Best attractions and places to see in Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei) include a diverse landscape within the Winge river valley. This nature reserve is characterized by its ecological variety, featuring wet sections, mixed forests, and surrounding Diestian hills. The area is known for its botanical richness, historical sites, and extensive outdoor activity options. It forms a significant part of the broader Hagelandse Vallei, offering a range of natural and cultural points of interest.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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Popular around Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei)
For us, it was the surprise of the day. What a stunning nature reserve.
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According to tradition, the eight bomb pits in the Dunbergbroek were created on the morning of 14 February 1945, Ash Wednesday. The previous evening and night, the British Bomber Command had carried out attacks on the German city of Dresden. As a result, a devastating firestorm had developed in the city centre that would cost tens of thousands of lives. A Lancaster bomber returned home with (some of) its bombs still on board. Because landing with a load of explosives was particularly risky, it was preferred to dump them in uninhabited areas beforehand. In this case, the crew chose the marshy Dunbergbroek. Nowadays, that area is managed by Natuurpunt Holsbeek and the bomb pits serve as amphibious pools. Source and more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/518899858225387/posts/2762698960512121/
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Small picnic spot to the right of the path that meanders along the Winge. A picnic table, (sometimes quite tall) grasses, a tree, some information about the bird for which the Winge has been made to swing again here (its name starts with ice and ends with bird) and a couple of nesting boxes. That's all a person needs (the sandwiches were also useful for a picnic).
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This watermill is located in Vlasselaar, a hamlet of Wezemaal. The oldest known mention dates from 1775. The house dates from 1846, as is also visible in the year stone. The area consists of the molinotope of the mill, a stretch of the Winge upstream and downstream and the surrounding meadows. The mill part, including the lock, dates from the 18th and 19th centuries and has features that very well illustrate the way in which water mills were built in the wider area of Diest under the ancien rΓ©gime.
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rest under the beautiful tree
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the Winge and the Kleine Leibeek flow together here
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In the 15th century there were nine water mills in operation on the Winge. Today there are still four watermills left: this Uithemmolen on the territory of Wezemaal (Rotselaar) is one of them. The building has been heavily restored and has been given a modern hatch, but you cannot ignore the fact that it is a water mill. It is one of the few where the wheel is still present. More info at https://www.molenechos.org/molen.php?nummer=1006
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The region is rich in natural beauty, centered around the picturesque Winge river valley. You can explore the Wood anemones in Dunbergbroek, especially vibrant in spring, and the extensive wet sections fed by seepage water from the surrounding Diestian hills like Beninksberg and Chartreuzenberg. The area is a botanical haven with diverse flora and mixed forests.
Yes, the area holds unique historical significance. You can visit the Bomb craters, which are believed to have been formed in 1945 when a British bomber discharged its explosives over this marshy area. These craters now serve as crucial habitats for amphibians. Additionally, the Uithemmolen Watermill (Vlasselaar, Wezemaal), an 18th and 19th-century structure with its wheel still present, offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei) is a popular destination for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. There are numerous marked trails, including those that ascend the Chartreuzenberg for a more challenging climb. For specific routes, explore the guides for Hiking in Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei), Road Cycling Routes in Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei), and Gravel biking in Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei).
Absolutely! The Picnic Spot by the Winge with Kingfisher Information is a charming and family-friendly location with a picnic table and informative displays about local wildlife. The Bomb craters, now amphibian pools, can also be an interesting and educational stop for families. The numerous easy hiking trails in the region are also suitable for family outings.
Late spring is ideal for experiencing the vibrant hay meadows, while early spring is perfect for seeing the rich array of spring flora, such as extensive carpets of wood anemone, within the forests. The region is particularly stunning in March/April when the Wood anemones in Dunbergbroek are in full bloom.
Yes, the area is abundant in wildlife. Keep an eye out for kingfishers along the Winge river, especially near the Picnic Spot by the Winge with Kingfisher Information. Other potential sightings include fox-headed sheep, hawkes, polecats (bunzing), and deer. The Bomb craters also provide crucial habitats for amphibians.
Yes, the Hagelandse Vallei offers several marked walking trails. The Hagelandse Valleiwandeling is a popular option that allows you to explore the Winge valley, Dunbergbroek, and Kloosterbroekbos. You can find more information and maps for various routes, including those that ascend the Chartreuzenberg, from Natuurpunt. For a specific route, consider the Hagelandse Valleiwandeling (red route).
The region caters to various cycling preferences. Mountain bikers can enjoy the Dunbergbroek Singletrack, a flat yet twisty trail along the meandering river. For those interested in gravel or road cycling, there are numerous routes available, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Check out the dedicated guides for Gravel biking in Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei) and Road Cycling Routes in Dunbergbroek (Hagelandse Vallei).
Given the extensive wet sections and marshy areas, especially during warmer months, it is highly recommended to use mosquito repellent when visiting Dunbergbroek. Some paths, particularly in the wetter parts, can also be soggy, so appropriate footwear is advisable.
The surrounding Diestian hills, including the Beninksberg, Wijngaardberg, Chartreuzenberg, and Speelberg, offer elevated perspectives and enhance the area's natural beauty. The Picnic Spot by the Winge with Kingfisher Information also provides a pleasant view along the river.
The Dunbergbroek Nature Reserve is renowned for its ecological diversity. It features vibrant hay meadows, rich spring flora in its forests, and is carefully managed with regular mowing and grazing by fox-headed sheep. It's an integral part of the larger Hagelandse Vallei, known for its winding Winge river and extensive wet sections, making it the region's most ecologically varied valley.


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