My international friends are the first to correct me if I start talking about mountains in Belgium, especially in Flanders. Because these aren't mountains but just hills. But today is the day I prove them wrong! East of Leuven, in the village of Wezemaal, there is some notable magnitude to be found. Even though it's just a mini percentage of what the Alps are, Wijngaardberg rises 72 meters above sea level. Even the last prefix 'berg' means 'mountain' in Dutch.
Introduction
The nature reserve of Wijngaardberg is a stunning mix of deciduous trees, ironstone rocks and old orchards. The east side and top part is mostly used by local growers for vineyards and orchards. It's the most sunny side of the mountain and in Spring and Summer the grapes look so pretty in the bright sunlight. There's a visitor centre in the lower village where you can taste and buy wine. The other main part of Wijngaardberg is covered in a rich forest with mostly chestnut, oak and beech.
Natuurpunt, Flanders' largest volunteer organization for nature conservation, is committed to converting the cultural forests into biodiverse grasslands. This may sound controversial in terms of global warming but when looking back at its original landscape it makes sense. These desired grasslands hold a complex microclimate, which can accommodate many rare and unique species. Thanks to the volunteers of Natuurpunt disappeared grassland species are slowly sprouting back on their rightful spot.
Besides trees and grasslands, rocks squeak above on several places. Where the rocks meet the surface, you can discover reddish and brownish tones in lines on it. This is iron sandstone. The intense colours comes from the oxidation of iron. It's clearly visible on top of the mountain as the rocks there are often sharp remnants of mining.
On the south flank a long stone wall divides the landscape. As a so-called 'wine wall', it is part of Flemish immovable heritage. It dates from the early 19th century and no binder was used to make the stones stick together. A restoration project came to an end in 2021 and it's now even more impressive to walk along side the 1,7 meters high wall.
A herd of sheep and two adorable (and very cuddly) ponies graze in the area. They roam free so don't forget to keep your dog on a leash!
Trails
The area is rather small so don't worry about getting lost when going for a walk. There is one main hike trail, the green trail of 8 km, that makes a loop around the mountain. On this website you can download a map with all trails, and extensions of trails. You can also orientate yourself by following the hiking nodes ('wandelknooppunten' in Dutch, these are the following: 6-604-62-63-65-74-64-61-605-6). Or simply look out for an information panel of Natuurpunt (they are in charge of the area)!
The green trail has some steeper parts but most of it is really easy to walk through. The walk climbs past a couple of great viewpoints too (try to spot the central library tower of Leuven).
With a mountainbike and a pair of strong legs, you can discover the area by following the blue triangle signs. These are part of a 22.5 km loop along Rotselaar/Wezemaal and pass Wijngaardberg.
Respect the grapevine snail's privacy! Stay on the trail.
How to get there
If you are visiting Leuven, Wijngaardberg is an easy half-day escape to nature. Here are some ways how to get there from Leuven:
By train: take the train from the station of Leuven to the station of Wezemaal. Usually the train departs from track 9 (direction Antwerp or Hasselt) and takes about 7 minutes. From Wezemaal station it's a 15-min walk to the nature park.
By bus: bus numbers 335 and 334, starting from Leuven station, will get you there. The bus stop is called 'Wezemaal Wijngaardberg' and takes you almost immediately to the walking trail.
By bike: it may not be the nicest route but you can make it better by cycling along the canal of Leuven and biking through 'Lijnloperspad'. These are two green biking paths that are a lot more pleasant and safer than the main autoway. It takes about 45 minutes from the centre of Leuven.
Not to miss
Visitor centre of the Hageland wine/Bezoekerscentrum van de Hagelandse Wijn
Location: Kerkstraat 16, 3111 Wezemaal
Opening hours: April - begin November: Tuesday till Friday 13 – 17 and Saturday till Sunday 14 – 18.
Closed on Monday and in winter.
Natuurpunt Rotselaar
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