Discover Herent: Nature, Trails and Culture

Herent combines varied landscapes with clearly distinct ways to spend a day on holiday: nature reserves and forest paths, cycling routes of varying lengths, historic buildings and a local beer culture. Depending on whether you prefer hiking, cycling, observing nature or discovering cultural details with your family, your stay can be planned in different ways. When looking for a holiday apartment in Herent, it is therefore worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your trip.

Nature between Kastanjebos, Mollekensberg and Groene Vallei

A distinctive natural area is the Kastanjebos nature reserve, which is crossed by the Lipsebeek stream. More than 260 plant species can be found there. A marked hiking trail runs through and around the area, partly along a private road. This special feature should be taken into account when planning your route if you want to include Kastanjebos in your stay.

Mollekensberg also offers a variety of landscape impressions. The nature and park area in Herent includes forests, fields, meadows and hay meadows. It can be used for recreation, including hiking, cycling and playing. There is also a fire pit on the hilltop that everyone is allowed to use. The Mollekensbergwandeling follows the old Roman military road between Leuven and Vilvoorde. In the wider area around Herent, the Groene Vallei also extends across wetlands, forests, grassland and open views.

Hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty

There are several distinctive options for walks and hikes. Two hiking trails start at Bovenberg. They pass through the Grevensbos, Eikenbos and Bertembos, as well as the surrounding meadows and fields; some sections run through the municipality of Bertem. The Hohlwege hiking trail from the hiking guide “Noord-Dijleland” combines sunken lanes with asphalt and cobblestone paths, as well as field and forest tracks. In the direction of Herent, it continues via Mollekensberg to Winksele.

The Roeselberg hike starts at the De Wildeman community centre on Schoolstraat in Herent. Due to the difference in elevation and some narrower field paths, it is not suitable for pushchairs. Anyone travelling with children and a pushchair should take this information into account when planning the day and choose the route accordingly.

Cycling routes and cultural discoveries

There are also specific options for a cycling holiday. The green main loop of the Seppe Odeyn mountain bike route starts at the Bart Swings Sports Centre and is 33 km long. The route also includes a 7 km blue loop in Winksele and an 18 km red loop in the north of the municipality. Herent is also located on the Dijleliniefietsroute. This allows you to distinguish between a longer mountain bike loop, shorter sections and a regionally designated cycling route.

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk is part of the area’s cultural history. Its oldest part is the square Romanesque sandstone tower, built in the second half of the 12th century. The Robustelly organ from 1770 is another notable feature. The Heersemmolen is the only surviving watermill on the Molenbeek. At Brouwerij Adept, visitors can taste Adept beers as well as seasonal and experimental beers; tours are available there at weekends.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

A holiday apartment in Herent can be chosen as a base for nature, cycling or cultural activities, depending on your travel plans. First decide whether you want your stay to focus on hikes, cycling loops, historic sites or a tasting.

More places to consider

If you would also like to compare nearby destinations, you can find more places here: Dilbeek, Kampenhout, Tienen, Machelen, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Huldenberg, Walhain and Wavre.

To the main travel overview: Brabant.