendrecht

On the edge of the beautiful Kalmthoutse Heide Border Park

Athena Helios

The hidden gem in the green belt surrounding Brussels and Leuven

Versatile student workers, summer workers, and temporary staff
• Period: July and August
• Minimum availability: 2 weeks

We are also looking for:

• Campers for daily building maintenance
• July and August
• Minimum stay: 2 weeks

 

Athena Le Perron

Tucked away in the rolling hills of the East Cantons, near the High Fens.

• Campers for daily building maintenance
• July and August
• Minimum stay: 2 weeks

 

STUDENT WORKERS, SUMMER WORKERS & TEMPORARY STAFF

Are you at least 16 years old and interested in working this summer at a unique location surrounded by nature?

Then we could really use your help!

Depending on your interests and talents, you may be assigned to:

No experience? No problem. Enthusiasm, dedication, and a positive attitude are what matter most to us.


What do we offer?

 

✔️ Fair compensation in accordance with current pay scales

✔️ Free accommodation as a camper at the park during your work period

✔️ A warm, friendly atmosphere

✔️A unique work experience at one of our beautiful naturist resorts

✔️A summer filled with nature, relaxation, and wonderful encounters

 

WANTED: CAMPERS TO HELP WITH BUILDING MAINTENANCE

 

Do you enjoy camping and would you like to stay at one of our campsites in exchange for a few hours of help each day?

Then we're looking for you!

We are looking for dedicated campers (individuals or couples) who are willing to help keep the restrooms and buildings clean and well-maintained.

 

Your duties:

After just a few hours of work each day, you’re free to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

What do you get in return?

 

✔️ Free accommodation on site during your employment

✔️ A pleasant and respectful work environment

✔️ Time to enjoy some peace and quiet, nature, and a vacation

✔️A wonderful experience within the Athena community

 

WORKING AT ATHENA IS DIFFERENT

 

Our parks are known for their friendly atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and close-knit community.

Together, we make sure our guests feel welcome and can fully enjoy their vacation.

Whether you choose a summer job, temporary work, or a stint as a campground assistant, you’ll become part of an enthusiastic team and experience a summer you won’t soon forget.

 

📅 AVAILABILITY

 

July and/or August 2026

Minimum stay: 2 weeks

 

INTERESTED?

 

Don't wait too long—summer is just around the corner, and we're filling up the last few spots!

Email us at info@naturisme-athena.org and briefly tell us:

 

Do you know anyone who might be interested? Feel free to forward this message.

We look forward to welcoming you to Athena this summer!

 

Work on the restroom building at Athena Le Perron is making good progress. Anyone who has visited the campground in recent months has no doubt noticed that this is not just a simple facelift, but a thorough, complete renovation in which we are consciously prioritizing quality, comfort, and a sustainable future for Le Perron.

With this ambitious project, we aim to offer you a completely new restroom experience. The renovated building will be almost unrecognizable compared to how it used to be. Imagine a spacious and pleasant shower area, comfortable winter restrooms, a completely renovated restroom area, and a contemporary, stylish design.

Moreover, the renovation goes far beyond what is visible from the outside. For example, the floors were completely torn out and underfloor heating was installed throughout the building. The layout was made more logical and user-friendly, the building was given additional insulation, and a large portion of the technical systems were updated. Electrical wiring, plumbing, and drainage were rerouted so that the plumbing is ready for the future and will provide years of comfortable use.

 

An ambitious project with a revised schedule

 

Due to the harsh winters in our region, work couldn’t really get underway until early spring. As a result, the schedule remained extremely tight and ambitious, with the goal of completing everything within just a few months.

Although the work is progressing steadily, we need to remain realistic: unfortunately, we will not be able to meet the original timeline. That is why we have revised the schedule and plan to open the restroom building in two phases.

 

Phase 1 – early June

 

In the first phase, we plan to open the new indoor showers, the two winter restrooms, and the dishwashing stations in early June. This means that a significant portion of the renovated restroom facilities will already be available to our guests.

 

Phase 2 – full implementation by summer

 

About four weeks from now—hopefully before July 1—we plan to open the entire restroom facility. The exterior work may not be completely finished by then, but the restrooms themselves will be clean, comfortable, and fully functional. We are confident that the renovated facility will immediately represent a significant improvement in quality compared to the situation in recent years.

