1. The Ter Rijst Walk
The walk
Talk about a fairytale walk! On this walk, the village square is known simply as ‘Place’ (Plaats), and cobblestone lanes pass dreamy meadows tread by Brabant draught horses. The castle estate’s captivating beauty is the stuff of dreams.
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The park
Dive deep into the Ter Rijst Forest, as unkempt nature magically transforms into a romantic estate thick with ancient trees, quaint arch bridges, with a castle at the heart. This is noble Pajottenland at its finest.
Out and about
Depart and return from St Bernard’s Church, Plaats 8 in Heikruis (Pepingen). Follow the nodes: 361 - 359 - 358 - 352 - 356 - 354 - 355 - 448 - 364 - 269 - 270 - 271 - 361.
Your stay
A magical night awaits at the Ter Rijst Park tower lodging. Ge-Rust B&B’s three rooms are inspired by elemental philosophy and three of its elements: fire, water, and earth.
2. Gaasbeek Castle Walk
The walk
Time seems to have stood still on Gaasbeek’s charming Arconateplein, especially when the farmer’s market comes to town on Saturdays. From here, you can stroll through the rolling fields to two magnificent castle estates, each a stone’s throw from the other.
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The park
So near and yet so different! The Groenenberg Castle Estate is a lovely sample of English landscaping, littered with blossoming spring plants and winding paths. Whereas Gaasbeek Castle Park – an impressive 49 ha! – was graced with impressive, treed avenues and small footpaths as early as the 17th century. Your first glimpse of this mighty castle is one you’ll never forget.
Out and about
To see the sights, you’ll start and finish at the Church of Our Lady, at Donkerstraat 26B in Gaasbeek. Follow the nodes: 11 - 111 - 124 - 126 - 730 - 129 - 127 - 123 - 104 - 103 - 11.
Your stay
Brand-new, contemporary, and stylish – a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. Trionfo alludes to the triumphal arch dedicated to Napoleon on Gaasbeek’s castle grounds, not far as the crow flies.
Gaasbeek castle walk
3. Everberg Warande Walk
The walk
Once, this was a true principality, owing its fame to the Princes de Merode. And their castle still stands in the Warande Forest on the outskirts of Everberg. This eclectic walk escorts you past a beautiful patchwork of nature.
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The park
The Warande Forest extends into the natural park surrounding the stately Kortenberg Abbey. A monument of historical prestige, it was here that the Charter of Kortenberg was signed in 1312. You might call it the first glimmer of democracy in Belgium.
Out and about
The journey begins and ends at the Gemeentehuisstraat Car Park in Everberg. Follow the digital nodes 824 - 837 - 838 - 844 - 839 - 840 - 836 - 834 - 835 - 825 - 824. Or find your way with the themed hexagonal signs.
Your stay
B&B Aline Florentine is petite, charming, and luxurious. Think boutique, and enjoy a dip in the large outdoor pool or a gourmet breakfast in the garden on a sunny day.
4. The Sunken Paths Walk in Vilvoorde
The walk
With the river as your trusty guide,The sheer amount of unpaved roads, lush green, and untouched nature ripe for exploration between the Brussels Ring, the Medialaan, and the heart of Vilvoorde is nothing short of astonishing. And the Tangebeek River Valley invites you to indulge in its rare sunken paths.
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The park
An English landscape park, a French garden à la Versailles with impressive vistas, a delightful Japanese garden, and a brasserie in the historic orangery... Drie Fonteinen Park is one of Belgium’s oldest and loveliest landscaped gardens.
Out and about
Depart and return at 3 Fonteinen Park, Beneluxlaan 32 in Vilvoorde. Follow the digital nodes 9 - 91 - 95 - 624 - 623 - 96 - 97 - 98 - 99 - 9 or the themed hexagonal signs.
Vilvoorde’s Tuchthuis was a reformatory, a barracks, and a prison. But these days, it’s a hotel full of ambience with an impossibly beautiful, vaulted breakfast room in red brick. Authentic. Luxurious.
Sunken paths
5. Tervuren Warande Walk
The walk
This is your go-to for a Sunday stroll. Take in the views of Tervuren’s Warande Park ponds, the ruins of the Ducal Palace, St Hubert Chapel, the AfricaMuseum, and the Markt van Tervuren [Tervuren Market Square] with its enticing terraces.
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The park
Sit by the pond's edge and admire the majestic AfricaMuseum’s impressive reflection. Kings, princesses , and dukes once did the same. Time to spare? Within the museum, you’ll catch a glimpse of a proud continent and its rich history.
Out and about
This walk begins at ends at De Warandepoort Visitor Centre, Markt 7B in Tervuren. Follow the nodes: 4 - 41 - 442 - 42 - 430 - 429 - 4.
Your stay
Overnight in an authentic 19th-century home in Tervuren, renovated and decorated with care. Each of B&B LeoLodge’s rooms has a unique style. New England, Plein Sud, and Indian.
Tervuren Warande Park
