Treinstapper from Grote Routepaden: from Sint-Joris-Weert to Leuven
With the Treinstapper Sint-Joris-Weert - Leuven, you will explore parts of the Forests of Brabant National Park. Along the winding meanders of the river Dyle, you walk to your final destination: Flemish art and university city Leuven. Right through the greenery; through forests, nature reserves and meadows. Along the way, stop off at Arenberg Castle and heritage site Park Abbey, and finish your walk with a delicious fresh pint at neighbourhood brewery De Coureur.
Here are some of the highlights to be found along this Grote Routepaden (GR) walk from Sint-Joris-Weert to Leuven. This is one of the Treinstappers that we have selected from a larger selection.
Walk from Sint-Joris-Weert station to Leuven station via Grote Routepaden (GR)
Start
Zwarte Jean
Once upon a time, steam tram Zwarte Jean carried passengers and goods through the Dijleland region. It is retired now, but certainly not forgotten. The former tram bed now functions as a footpath. So you can keep your feet dry. During your walk, you can still find remnants of the old tram line and see a piece of history of this region.
De Doode Bemde
Unlike its name might suggest, this wetland nature reserve in the Dyle Valley is teeming with life. Perhaps you come across the tracks of beavers, the landscapers who help to give this area form? Or you spot a kingfisher, great egret or kestrel from one of the bird-watching huts? So where did this strange name come from? Well, ‘Doode’ points to the fact that the land cannot be worked by farmers. And ‘bemde’ translates as ‘damp grassland’. So, now we put on our boots for a strenuous walk in the ‘unusable grasslands’ of the Dyle Valley.
Neerijse Castle
Welcome to the majestic d’Overschie or Neerijse Castle. This protected monument in classicist style from the 18th century was originally a hunting pavilion, in the 20th century a hospital and later a hotel. Luxury apartments were built at the beginning of this century. Are your legs feeling a bit tired after our adventure in the Doode Bemde? Then that is the perfect excuse to unwind at Baron’s House. This Bed & Breakfast is uniquely located in part of the coach house of Neerijse Castle.
Practical information: Kapelweg 6, 30340 Neerijse
Water experience
Time for action! Engage in a number of outdoor sports activities in this unique location. Top tip: Take to the water and paddle by canoe all the way to Heverlee. You can make reservations at The Shelter, Duckwing or Dijle Floats. Need a breather? At The Shelter, on the terrace alongside the river Dyle, you can enjoy a local beer or fruit juice, or sample a scoop of artisanal ice cream or a slice of cake (open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 30 March to 6 October).
Bunker LW3
The KW line was built just before World War II. It was one of the defence lines that were supposed to protect Belgium from a German invasion. More than 400 bunkers lay along this line from Koningshooikt to Wavre (hence: the KW line). Most of the bunkers have since disappeared, but you can still see quite a few remnants in the landscape. On our walk, we pass bunker LW3 - a silent witness in the landscape.
Arenberg Castle Park
The original Arenberg Castle was built as a fortress in the 14th century by the Lords of Heverlee. In the 16th century, the current castle was built in Renaissance style and in the 19th century it was renovated in neo-Gothic style. It is owned by the university of Flemish city of artLeuven: KU Leuven. Surprisingly, this is where you will find the Science and Technology campus. The castle park is open to visitors all year round. Also take a look at the beautiful water mill on the Dyle and inside the St Lambert Chapel.
Practical information: Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94, 3001 Leuven
Park Abbey
Here we enter the heritage site of Park Abbey with a story that began centuries ago in 1129. The Norbertines have inhabited the domain from then until the present day. The site is beautifully preserved and restored and is full of life. The building complex, which includes a tithe barn, a coach house, farm buildings and guest quarters, is set amid green meadows and water. Highly recommended is PARCUM, the Museum and Expertise Centre for religious art and culture. There you can learn more about the impressive abbey history and also find hidden heritage from churches, abbeys and monasteries. At Brasserie De Abdijmolen, you can enjoy the delicious food and the view of the ponds in the restored water mill. Who knows; during your journey you might be treated to the bells of the Peace Carillon, the world’s largest musical instrument located in the church tower of Park Abbey.
Practical information: Abdij van Park 7, 3001 Leuven
Linden forest
In Linden forest and the nearby Chartreuzen forest, you can enjoy the beautiful views, and walk along deep sunken roads. The 35-hectare Linden forest is a place for walkers where you can wander among the large old beeches and oaks, sweet chestnut trees, pines and larches. With some luck, you may spot one of the roe deer that live in the most densely vegetated parts of the forest.
Practical information: Kortrijkstraat, 3210 Lubbeek
Vlierbeek Abbey
Vlierbeek Abbey in the green part of Kessel-Lo is a dream rest stop for walkers. By the way, we are not far from the end of our walk here: Flemish art cityLeuven. For seven centuries, until the French Revolution, benedictine monks lived and worked in this abbey. Its gardens, monumental church and remarkable monastery buildings still exude a special atmosphere. ‘Hospitality' was one of the duties of the abbey and you can still enjoy it on the inn’s convivial terrace.
Practical information: Abdij Vlierbeek 15, 3010 Leuven
Brewery De Coureur
Fancy a cool, fresh pint just before you reach Leuven station? Then you have come to the right place at neighbourhood brewery De Coureur. This neighbourhood brewery is somewhat hidden in a residential area and the beer is brewed on a small scale so you can only drink it there. The brewery is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and at weekends (click here for opening hours).
Practical information: Borstelsstraat 20, 3010 Kessel-Lo
Provincial Domain Kessel-Lo
Out and about with the kids? Then Provincial domain Kessel-Lo is highly recommended. In hot weather, the outdoor wading pool is a welcome refreshment. As well as that, there is plenty to do in the playgrounds, on the water in the rowing boats or pedalos or from the bird-watching hut. Always wanted to know where the expression ‘busy bee’ comes from? In the bee house, you can watch the bees doing their thing safely behind glass. Also, take a moment to visit the exhibition that tells you more about honey and beeswax. As for the ecocentre, it collects all information on the theme of ‘water’: pollution, purification, extraction, the flora and fauna and how to make your water use (or consumption) as sustainable as possible. Both the bee house and the ecocentre can be visited by appointment.
Practical information: Beemdenstraat, Kessel-Lo
Finish
More Treinstappers
Have you been bitten by the walking bug? Discover new places, beautiful landscapes and hidden gems (including many green ones) in Flanders thanks to the series of Treinstappers from Grote Routepaden. Besides Sint-Joris-Weert - Leuven, we highlight three more from a larger selection.
More information about these highlights
