Heverlee between forests and cultural heritage

Heverlee combines an extensive forest landscape with distinctive cultural landmarks. South of Leuven, the Heverleebos-Meerdaalwoud complex stretches from Heverlee to the border with Vlaams-Brabant. Ancient woodland, geological relics and significant cultural and historical features define the area. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Heverlee, you can first consider whether nature and landscape or architectural and commemorative heritage will be the focus of your stay.

Forests, paths and landscape

Heverleebos, Meerdaalwoud and Egenhovenbos together form the largest mixed deciduous forest in Flanders and cover 2,050 hectares of natural area. The forest is therefore a defining feature of the local landscape. Geological relics and cultural and historical features are as much a part of the forest complex’s character as its ancient trees.

The network of avenues and paths in Heverleebos and Meerdaalwoud covers about 75 kilometres. It was laid out between 1727 and 1770 as an extension to the Duke of Arenberg’s castle gardens. The combination of avenues, paths and castle gardens also gives the landscape a historical dimension: the network reflects a deliberately designed setting, not just natural woodland.

For cyclists, the signposted Meerdaal Route is a distinct option with a clearly specified distance: the cycling tour is 31.6 kilometres long and starts at the Grote Markt in Leuven. The distinction is important for planning: around 75 kilometres refers to the network of avenues and paths, while 31.6 kilometres is the length of this particular cycling tour.

Cultural landmarks with their own history

Heverlee War Cemetery is a protected monument. Philip Hepworth designed it according to the principles of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The headstones are arranged in a fan shape in front of a central “Cross of Sacrifice”. Both the cross and the arrangement of the headstones therefore form part of the site’s defining appearance. The cemetery is accessed via Naamsesteenweg (N251), Hertogstraat and Kerspelstraat.

The Dominicanessenklooster van Terbank comprises a protected monastery church and adjoining monastery wings. It has been protected since 23 February 2005. Visitors interested in historic buildings will find another aspect of Heverlee’s heritage here, alongside the cemetery: the focus is on the monastery buildings and their protected status.

The richly furnished salons in Arenbergkasteel still preserve the atmosphere of times gone by. Guided tours of the castle are regularly held on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you are planning a tour, check the current schedule before your visit.

Arenbergpark also offers a distinctive landscape experience in the form of the Dwaaltuin: a green maze made up of paths and plants. The Weg van Ad offers a different focus. Here you can see wooden sculptures by local tree artist Ad Wouters, carved from the trunks of dead oak trees.

Plan your stay around your interests

When planning for a family with different interests, it helps to distinguish between the types of activities on offer: forest landscapes, a signposted cycling tour, a park maze, wooden sculptures, and historic architectural and commemorative landmarks. Planning also varies: a tour distance is specified for the Meerdaal Route, while the regular castle tours take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This lets you choose the focus of your stay and base your holiday rental search on the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Helecine, Beersel, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Lasne, Vilvoorde, Rotselaar, Walhain, Gooik.

For the regional travel overview: Brabant.