Walk in Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden: Voer and Warande Walk
Voer and Warande Walk
Start
Start: De Voer
We begin our walk in Vossem. This municipality of Tervuren is most famous for the beautiful nature of the Voer valley. In fact, this river helped in shaping the landscape. We continue along it towards the majestic Tervuren Park. Now you immediately know the origins of part one in the name of this walk.
Tervuren Park
Tervuren Park is also known as Warande Park. In Medieval times, Tervuren was a popular residence for the dukes of Brabant, particularly during large hunting parties. In old Dutch, this kind of a hunting ground was called a 'warande'. Therefore, the name of this park reflects its origins as a noble hunting estate.
A large section of our walk goes through this impressive domain, which covers a grand total of 205 hectares. The route guides you along avenues with monumental trees, past a series of ponds. Get lost in the formal French garden with flower beds and majestic statues, enjoying views of the impressive AfricaMuseum.
Gordaalmolen
We follow the river Voer upstream, passing on our way the ponds called Molenvijver and Gordaalvijver. Like the other ponds in this park, these are fed by this river. On the banks of the Gordaalvijver, there was already a mill in the 14th century, however, the historical building you see now was built in the 16th century: Gordaalmolen. ‘Goor’ refers to the marshy land in the Voer valley. The mill is also known as ‘Spaans Huis’ (Spanish House) because of the long ‘Spanish’ brick incorporated in the facade. At the park café in this old watermill, you can have a break while enjoying a regional beer, coffee or lunch.
The AfricaMuseum
We now continue towards the AfricaMuseum. In this stately neo-Classical building, you will discover more about the history of decolonised Central Africa and be invited to reflect critically on Belgium's colonial past. When visiting the museum, an underground gallery leads to the cellars of the former museum building, which houses a permanent exhibition of ethnographic objects, art and natural history collections. These are supplemented on the lower floor by a range of topical exhibitions, virtual displays and educational workshops for all ages. The Africa Palace is located a stone’s throw from the museum. Once a royal country residence, it is now used as a venue for events.
Royal Vegetable Garden
Behind the administrative centre De Zevenster, on the park perimeter, you'll find the Royal Vegetable Garden. This green haven has royal roots. The vegetable garden once belonged to the ducal and later royal domain of Tervuren. These days, it's a meeting place where children, young people and adults can enjoy the playground and sports facilities, have fun on the petanque pitches and in the meadow. Fun tip: this place is also the perfect spot for a picnic during your walk!
De Warandepoort Visitor Centre
A little further on your walk, you are welcome in the interactive experience centre De Warandepoort. Literally walking between the trees, you learn more about Tervuren, the nearby Sonian Forest and the Zuid-Dijleland region. Take part in the digital quiz about the Sonian Forest or harvest grapes on a touchscreen. This is a fun reference to the Druivenstreek (grape region) to which Tervuren belongs. In this region, table grapes are generally grown in greenhouses.
Sint-Hubertus Chapel
Back in Tervuren Park, not far from the AfricaMuseum and Gordaalmolen, you can see St Hubertus chapel. This stylish Baroque gem was built in the 17th century, on behalf of Archduke Albrecht and Isabella, and belonged to the former Tervuren Castle. Legend has it that St Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters, died on this very spot. Every year, on the last Sunday of October, you can attend an outdoor mass, followed by the blessing of horses and dogs. Also during this event, St Hubertus bread is distributed which, according to tradition, provides protection against rabies.
De Zevenster
Earlier on our walk, we already passed De Zevenster, an administrative centre. Its name, which means Seven Star, comes from a remarkable crossroads in the landscape where seven avenues intersect. This unique pattern was designed in the 17th century and you can still see the symmetry from the air. Today, it is a recognisable orientation point for walkers and cyclists. The dolmen you can see were excavated in the nearby hamlet of Duisburg, and then moved here. Turn around in the middle of this intersection, which direction will you go now?
Arrival: Village pub in Vossem
Did you make the right decision? If you did, you will leave Tervuren Park along the signed walking nodes and enter the panoramic landscape of fields until returning to Vossem. In the shadow of the church, you will find the village pub 'In den Congo' that has been there for more than a century. The family business has been passed down among the women in the family: from Adrienne to her daughter Simonne and granddaughter Lydia. The bar is popular with cyclists (and supporters of Remco Evenepoel) and locals alike. The perfect place to end our walk!
Finish
