Treinstapper from Grote Routepaden: from Hever to Eppegem
Below, you will find a few highlights which you will come across on your walk along the GR trail from Hever to Eppegem. This is one of the Treinstappers that we selected from a larger assortment. wonen.
Walk from Hever station to Eppegem station via Grote Routepaden
Start
Dijle Valley and Barebeek Valley
At the beginning of this trail, you follow the river Dyle, which winds slowly through the landscape. These natural meanders of the river are very characteristic of this area. Also, the meadows often flood. No wonder that lots of water birds, waders and also the storks from Planckendael ZOO (a popular zoo in a green environment in Mechelen) are frequent visitors. Tip: where the Barebeek flows into the Dyle, a beautiful avenue of pollard willows cuts through the wide, open landscape.
Het Brughuis bistro
We take our first break in the hamlet of Muizen on the banks of the river Dyle. Take a seat inside the cosy bistro Het Brughuis or on the pleasant terrace and enjoy some refreshment or sample one of the locally brewed Belgian beers. After all, right beside Het Brughuis there is a microbrewery, where the Brughuis Brewers showcase their passion for craft beer. Het Brughuis, located on the bridge connecting Muizen with The Kempen, has a rich history and has been a meeting place for travellers and hikers for centuries.
Practical details: Muizenhoekstraat, 2812 Muizen
Mechels Broek
We continue our walk along Mechels Broek. You are now on a natural flood plain in the Dyle valley, south of the city of Mechelen. Around you: wet grasslands with ditches, tree hollows, pollard willows, and hedgerows. It is also an important reserve for birds. From the bird observation hut, you have a wonderful view of the many water birds at the former sand-excavation pits. Perhaps you will also spot the Galloway cattle that graze there on the meadows? Or amphibians, who have now discovered their ideal habitat in the bomb craters from the Second World War. Don't miss having a look in the Natuurpunt Visitor Centre where – among other things – you will find information about treasure trails for families with children.
Practical details: Muizenhoekstraat 7, 2812 Muizen
Fulling Mill and the mill house
Now, we walk into Mechelen past the ancient Fulling Mill or Volmolen. This mill is the only remaining mill from a set of watermills that once regulated water levels in the river Dyle in Mechelen. Tip: pop into the ViaVia Reiscafé in the accompanying mill house. Beyond the mill, you walk through the Botanique or Botanical Garden. This green haven bursting with cultural history was established in the Middle Ages as a landscape garden for the former 'Commanderij Pitzemburg'. These days, it is the largest public park in the historic heart of Mechelen. In the middle of the Botanical Garden there is a statue of the scientist Rembert Dodoens. He wrote the 'Cruydenboek', the very first work about medicinal plants from the 16th century.
Practical details: Zandpoortvest, 2800 Mechelen
Church of Our-Lady-across-the-Dyle
The name is almost as impressive as the place of worship itself. A church with the same name already stood here in 1236, but today's Gothic church was built in the 14th century. Among the things you can admire are 'The Miraculous Catch of Fish', a rare and precious masterpiece by Peter Paul Rubens that is also one of the Masterpieces of the Flemish Government. Gems by other Flemish Masters are also on display. Tip: after this cultural visit, pop into LIEF, a breakfast and brunch bar focusing on local supply and sustainability.
Practical details:
Church of Our-Lady-across-the-Dyle: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwestraat 87, 2800 Mechelen.
Open from 1 April until 31 October from 1pm to 5pm (closed on Mondays).
LIEF: Graaf Van Egmontstraat 5, 2800 Mechelen
Dyle Towpath and Grootbrug
See a different side of Mechelen city from the floating Dyle towpath. From the centre, you walk along in the middle of the Dyle and across, where you can see the back of ancient houses, Grootbrug and the Guildhouses along Salt Wharf or Zoutwerf. Built in the 13th century, Grootbrug (Large Bridge) (also known as Hoogbrug or High Bridge) is the oldest stone bridge in Flanders.
