Attractions and Places To See around Hoegaarden - Top 20

The lookout tower is literally a highlight you can't miss. From the top, you'll not only enjoy stunning views but also discover a wealth of stories and knowledge about the Brabantse Wouden.

close to nature, recommended.

This part of the nature reserve De Spicht is the Molenbroek sub-area. There are actually three such sub-areas in the Molenbeek valley: Molenbroek, De Spicht and Goorbroek. Today, the three are usually referred to as De Spicht. However, you can read all about the three sub-areas on the Natuurpunt website. Here, in the Molenbroek sub-area, you will find the motte of Stakenborg, probably once a medieval fortification. And you can discover and read the rest at https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/de-spicht

This boardwalk is located in the Molenbroek, one of the parts of the De Spicht nature reserve. The Molenbroek owes its name to the former water mill. The many sources in the area provide pure water in the Molenbeek. And water means boardwalks, although it was all very good during my walk. Source: https://www.rlnh.be/assets/afbeeldingen/rl-noordhageland/Publicaties%20-%20Aan%20de%20slag/05_RLNH_Lubbeek.pdf

Although it is warned that it can be slippery, the boardwalk is easy to walk on. The twists and turns in it are a feast for the eyes.

The Meerdaalwoud is a beautiful rather open forest to walk in. A beautiful piece of nature where you will encounter very few walkers. This route contains many paved parts, but there are also quite a few dirt roads in between. The dirt roads are hard enough. In some places some fine sand, but you can easily walk along Tips for wheelchair users: - Do this walk in a dry period. In rainy seasons you may encounter some muddy spots. - On this route it is best to take someone with you who can push well. There are a few short slopes (of about 100 meters), the dirt roads are not 100% flat everywhere (but doable). I would not start without a helper. - starting point is the entrance gate of Kestrel. There is a spacious toilet there.

The Tomberg is the second highest place in the forest (102 m). It is not a prehistoric burial mound (or tomb) as our ancestors thought, but a natural elevation, a dune mound that millions of years ago, together with the Mommendeel mound, actually protruded above the sea at that time. It is here that the illustrious forest court sat for hundreds of years. In the Middle Ages, every free man was in principle allowed to hunt without restriction in forests, meadows and swamps. The big exception were the free forests, the private forests of the dukes. Meerdaalwoud was such a free forest and hunting rights belonged exclusively to the Duke of Arenberg. At first the forest court was itinerant and justice was administered in the various villages. Later, a special building was erected here on the Tomberg for the court hearings. Later still, a hearing was held at Heverlee castle. The punishments were not lenient, but it is thanks to that forest justice that the forest still exists today and has not been sacrificed to the needs of the farmers and citizens in the area. The forest right came to an end with the arrival of the French in 1795. You can read this - and much more - at https://www.onroerenderfgoed.be/archeologische-fietstocht-heverlee

The bench is partly broken, the gazebo is a bit outdated, but it remains wonderful under that tree with a view of heather and ferns. Especially at this time of year, this is a wonderful place for those who love quiet places full of ferns that strive to become the largest and have the most beautiful shades of green. Some of the small paths at the base of the hill are near small stretches of water with life. Those seeking peace and quiet come here outside busier periods to enjoy a jungle of ferns in a wonderful open space. The views from the paths below to the ferns on the hillsides demand beautiful photos.