Explore five of Flemish Brabant’s most beautiful boardwalk nature hikes

Boardwalks...there’s something so appealing about wandering along wooden walkways. On these five walks, you’ll encounter some of #DiscoverFlemishBrabant’s loveliest. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab a map (or your smartphone) and head out!

1. The Doodebemde Walk in Neerijse

An impressive 9kms of walking trails make Doode Bemde Flemish Brabant’s finest and most accessible nature reserve. Doode may mean ‘death’, but expect the exact opposite. From the winding Dyle River to its myriad ponds, fields and canals – this walk is teeming with life. So, what’s up with the odd name? ‘Dode beemden’ also means useless grasslands.

Address: Donkerstraat 1, 3040 Neerijse (Huldenberg)
Distance: 5kms
Signposts: Follow the nodes: 267 – 209 – 210 – 211 – 102 – 212 – 213 – 214 – 266 – 267

2. The Halewijn Walk in Zoutleeuw

This walk involves a stroll through Het Vinne Provincial Domain, a natural gem scattered with cat tails, reed beds, winding vines and green as far as the eye can see. The boardwalks trace a circuit around Flander’s largest natural inland lake, a paradise for waterfowl and walkers. Your next stop is a stroll through Zoutleeuw’s historic centre. Don’t forget to pop in and explore the majestic St Leonard’s Church.

Address: Het Vinne Provincial Domain, Ossenwegstraat 70, Zoutleeuw. Or start from the Oud Hospital, Paardenbrugstraat, Zoutleeuw
Distance:  11.4kms
Signposts: Follow the nodes: 304 – 307 – 306 – 344 – 345 – 346 – 347 – 310 – 36 – 35 – 31 – 3 – 37 – 38 – 30 – 32 – 33 – 309 – 308 – 307

3. The Gevel Walk in Rotselaar

The Gevel Nature Reserve awaits just outside Leuven in Wilsele-Putkapel. Once upon a time, this area was known as the Gever, likely derived from the proto-German ‘gabra’, meaning swamp. It formed in what was once one of the Dyle River’s meanders. And birdwatchers can get those binoculars out: De Gevel’s reed beds and rich wetland forest are the ideal habitat for birds of every feather. With a bit of luck, you might spot a great egret, the Eurasian golden oriole or a marsh warbler. Do yourself a favour and wear a pair of sturdy, waterproof boots. Despite the boardwalks, it can still get pretty squishy out there.

Address: Pastoor Eralystraat 2, 3012 Wilsele-Putkapel (Leuven)
Distance:  9kms
Signposts: Follow the nodes: SP – 403 – 622 – 621 – 624 – 623 – 638 – 403

4. The Zwijnenberg Walk in Lennik

Your walk begins in the picturesque village of Sint-Martens-Lennik, but the true wonder sets in higher up, in a slice of unspoilt nature bordering Schepdaal. Savour the breathtaking views of the rolling Pajottenland countryside. Stroll across the Vargenbeek on the new boardwalk, which takes you back to Sint-Martens-Lennik via Zwijnenberg. You’ll pass a pollarded heritage oak along the way. Three hundred years old, you’ll find this grand old specimen on Tombergstraat.

Address: Dorp, 1750 Sint-Martens-Lennik
Distance: 7.7kms
Signposts: Follow the nodes: 10 – 105 – 191 – 192 – 19 – 199 – 188 – 189 – 109 – 107 – 106 – 105 – 10

5. The Spicht Walk in Lubbeek

The Spicht Nature Reserve is home to a beautiful boardwalk. Winding its way along an enchanted path through trees, it promises gorgeous views. Reed beds, rivulets, ponds and streams await on a walk that introduces you to the mystery of how Molenbroek’s streams purify the waters of the Molenbeek. Tip: Got kids in tow? They’ll love the playground in Kalverie Forest.

Address: Sint-Martinus Church, Dorpskring, 3210 Lubbeek
Distance: 4kms
Signposts: Follow the signs with geometric shapes

Need more inspiration? Follow these routes for more boardwalk adventures:

• The Wolfsputten Walk (8.7kms) in Dilbeek 
• The Gempe Walk (3.5kms) in Tielt-Winge 
• The Dworp Walk (9.3kms) in Dworp 
• The Antitank Trench Walk  (11.4kms) in Haacht 
• The Groenendaal Walk (6.7kms) in Hoeilaart

Photos: Provinciedomein Het Vinne ©Lander Loeckx; Doode Beemde ©Erard Swannet; Het Vinne ©Erard Swannet; De Gevel Rotselaar ©Lander Loeckx; Toerisme Lennik; De Spichtwandeling