Streek GR Dijleland

Starting in Leuven, a picturesque city known for its university, the trail follows the river Dijle to the breathtaking Arenberg Castle, where a part of the University of Leuven is located. Not long after, the trail enters some beautiful nature reserves like ‘Doode Bemde’ and continues its adventure to Huldenberg and Tervuren. These are both located in ‘Druivenstreek’, a region that is mostly known for its grape cultivation.

Tervuren is a town full of history and one of the entryways to the Sonian Forest, one of the biggest forests in Flanders, and listed as UNESCO World Heritage. After leaving Tervuren by crossing its beautiful park, you will meet Bertem and its incredible Bertembos (Forest of Bertem). Both Bertem Bos and the Sonian Forest are part of the bigger National Park Brabantse Wouden. Heading further up north, you’ll get a glance at the impressive castle of the famous painter Rubens. Not too long after, the trail will guide you through the city center of Mechelen. A city that has the second highest heritage-protected buildings in Flanders and is known for its rich art-, brewery- and carillon culture. Mechelen is a very vivid city and is a popular city to live in for younger families.

Following the canal to Leuven out of the city, the trail stumbles across the Antitank Trench in Haacht, constructed in 1939 as part of the 80 km long defense line during World War 2. To this day, the trench is used as an artificial flooding area. With lots of species returning to the trenches, it is recognized as a true nature reserve.

Before ending the trek back in Leuven, one must encounter probably the steepest climb of this trek: the path up the Kesselberg, a mountain that is located right next to the city and that has a big archeological, geological, and ecological importance.

Belgium has moderate temperatures year-round. Therefore this trail can be walked any time of year. During the winter, around December until February/March it can be cold and occasionally snowy. During the summer months, from June until September, the temperatures are higher. However, the weather can be unpredictable so one should always be prepared for rain.

The ‘Streek-GR Dijleland’ is located in a rather flat landscape. The trail is not technically or physically demanding. That’s why it’s a perfect trail for beginners. However, do plan the stages to your fitness level. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and a good backpack to avoid any injuries.

The trail is marked in both directions and it’s never far from a village. But do bring your map or Topoguide and the official GPX file to make sure you don’t get lost in the woods when the waymarkings aren’t clear. In case of emergencies, it’s important to know your way back to the nearest village. Not all villages and nature reserves have cell phone service.