Of course, no major construction work will take place during the summer season, so that the peace and quiet and the atmosphere at the campground are preserved as much as possible. The final touches will then be added to the complete renovation in the fall.

 

You are still very welcome to visit us even while the work is underway

 

Until the renovated restrooms open, guests may use the restroom facilities in the clubhouse. Showers, restrooms, and dishwashing facilities will, of course, remain available there.

To ensure everyone’s comfort, we have made a conscious decision to temporarily limit the number of available campsites and rental accommodations until July 1. This means that, among other things, the sites in the immediate vicinity of the construction work will remain closed for the time being. In this way, we are ensuring that the available facilities remain more than sufficient for all guests on site.

Although this transitional period may not be the most ideal situation, Athena Le Perron remains a fantastic place to stay even while the work is underway. There are still plenty of quiet and beautiful spots on the campground where you can fully enjoy the nature, the atmosphere, and the relaxation that make Le Perron so special.

Together with Corina and Twan, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure you have a pleasant, enjoyable, and relaxing stay during this time. We greatly appreciate your understanding, patience, and trust, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you this summer—and for many years to come—to a beautifully renovated Athena Le Perron.

A major step forward for the future of Athena Le Perron.

 

With this investment, we are working together to build a sustainable Le Perron. We want to further modernize our campground, make it more sustainable, and prepare it for the coming decades, without losing the unique character and tranquility of Le Perron.

Of course, any schedule remains subject to external factors, deliveries, and contractors. That is why we are being deliberately cautious in our communications and will keep you updated on the progress of the work.

We hope you’ll be excited to see the renovated restrooms, and we’re really looking forward to hearing your feedback and experiences.

Thank you for your understanding, support, and trust in Athena Le Perron. Together, we’ll make Le Perron an even more beautiful place to enjoy nature, peace, and freedom.

See you soon!

Fancy a "Naked Couple" towel from helen b?

We have five to give away!

 

 

 

“We are Peter and Céline, a couple who have been together for 12 years now and officially tied the knot three years ago. We met through sports, and ever since, we’ve been a strong and complementary team. Peter once “imported” Céline from Wallonia to Flanders—the things love makes people do. Today we live in the Ghent region and continue to build a life together centered on cooperation, respect, and joy.

 

Over the years, we’ve gained a great deal of experience as volunteers, both in the sports world and in other activities. That sense of commitment and desire to contribute is truly in our DNA. In our daily lives, Peter works as an industrial laborer and Céline as an office worker, but we’ve long realized that our true passion lies elsewhere: in connecting with people, in nature, and in a more authentic way of life.

 

Naturism has been a part of our lives for years. We’ve discovered various campsites in Belgium, the Netherlands, and especially France, and every summer we found ourselves thinking the same thing:

What would it be like to run a campground yourself and welcome guests?

The contrast with our current life—spent within four walls and in an industrial setting—became increasingly clear. Gradually, we came to realize that such a lifestyle is much closer to who we truly are and what we value: living in harmony with nature, with respect for people and the environment. Less obligation, more life.

 

Until recently, however, that remained just a dream. Either the right opportunity hadn’t presented itself, or we hadn’t yet dared to take the plunge. That is, until the beginning of this year, when the job opening at Helios appeared. Peter was immediately intrigued, had lots of questions, and started talking to them. Gradually, not only did his enthusiasm grow, but ours as a couple did too. The idea of helping to build Helios’s future began to take shape more and more.

 

Peter will take on the role of manager and dedicate himself wholeheartedly to the day-to-day operations of the campground. Céline is happy to assist him as his right-hand woman, his sounding board, and—when necessary—his “partner in crime.” Although she does not officially hold the title, she will actively contribute on a voluntary basis and help create a warm, open, and welcoming atmosphere.

Together, we hope to make Helios a place where people feel welcome, can be themselves, and can truly relax. »

 

Peter & Céline

Klapkot and Wikkelhouse: sustainable accommodation in the Ardennes

The permis unique has been approved. This marks an important new step for Athena Le Perron: from now on, there is room for modern, sustainable tiny houses on our site. With Klapkot and Wikkelhouse, we are opening the door to a new way of recreation — comfortable, ecological, and completely in harmony with nature.

