Attractions and Places To See in Demervallei Tussen Aarschot En Diest - Top 20

The Demerbroeken form an extensive piece of nature in the wide valley of the river Demer, between Testelt, Zichem, Averbode and Diest. For centuries, this landscape was used as meadowland and by peat cutters, which left traces in the fens and quaking bogs. You will walk through open grasslands, wet swamp forests and along quiet bodies of water. Writer Ernest Claes also found his inspiration here. The backyard of his birthplace borders the Demerbroeken.

For anyone who wants a tough climb...

The Demerbroeken form an extensive piece of nature in the wide valley of the Demer, between Testelt, Zichem, Averbode and Diest. Typical for the region of the Demerbroeken is the presence of marsh rue in the roughs. In the hayfields you will find various sedge species, marsh marigold, marsh bedstraw, real cuckoo flower, hedgehog buttercup, sea green wall and large rattle. More about the area on https://www.natuurenbos.be/natuurgebieden/demerbroeken

This is an undershot mill. The water flows under the wheel. This type of mill is used in watercourses with a small drop (difference in height between the beginning and end of the river) such as the Demer. The water is dammed up in front of the wheel. When the miller starts grinding, he raises the weir at the bottom a little. In this way, the water is pushed under the wheel with force and set in motion. The wheel in turn sets the mill's grinding mechanism in motion and the grain is ground. (Information brochure walk Met de Witte through Zichem)

Around the monumental Maiden's Tower, a natural amphitheater has been constructed as a meeting and event location in the railway embankment. It is also very popular as a picnic area. The area around the tower has been partly raised for events and partly excavated for water storage and nature. Information boards have been incorporated into a picnic bench and built on stone walls from fragments of the collapsed Maiden's Tower. (Public Space Database)

Beautiful hike with very little paved road and a lot of variation.

Usually when people talk about the Demerbroeken, they mean the 'Vierkensbroek' and the 'Voortberg'. Messelbroek is part of the Demerbroeken, south of the Demer. It is located behind the church of Messelbroek and mainly includes 'De Baggert' and 'De Keet'. There are currently no signposted hiking trails here, but we are working hard on that. Natuur en Bos is working with Natuurpunt on the development of an extensive nature reserve in the Demerbroeken. For example, Natuurpunt manages the Vierkensbroek, between Averbode and De Hulpe. The management of the Kloosterbeemden and the Molenstedebroek are in the hands of Nature and Forest. The management of the area is aimed at creating extensive reed thickets, alternating with more species-rich hay meadows and native deciduous forest. Natuurpunt Scherpenheuvel-Zichem: https://demerbroeken.be/ Nature and Forest Agency: https://www.natuurenbos.be/demerbroeken

In every direction, wherever you look, you always go to the right place, to discover the more beautiful...