The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Flemish Brabant

From war stronghold to bat hotel: Bunker of the KW-line This massive concrete structure was part of the strategic KW-line (or the Dyle-line) during the Second World War to stop advancing troops. But where soldiers used to keep watch, a completely different dynamic now prevails. Fun fact for the road Natuurpunt has transformed this bunker into an official hibernation site for bats. Thanks to the thick concrete walls, it remains constantly cool and humid inside, which are the ideal conditions for species such as the Natterer's bat or the brown long-eared bat to hibernate. The heavy steel loopholes have now been specially adapted so that the winged residents can easily fly in and out, while remaining protected from human disturbance. A fascinating crossroads where impressive military history and fragile nature meet!

At the intersection of Kanseliersdreef and Godendreef in the Mollendaalbos, you will find Den Dikken Eik on a small path named - how could it be otherwise - the Dikke Eikdreef. With a trunk circumference of 5.46m, Den Dikken Eik is the heaviest tree in the Meerdaalwoud. In 1995, a pencil-thin rod of wood was drilled into the core of the tree to count the annual rings: at that time, there were 320. Today, there are 351. Quite an age, therefore.

Strategically located picnic spot with - as the name of the avenue already reveals - a clear view of the straight avenue.

Some former bunkers of the KW line have been repurposed as overwintering spots for bats. And this applies to this one too. The municipality of Haacht was and still is one of the most active in managing these and other remnants of the war. For those who follow the KW line in detail: you will also find it on the map with all constructions, at https://www.regionalelandschappen.be/kw-linie There it is described as type P 41 second-line defense.

The Haachts Broek, the Antitankgracht, and the Schorisgat together form the beautiful green belt of the Leibeek valley. Natuurpunt is restoring the patchwork of grasslands, roughlands, forests, fields, and marshes here. Where necessary, poplar forests are being converted into more natural mixed deciduous forests. Source with recommended walks and more at https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/antitankgracht-haachts-broek Extra information for enthusiasts about the alder swamp forest in the Haachts Broek and the birds in the area. "The Haachts Broek is the place to hear an oriole. In addition, in the Haachts Broek, there is a plot where hundreds of betony plants grow, which is a paradise for flower experts and butterfly species. Betony grows as well here as in few other places in Flanders." Source: https://www.birdingplaces.eu/nl/birdingplaces/haachts-broek

At the beginning of this section of boardwalk (coming from the bunker) there was a sign indicating that you needed high boots from there. The path does indeed run over a very wet section but I went on anyway. At the end there was a similar sign. And then I had to turn back. The regular path after the boardwalks was simply too wet for my hiking boots. You have been warned :)

This boardwalk runs from the Leibeek (if you walk north) to approximately the entrance to the grazing area, along which you can walk to the bunker used by bats. After that, there is another long boardwalk that runs through an even wetter area and which you often cannot pass (unless with high boots as indicated). Here it is usually not too bad, although thanks to the path you already cross some quite wet parts of the marsh.

Here you can let the peace of this forest environment sink in. Or you can sit down for a drink/eat.