Both private individuals and future tenants can enjoy this. Currently, there are five locations available for a Klapkot. Water, electricity, and sewer connections are already in place, allowing an idea to quickly develop into a concrete project.

Klapkot: much more than a caravan

Klapkot is a fold-out holiday home on wheels, designed by a small Dutch company that is strongly committed to design meets innovation. Thanks to a clever folding system, Klapkot transforms from a compact, roadworthy format into a surprisingly spacious living environment.

Inside, everything has been carefully designed, with an open layout that allows you to further personalize the interior. An armchair, a small dining table, extra cupboard space—with your own touches, it will soon feel like a compact home surrounded by greenery.

Klapkot is well insulated and designed for year-round use. You have access to:

This makes staying there in early spring, late fall, and even in winter particularly comfortable. This is not a classic camping facility, but a fully-fledged tiny house, ideally located near the High Fens.

Comfort and options

Functionality and living comfort are central to every model:

Optional extras include underfloor heating, a pellet stove, and solar panels.

Because Klapkot is mounted on a trailer, it remains mobile should this ever be necessary.

Why Klapkot is a perfect fit for Athena Le Perron

For Athena, Klapkot is not a random addition, but a conscious and sustainable choice. It fits in seamlessly with what many of our members find important: simplicity, nature, freedom, and tranquility—without compromising on comfort.

What makes Klapkot so suitable?

Practical and businesslike: how does it work?

The annual site rental is approximately 50% higher than for a traditional annual site, due to water, sewerage, and electricity connections and infrastructure.

The Klapkot remains your property. You only rent the annual pitch at Athena Le Perron. This keeps everything transparent and simple, without complex ownership structures or concerns in the event of a move.

Do you have questions about design, technical connections, or options? We are happy to assist you and work with you and the manufacturer to determine the best configuration.

Klapkot is built by a small and dedicated team from Breda. You can visit the workshop by appointment, and there is often a model available for viewing.

In 2026, we will once again be organizing a demonstration event at Athena Le Perron. The date will be announced in our newsletter.

👉 Interested? [Contact us]

Wikkelhouse will also have a place at Athena Le Perron

In addition to Klapkot, it is now also possible to install a Wikkelhouse at Athena Le Perron.

Wikkelhouse is an innovative, modular tiny house concept from Amsterdam. The houses are constructed from 24 layers of sustainable cardboard, combined with wood and high-quality insulation. The result is a light but surprisingly sturdy construction, energy efficient and perfectly suited for year-round use.

A Wikkelhouse consists of separate modules that you can combine as you wish:

For those looking for a more high-end, aesthetic, and future-oriented outdoor retreat, Wikkelhouse is a particularly attractive option.

We would be happy to discuss the possibilities at Le Perron with you. A Wikkelhouse can be viewed at Athena Ossendrecht.

👉 Want to know more? [Contact us]

A new way of staying

With Klapkot and Wikkelhouse, we at Athena Le Perron have consciously chosen an innovative form of recreation. For naturists, nature lovers, those seeking peace and quiet, and anyone who loves light, space, oxygen, and simplicity.

A place in the Ardennes, your own tiny house, comfort within reach—and the freedom to come whenever you want.
Weekends, midweeks, days off, or a whole summer long: Le Perron and its surroundings are beautiful in every season.

👉 Discover your possibilities: [Contact us]

Behind the heather walls

On a sunny day, I was handed a piece of paper at Athena Ossendrecht. It wasn't a bill or a shopping list, but something much more fragile: a yellowed newspaper clipping... (read here)

The donor was a man about my age. As a child, he had spent many summers on the grounds. He found the clipping while cleaning out his parents' house. His father, an Athena member avant la lettre, had recently passed away. He had camped at Ossendrecht for years with his family and caravan.

“My father always kept this. It was lying there among papers, photos, and old bills." A full page from the newspaper De Stem from Saturday, July 6, 1968, with the headline in large letters: "NUDISTS in Ossendrecht." Above it, in small, more poetic letters: "It takes no more courage than for the first waltz on the big dance floor."

