It’s time for a lesson on the node-to-node walking network… 

A lesson on what!? 

These red & white signboards by the roadside may be a familiar sight, but who put them there – and why?

Say hello to our cutting-edge node-to-node network! It’s an ingenious – and simple – navigation system for walking enthusiasts! 

A ‘node’ by any other name is just a node… 

Walking is one of Belgium’s most beloved pastimes, for tourists and Belgian natives alike. That’s why Tourism Flemish Brabant (that’s us!) made a selection of Flemish Brabant’s prettiest and safest walking routes. These have been carefully mapped, so that wherever two routes intersect you’ll find a node. 

Each node corresponds with a number:

  • On a map (print or digital)
  • On signboards along the roadside* 

Each node redirects to two (or more) adjacent nodes. 

Is it easy, or is it easy?

How to plan a walking route

  1. You’ve got two choices: go digital or go for tangible (Mmm…the feel of paper.).
  2. Design your own walking route by jotting down (or clicking!) the node numbers based on the order you’d like to follow. You decide where to start, how far you’d like to go and where your journey ends. Create your own route, step by step, or go the adventurous route and select the ‘surprise me’ option.
    Does creating your own route sound like more hassle than you’re up for? We have a gazillion routes for you to pick and choose from on the node-to-node network. Check them all out on our website! Feeling thirsty? How about a Margijs walking trail? More in the mood for history? Check out our Castles walking trail!
  3. Download a map (or .gpx file) of your selected route or just grab a pen and paper and write the nodes down.

How to navigate the ‘wilds’ of Belgium…

  1. Make your way towards the starting point of your route.
  2. Once you’ve set out, follow the rectangular red & white signs*.
    • You’ll find a signboard with the node number listed at the top and arrows beneath indicating the direction of the adjacent nodes at every intersection of two (or more) routes.
    • On your way between two nodes, there are signboards indicating which direction you should take at each intersection, branch or turn off.

* Grey or red? If you planned your route via grey nodes (paper) or paths (digital) instead of red, your route is on the virtual node-to-node network. What does that mean? It means you’re guaranteed to walk our best routes, but…they aren’t physically signposted. Download the free ‘Wandelknooppunt’ app for an easy go-to guide.

This node-to-node system is also available for cycling routes.