Discover Bonheiden: Nature in the Lower Dijle Valley

Bonheiden is an appealing destination for anyone planning a trip among wetlands, open meadows, small wooded areas and historic castle surroundings. Several nature reserves form part of a large green network in the Lower Dijle Valley. This makes it possible to enjoy a varied stay: you can observe quiet landscapes, discover distinctive parkland and combine cultural exploration with time spent in the countryside.

Nature between the Dijle, meadows and wet woodland

Cassenbroek is an important part of the landscape. The area lies within the territories of Rijmenam and Bonheiden and has been a protected landscape since 1993. Cassenbroek includes pastures, hay meadows, wet deciduous woodland and ponds. Particularly noteworthy is a quaking bog, which is extremely rare in Flanders. These different landscape elements make Cassenbroek a place where you can notice ever-changing features during a walk. Natuurpunt also uses a herd of Galloway cattle for landscape management in Mispeldonk.

Mechels Broek lies partly within the territory of Bonheiden. It forms part of the former natural floodplain of the Dijle and therefore has a predominantly wet and open character. The landscape is expansive and varied; the reserve pond serves as a resting and feeding place for numerous waterbirds. Anyone who values nature observation and peaceful landscapes when choosing accommodation will find a particularly distinctive aspect of the destination here.

South of Bonheiden, Mispeldonk lies between the Boeimeerbeek and the Dijle. The area includes open pastureland, hay meadows, wet deciduous woodland and valuable hedgerows. In the valley of the Bruine Beek north of the village centre, you will find the Berentrode and Zellaar castle estates. Here, open areas alternate with pastureland, fields and sports grounds, semi-open fallow land and dense woodland. The very low building density, together with hedgerows, historic avenues and small wooded areas, defines the landscape.

Castle parkland, art and regional discoveries

Culture also blends into the landscape. The grounds of Kasteel Zellaer offer walks in beautiful castle surroundings. Kasteel Zellaer probably originated as a feudal moated castle in the 13th century. In Bonheiden, you can also see three Animalinas artworks. Animalinas is also a 100 km route connecting fragments of nature in the Rivierenland region and highlighting their potential to reverse nature fragmentation.

This creates a clear choice between different priorities when planning your trip: Cassenbroek, Mechels Broek and Mispeldonk are particularly appealing to nature enthusiasts, while Kasteel Zellaer and the Animalinas artworks add cultural highlights. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Bonheiden can therefore serve as a base for a stay in which you deliberately combine natural landscapes, castle surroundings and art. The most suitable location depends on whether you want to focus on observing the landscape, going for walks or enjoying cultural impressions.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other destinations as well as Bonheiden, you can also find out more about Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Rijmenam, Poppel, Herselt, Herentals, Zoersel, Lille and Weelde.

For the broader travel overview: Province of Antwerp.