The awkward journalist

The journalist opens ironically: "Ossendrecht—they call themselves naturists." You immediately sense where he's coming from: curiosity in one hand, discomfort in the other. The article reads like a curious cocktail of reportage, anthropological fieldwork, and a desperate attempt to act normal.

Here and there are small boxes and subheadings that today seem more touching than shocking:

Henriëtte, 24, shows the journalist around the site. You can sense that he is struggling to comprehend it all: he observes, judges, admires, partially understands, and is simultaneously impressed. He is in a journalistic quandary.

What is this place? A well-organized site with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and volunteers who know each other by name. He seems to frown subtly. You can sense the spirit of the times, the taboo, the confusion of someone who finds themselves behind a mysterious wall. In a place where the strangest rumors circulated: left-wing revolutionary groups, sectarian rituals, and even Nazi reunions. In 1968, people were particularly flexible with their nightmares... In that climate, a naturist site must have been pure science fiction.

In 1968, Athena Ossendrecht was already a phenomenon.

The journalist estimates that there were around 2,000 people on the site. He is impressed by what he calls 'the camp': built by naturists, with their own resources and incredible dedication. Pioneering work by Lambrechts and countless enthusiasts. At the time, Athena was larger than all the naturist associations in the Netherlands and Belgium combined. The journalist's disbelief gradually gives way to respect.

He learns that the nearby military base attracts a steady stream of curious recruits. They are invariably intercepted by the military police in the no man's land between two fences. You can just picture it: binoculars, helmets on, nervous laughter. "You go take a closer look... I don't dare."

Against the all-pervasive taboo

What is particularly striking is how pervasive the taboo still was at that time. Athena Ossendrecht existed for almost fifteen years without a camping permit. Not because the site was not up to standard, but because the Provincial Executive felt that 'nudist camping is contrary to the philosophical beliefs of the vast majority and the moral standards that apply locally'.
In other words: people didn't know what to make of it, so it was blocked.

Only after years of insistence, argumentation, pleading, and undoubtedly a considerable amount of diplomacy did permission finally come. The time had come. So had the minds.

Perhaps the funniest part of the article is this: the journalist predicted that naturism had no future in the Netherlands. Oh well. People also predicted that cassette tapes would last forever.

2025, almost sixty years later

Today, the swimming pool still lies behind the same trees. The sun still shines down on young and mature skin, pale or tanned, firm and soft.

And I feel enormously grateful for the clipping I received. It is a historical document that takes us back to the early years of Athena—to what the site looked like, how it was experienced, and how the outside world looked at it with wide eyes.

So beautiful that it was preserved. Someone thought it was worth keeping. That someone was the father of the man who gave me the clipping. An Athena member, camper, pioneer without calling himself that. His son found it and brought it to the place it refers to. Ossendrecht.

I hope to bump into that kind man again here on the grounds, so that I can thank him properly, ask his name, and reminisce about some cherished memories with him. Until then, he will remain the man who did something small—passing on a found clipping—that has led to a great story being cherished.

The demolition of the wall

I also feel grateful for the quiet interplay of time, memory, and human courage that is necessary for a place like Athena to exist. For the people who swam against the tide in 1968. For the journalist who—hesitantly but bravely—put the history of Ossendrecht down on paper.

And for everyone who, consciously or unconsciously, has since broken down a piece of that wall of prejudice. For every volunteer who ever contributed, for every visitor who overcame their hesitation at the gate, for every camper who thought: let me just be myself here.

It is thanks to all those people—visible and invisible—that Athena still breathes freedom today.

Read the full article from 1968 here

 

Autumn on Athena - a season to cherish

The days are getting shorter and shorter, the evenings cozier and nature is putting on its exuberant autumn outfit. The ideal season to slow down, to enjoy the autumn sun, the warmth of the sauna and the smell of pine needles.

The summer of 2025 is still fresh in our minds. It was a vibrant season with an early start, lots of sunshine and 25% more visitors than last year! The cozy atmosphere and many fun meetings are only possible because of the efforts of our administrators and volunteers. We also faced some tough technical challenges and sincerely thank all the helping hands. In this edition we look back briefly, but most of all we look ahead to what can be experienced this fall and winter.

Athena Ossendrecht is all about wellness. From sauna sessions and steam bath rituals to complete wellness weekends: everything to pamper your body and mind and go into winter with new energy. For horse lovers, we explain the possibilities of exploring the Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide - a unique experience! We also put the spotlight on our volunteer Frans, the ever smiling bartender.

