Discover Holsbeek: Hiking Routes, Nature and Culinary Delights

Holsbeek combines striking hilly landscapes with varied hiking routes, local wine and special excursions. Those planning a trip with nature experiences, culture and enjoyable breaks will find a range of ways to spend their days here.

Hills, valleys and paths through the landscape

A prominent natural landmark is the Beninksberg nature reserve. It is considered one of the most pronounced examples of the typical Diestian hills. The Wijndomein Chartreuzenberg vineyard is also located in the hilly Hageland region. This landscape can be explored along several routes. The municipality of Holsbeek publishes designated hiking routes in Holsbeek and its constituent villages; there are also more than 20 Stapstraten in the town.

The Dutselhoekwandeling follows unpaved, low-traffic paths to the heart of Dunbergbroek, a wet lowland area. The Hagelandse Valleiwandeling – Blauw offers a different perspective on the landscape, leading through the Winge Valley and the Kloosterbroekbos forest. This route is still to be extended with a footbridge and a resting place near a high-stemmed orchard. The Chartreuzenbergwandeling features a play forest and a small semicircular theatre as a picnic area. Depending on your daily itinerary, you can therefore choose between paths through wet lowlands, valleys and forests, or an excursion with a longer break.

Wine, beer and regional discoveries

Wijndomein Chartreuzenberg offers guided tours explaining the entire wine-making process. From April to September, the Wijndomein can only be visited by appointment. Wijndomein Graevenberger provides another connection with the landscape: it is located on the southern slope of the Beninksberg in Holsbeek. Those planning culinary visits can therefore treat these offerings as separate items on their itinerary alongside the hikes.

Brouwerij De Vlier also offers an insight into the local beverage culture. Tours take place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. or by appointment; they are intended for groups of at least 4 and no more than 12 people. When planning your trip, you should take these times and the group size into account if you want to include a brewery visit in your stay.

Water castle, restoration and self-drive excursions

The history of Kasteel van Horst, a water castle, dates back to the 13th century. In addition, on the fourth Sunday of each month, with some exceptions, Kasteel van Horst offers a restoration tour on the castle’s construction site. This allows you to combine a cultural excursion with a concrete insight into the restoration work currently underway.

For an active exploration of Holsbeek, WOW Events offers interactive audio guides and fully developed themed routes with possible stops at a vineyard, a brewery or Kasteel van Horst. Self-drive excursions in a 2CV, a Citroën DS, a Méhari or on an e-bike are also available. This allows you to choose between a route with audio commentary, an individual drive and classic hiking experiences, without having to base your entire stay on a single activity.

The right base for planning your trip

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Holsbeek is particularly well suited to a trip that combines nature, culture and regional specialities. Hiking enthusiasts can focus on the designated paths, the Dutselhoekwandeling or the Hagelandse Valleiwandeling – Blauw. Those who want to combine different experiences can add Chartreuzenberg, De Vlier, Kasteel van Horst or an offering from WOW Events to their stay. When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these local connections are important for your personal daily itinerary, and plan appointments such as tours according to the conditions specified for each one.

For more travel ideas, you can also visit Wezembeek-Oppem, Roosdaal, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Affligem, Boortmeerbeek, Corbais, Kortenberg and Piétrebais.

To the main travel overview: Brabant.