Practical details: Fonteinbrug, 2800 Mechelen
Grote Markt and St Rumbold's Cathedral
You can't think of Mechelen without picturing the tower of St Rumbold's. For this, we can certainly recommend diverting 500 m from our Station-to station walk! St Rombold's Cathedral was built in the 13th century and, through the ages, has faced religious wars, bombings and even fire. Yet, time and time again, this impressive cathedral survived. Inside, you can admire the painting ‘Christ on the Cross’ by Flemish Master Antoon van Dyck. It is worth knowing that the cathedral itself is also included in the Flemish Masters tour Mechelen Masters and More. This connects the places in Mechelen where Flemish Masters lived and worked and you can often still admire their masterpieces. From a café or restaurant terrace on Grote Markt, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city hall, the historical renaissance and rococo houses and also St Rombold's tower. Plus, a market is held there on Saturday mornings. Still have some energy left? Brave the 536 steps in St Rombold's tower (UNESCO world heritage!) and enjoy a breathtaking view from the 97-metre-high skywalk. When the weather is clear, you can even spot the Atomium in Brussels and the port of Antwerp.
Practical details: these historic locations are located at Grote Markt, 2800 Mechelen
De Gouden Vis of Den Stille Genieter: op café in Mechelen!
De Gouden Vis or Den Stille Genieter: time for a café in Mechelen!
Beer has always played an important role in Belgium's history, gastronomy and social scene. We are well known for our rich range of beers and a brewing heritage that dates back to the Middle Ages. So, it's no wonder that the Belgian beer culture was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in 2016. Mechelen has a rich brewing culture too. Sample the Gouden Carolus or Maneblusser from Brouwerij Het Anker in one of Mechelen's many charming cafés. This Station-to station walk takes you past Den Stille Genieter, but De Gouden Vis is also along the hiking trail. Cheers!
Practical details:
De Stillen Genieter: Korenmarkt 21, 2800 Mechelen
De Gouden Vis - Nauwstraat 5-7, 2800 Mechelen
The hotel ruins in Vrijbroek Park
Escape the bustling city for a while? Vrijbroek Park is one of the green lungs of Mechelen and therefore ideal for continuing our trail. This park was originally the flood plain for the river Zenne. The wet meadows, known as ‘broeken’, were used as public pastures. Hence the name ‘Vrijbroek’. It is famous for its rose gardens with many hundreds of varieties of roses.
Tip: Be sure to combine your walk through Vrijbroek Park with a visit to the Hotel Ruins. In the 1970s, the construction of this hotel was halted after two storeys had been built. For several decades, nature has been free to roam here. Since 2025, it is now possible to enjoy the fauna & flora, the street art and the mysterious enchantment of the ruins.
Take a break at brasserie VerToi or make use of the various (covered) picnic areas in the park. Children can have a great time in the large playground.
Practical details: Ridder Dessainlaan 2, 2800 Mechelen
Eglegem lake
This pool was created when the E19 motorway was constructed. Since then, the lake, also known as Hombeek Pit, after the nearby village of Hombeek, has become a paradise for birds. Come and spot tufted ducks, coots, black-headed gulls and more. You may also find other signs of life along the bank. After all, a beaver family has taken up residence. It is lovely to walk in this beautiful green-blue zone, and during the summer months, you can also relax here in beach bar ‘t Zomerdok at the sailing club.
Practical details: Eglegemweg 1-3, 2800 Mechelen
Relegem Castle
The majestic Castle at Relegem is in the small village of Zemst. The original moated castle was built in the 14th century and inhabited by ... Jan van Relegem. The domain is private and surrounded by lawns, gardens and large trees. But you can catch a glimpse of it from the path. During the Middle Ages, this castle domain was part of a chain of moated castles along the river Zenne. Including Eglegem Castle (you recently passed Eglegem lake) and Rubens Castle in nearby Elewijt.
Practical details: Hoogstraat 230, 1980 Zemst
Eppegem Station with De Crèmebar ice cream
You have reached your destination! This wonderful accomplishment deserves a reward, like a deliciously refreshing ice cream from De Crèmebar, an ice-cream parlour in Eppegem's old station building. Thanks to the vending machine with fresh products, you can even treat yourself when it is closed!
Practical details: Brusselsesteenweg 347 - Eppegem station building
Finish
More information about these highlights
Want to know more? The websites of our tourism partners will give you additional practical information. Would you prefer to read those pages in your own language? Use the translation option in your browser or use a free online translation tool. Happy reading and see you soon in Flanders!