In addition, we share our plans for Athena Le Perron. After a successful summer, with the new playground as an attraction for our youngest guests, we look to the future of this beautiful domain. We give you an insight into the ideas and improvements that are planned to make Le Perron even more attractive for families, rest seekers and lovers of the Ardennes.

On the travel pages, we take you to the south of France. A beautiful road trip past eco-camping Les Étangs de Saint Pancras and the heartwarming Val Drôme Soleil, to arrive at lively Bélézy at the foot of Mont Ventoux.

Also in this issue is Naked Wanderings' column, always a moment of recognition and inspiration. Fela created another great illustration. You'll get tips for going winter camping, the new trend. And we give our critical but hopeful opinion on Libranoo.

Enjoy reading and hopefully see you soon at Athena - for a weekend in nature, an evening of wellness or just a warm reunion. Thank you for your membership, together we make a beautiful community.

 

Stefan & Thomas

As an Athena member you receive quarterly our beautiful magazine about naturism, our parks, lifestyle and travel.

>>LID WORDEN <<

Frans behind the bar

We may not say it often enough, but Athena would never be the same without the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. They are the beating heart of the association: people who provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere and make our campsites feel like a little paradise.  

This time we put Frans in the spotlight. With his open heart and warm smile, he has been behind the bar at Athena Ossendrecht for years. Not just as a bartender, but as someone who makes meetings possible, connects people and creates a familiar place for everyone who steps inside. 

Frans is 62 and lives in Eeklo. I meet him on a Thursday afternoon in his "new" caravan at Athena Ossendrecht. "I go home for two days every week to keep up with my paperwork and to see how my stepson is doing," he says. "The rest of the week I'm at Athena." Frans used to work as a truck driver. After an accident, he developed back problems and could no longer do heavy work. That's how he ended up at home more than 20 years ago.

His path to Athena was almost accidental. "I've been a member since 2015, but first went to another campground. That one got too expensive. Then I saw a little caravan for sale on Facebook. I went looking and bought it, which is how I ended up here." Last year, he took over a larger caravan. "The previous one was small, now I'm actually sitting luxuriously, lol!"

In the beginning, Frans came mostly during the week, going home on weekends. "It's actually because of Wendy that I'm here on the weekends now too," he laughs. "She said, 'wouldn't you be better off coming on the weekends and staying home the other days?' I said yes, okay, and that's how I stayed here more often. Only afterwards did I understand why ... to do the bar of course."

Frans always had fun behind the bar. "I used to have a bar in Sleidinge, and also took courses specifically for that. When they were looking for volunteers here at Athena, I volunteered. I wanted to be busy, and it seemed fun to get to know lots of people. Otherwise you sit there all day at your caravan.

Frans is now on call about 10 to 15 hours a week. "Before, sometimes in blocks of five to six hours. That was sometimes tough. Now more volunteers have joined and it's a little lighter. Soon I will also be working 18 to 21 hours behind the bar."

Volunteering goes more smoothly than in the past. "Back then you had to fill out a piece of paper and hope that this or that person would show up. Now everything goes through the app: you see who is doing the bar before and after you. That's convenient."

Frans also enjoys training new volunteers. "Wendy already says, 'Frans will train you.' I like doing that and people like it too, I think, because they come back." He likes it when it's a little busy, but not too busy. "Time goes much faster then, too. If there's nothing to do, it takes a long time. Then I'd rather be busy. And if it gets too much, someone jumps in anyway."

Behind the bar, there is always room for a joke. "I do that with almost everyone, it makes it fun. You shouldn't overdo it of course, but when they say fill them up again, and then fill the glass with water, things like that ... People do appreciate that."

Thank you, Frans, for your years of dedication and your warm smile - without you, Athena would not be the same!

 

Volunteers like Frans make Athena what it is

Our campsites are places of warmth, conviviality and connection. Thanks to the enthusiasm, commitment and care of the volunteers, everyone feels welcome. Have you thought about volunteering yourself? Then let Frans inspire you. Behind the bar or anywhere else on the campsite: there is always room for someone who wants to give a little of their time and heart.