Kortenberg between Abbey History and Wetlands

Kortenberg combines an impressive abbey history with tranquil wetlands, forest paths and a variety of hiking options. If you are looking for a combination of nature experiences and culture for your trip, you can choose between short walks, longer routes and historical discoveries here. These different ideas for spending the day make it easier to choose a holiday apartment in Kortenberg that suits your own interests.

Abbey and Park in Kortenberg

The park of the Oude Abdij van Kortenberg has been open to the public since the end of 2010. Beneath old trees, there are seats overlooking the abbey building or the pond. This makes the park a peaceful setting for a break between other activities. The abbey itself has stood at its present location since 1222 and was designated a protected monument by a Flemish ministerial decree of 14 February 2005.

Kortenberg is also associated with a historical document. The Charter of Kortenberg was signed at the abbey on 27 September 1312 by Duke John II of Brabant. It established a permanent council, or parliament, with four nobles and ten representatives of the cities of Leuven, Brussels, Antwerp, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Tienen and Zoutleeuw. Anyone interested in medieval history and political developments will find a concrete starting point here for exploring the place.

Wetlands, Forests and Trails

Silsombos showcases Kortenberg’s natural side. The Weesbeek, Zuurbeek and Molenbeek streams flow through the wetland towards the Dijle, further to the north. At several points, boardwalks make hiking easier. Three signposted trails offer different distances: a red hiking trail of 3.2 km, the Erdgas nature trail of 6.2 km and the Olmenhoekwandeling of 2.2 km. Seven orchid species bloom in Silsombos; birds found there include nightingales, reed warblers, song thrushes and bluethroats, among others.

The approximately 70-hectare Warandebos is characterised by differences in elevation and varied soils, which contribute to its rich flora. In the forest, the ice cellar now serves as a wintering site for bats. In the Molenbeekvallei nature area, a signposted 5-km circular route starts at the car park by the church in Beisem. Rotte Gaten near the centre of Meerbeek, meanwhile, comprises wet carr forests, reed beds, marshy grassland and peat bogs. Kingfishers nest there among the roots of fallen trees.

Active Days with Routes of Various Lengths

There are also several options for sporty and active days away. The running routes in Kortenberg are marked with coloured signposts and symbols in the shape of running triangles. The digital running route 30.70 forms a 30.70-km loop through the entire municipality of Kortenberg. It is not signposted and is followed using GPS. If you prefer a shorter loop with additional stations, the 1-km Beweegroute features 15 signs with simple exercises for endurance, balance and strength. The route is freely accessible and does not require sportswear.

The Troostpad is a circular walk along quiet footpaths from the place of comfort in Everberg to the place of comfort in the vicarage of Meerbeek and back. The Heuvelkantwandeling passes through fields and forests, reaches a viewpoint overlooking the village, passes the ’t Vossenhol playground and picnic area, and then continues through the Eikenbos and the Rotte Gaten nature area. From Kortenberg, horse riders can also connect to the Centaurroute.

Churches and Regional Discoveries

Several churches and historic buildings form part of the area’s cultural history. The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk in Kortenberg has a 17th-century stone baptismal font with a copper lid, as well as a Late Gothic Madonna dating from around 1500. The Sint-Amanduskerk in Erps was a pilgrimage centre where Saint Barbara, Saint Marcoen and Saint Cornelius were particularly venerated. The Sint-Petruskerk van Kwerps has a protected historic organ that Pastor Delvaux bought from the church in Diegem in 1791; it was also a place of pilgrimage dedicated to Saint Catherine.

Further historical traces can be found in Meerbeek and around the abbey. Affligem Abbey built the new vicarage of Meerbeek in 1741. De Bouwerij was a tenant farm focused on arable farming within the walls of Kortenberg Abbey; the present building is thought to date from 1732. You can also take Erps-Kwerps into account when choosing further places to visit.

Kortenberg can therefore be considered according to your preferred pace of travel when choosing accommodation: nature trails, forests and wetlands are ideal for days outdoors, while the abbey, churches and historic buildings provide cultural highlights. A holiday apartment in Kortenberg offers a base from which you can flexibly shape your days away between landscapes, activity and history.

For the overarching travel overview: Brabant.

More Destinations

More places in the same destination:

Drogenbos, Linter, Haasrode, Meise, Rebecq, Perwez, Gooik.