The best walks and hikes around Diest
4.5
(1553)
8,527
hikers
349
hikes
Hiking around Diest offers diverse natural landscapes, historical charm, and well-maintained trails. The region features lush greenery, rolling hills, and a variety of natural attractions. Hikers can explore wetlands, forests, meadows, and areas with distinctive sunken roads and fruit orchards. This varied terrain provides a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best hiking trails around Diest
- The most popular hiking route is Deurn Walk, a 5.9 miles (9.5 km) trail that takes 2 hours 27 minutes to complete, traversing…
Last updated: August 23, 2026
3.9
(12)
64
hikers
9.55km
02:27
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(177)
791
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(121)
531
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(63)
538
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(113)
523
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This footbridge over the Zwart Water, an artificial drainage canal from the marshes in the Demer valley, now connects the Flemish-Brabant and Limburg parts of the Webbekoms Broek nature reserve. Thanks to the bridge, you as a walker can now complete a circuit of over nine kilometers right through the Webbekoms Broek.
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The stork is making a clear comeback in the Demer Valley. Thanks to nature restoration, moist meadows, and placed artificial nests, the birds are returning earlier from their wintering grounds and are increasingly spotted there to rest, forage, or breed.
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From the Webbekoms Broek visitor centre, you can walk year-round through the nature garden with ponds, hollow paths, hay meadows and an orchard. You can get ideas about circular gardening and low-waste gardening. There are brushwood walls with integrated hedgehog and insect housing. There is a willow hut and tunnel and a willow maze. A small flock of Soay sheep manages the marshland area. The garden flows seamlessly into the nature reserve. Both the garden and the Webbekoms Broek are freely accessible.
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Opposite the entrance to the Halve Maan stands the Lindenmolen. an old windmill. It used to grind in Assent and on the Doodsberg in Schaffen. The last generation of millers donated the mill to the city of Diest and since then it has been standing here to show off.
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Webbekoms Broek is part of the Flemish Nature Reserve Webbekomsbroek-Borchbeemden, a contiguous area of 397 ha, managed by the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forest. It also includes the Diester Broek, the Schaffener Broek and the Borchbeemden: Rotbroek, Gorenbroek and Sint-Jansberg. Several watercourses flow through the area. The most important of these is the Demer river. The others are primarily its tributary, the Zwarte Beek, the Grote Leigracht and the Leigracht. The Demer valley has been plagued by floods for centuries. The most severe floods in recent history date back to 1998. There were also serious floods in Diest in 2008. To prevent severe water nuisance, retention basins and floodplains were installed. The Webbekoms Broek and its surroundings are a floodplain. In September 1998, a retention basin with a surface area of 144 ha was commissioned in the Webbekoms Broek. The area can hold 3.5 million m³ of water. There is an inner basin and an outer basin. The inner basin is surrounded by dikes. The rest forms the outer basin, which mainly functions as a nature reserve.
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The former cornfield where you are located was afforested a few years ago. To your right stands one of the oldest high-stemmed orchards in Limburg. Prehistoric and medieval finds have been discovered in the immediate vicinity.
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The Winterbeek rises in the municipality of Beringen, then flows through Tessenderlo and Diest and flows into the Demer after a course of 32 km in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem. On that course, it changes name a few times: Winterbeek in Limburg territory, Grote Beek, Zwart Water and finally Hulpe in Flemish Brabant.
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Deurne belonged to the parish of Tessenderlo. In 1834 a neoclassical chapel was built, which was elevated to a parish church in 1842 and enlarged in 1890 in neo-Gothic style, designed by Pierre Langerock. The tower of the older chapel was integrated into the new brick building.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Diest?
Diest offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 320 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks, ensuring options for all fitness levels.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Diest?
Hiking around Diest provides a diverse natural landscape. You can expect to traverse lush greenery, rolling hills, and areas featuring wetlands, forests, and meadows. Some trails also lead through distinctive sunken roads, fruit orchards, and past modern wind farms, offering a blend of natural beauty and agricultural scenery.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Diest?
Diest's trails are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with blooming orchards in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is also popular, though some trails might be more exposed. Winter hiking is possible, especially on well-maintained paths, for those who enjoy crisp, quiet landscapes.
Are there options for easy hikes in Diest?
Yes, Diest is very accommodating for hikers seeking easier routes. There are over 180 easy hiking trails available, perfect for leisurely strolls or those new to hiking. These routes often feature gentle terrain and are suitable for all ages.
Are there any interesting historical sites or landmarks to see along the trails in Diest?
Absolutely. Many trails in Diest incorporate historical elements. You might encounter the picturesque 14th-century Ezeldijkmolen watermill, or explore areas near the historic Diest Beguinage and Citadel. The Averbode Abbey is another significant landmark that can be integrated into longer walking tours.
Where can I find good viewpoints while hiking in Diest?
For panoramic views, the Diest Citadel offers exceptional vistas of the town from above. Additionally, the Demerbroeken Observation Tower provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the expansive natural surroundings.
Are there any nature reserves worth exploring in Diest?
Diest is home to several beautiful nature reserves. The Webbekoms Broek Nature Reserve is a prime spot, known for its wetlands, forests, and diverse birdlife. Another notable area is the Vallei van de Drie Beken Nature Reserve, which features trails like the Bridge Over the Grote Beek – Path Along Ancient Beech Trees loop.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Diest?
The hiking trails in Diest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, well-maintained paths, and the blend of natural beauty with historical charm. The peaceful atmosphere and variety of routes for different skill levels are frequently highlighted.
Are there dog-friendly hiking trails in Diest?
Many of the natural areas and trails around Diest are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners adhere to local regulations regarding waste disposal. Nature reserves like Webbekoms Broek generally welcome responsible dog owners, allowing you and your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors together.
Can I find circular hiking routes around Diest?
Yes, many of the hiking routes in Diest are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. Examples include the popular Diesters Broek Viewing Platform – Webbekoms Broek Nature Reserve loop and the Bridge Over the Grote Beek – Path Along Ancient Beech Trees loop, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Diest?
Diest offers numerous family-friendly hiking options, particularly among its over 180 easy routes. The Halve Maan Recreational Park, for instance, provides various walking routes suitable for families. The diverse and generally gentle terrain in many areas makes it easy for children and adults to enjoy nature together.
Is public transport available to reach hiking areas in Diest?
Diest is a well-connected town, and public transport options, primarily buses, can often get you close to various hiking starting points. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes to plan your journey to specific trailheads, especially for nature reserves located slightly outside the town center.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Diest?
Many popular hiking areas and nature reserves around Diest, such as Webbekoms Broek and Halve Maan Recreational Park, offer designated parking facilities. For trails starting directly from Diest, public parking lots within the town are available, often within walking distance of trail access points.
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