Discover Leopoldsburg

Leopoldsburg combines military historical sites with parks, themed trails, and unique visitor experiences. Those wishing to combine culture and activity on their trip will find a range of options here: from the immersive experience at Liberation Garden and museums in the historic surroundings of Kamp van Beverlo to signposted and themed routes.

Experience military history first-hand

Liberation Garden brings history to life in an unusual way. Its offerings include an immersive bombardment experience, a simulated briefing with a famous general, and a simulated flight experience in a Spitfire. Audio guides are available in Dutch, French, German, and English; allow around two hours for an average visit. Liberation Garden is open from 10:00 to 17:00; it is closed on Mondays.

The Koninklijk Museum Kamp van Beverlo offers a more in-depth perspective. It is housed in a former military hospital dating from 1850. The collection is spread across four former hospital wards and a 175-metre-long connecting corridor. Its themes include the establishment and development of the military camp and the municipality of Leopoldsburg, the two world wars, the Cold War, and overseas missions undertaken by the Belgian Defence after the Second World War. In the M.K.O.K. indoor museum, you can also see vehicles from the Second World War and military locomotives that travelled through Kamp van Beverlo.

History remains present outside the museums too. Koninklijk Park is a landscape-style park from the second half of the 19th century within Kamp van Beverlo. On its axis stands the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartkerk, built between 1899 and 1903 by Captain Lebrun and his engineer soldiers. The V902-Liberation patrol boat is now maintained as floating heritage and has its home port in Leopoldsburg.

Routes between the park and local history

The 5.5-kilometre Leopold I route passes 29 special sights in and around the centre. Yellow hexagonal signs featuring a drawing of Leopold I mark the way. The route starts and ends at Liberation Garden and partly follows unpaved paths through Koninklijk Park and Nieuw park, and partly paved roads. Nieuw park is open as a municipal park.

The WWII route represents a different historical focus: it is a local themed route of the Liberation Route Europe. It passes historical highlights of Operation Market Garden and military war cemeteries in Leopoldsburg. The route is fully paved but not signposted. Those wishing to add nature and activity will find six nature running trails in Gerheserheide; their starting point is behind the car park of De Merel swimming pool at Zwarte Spechtstraat 57. The Multimovepad also starts opposite Avonturenspeeltuin De Merel and is freely accessible every day from sunrise to sunset.

Plan Leopoldsburg to suit your trip

For groups, M.K.O.K. offers a typical gamelle meal in the style of a soldiers’ meal. The offer is available for 16 to 60 people, costs €15 per person, and must be booked at least 10 days in advance. Another special option is the guided tour “Verboden toegang!”: a guide accompanies the group by bus to military firing ranges that visitors are normally not allowed to enter, and introduces the Geheim Kerkhof and the Treurgracht.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Leopoldsburg, you can therefore first decide which daily rhythm suits your trip: a focused museum day, a historical route, time in the park, or a combination of several experiences. Every year in April, some museums in Leopoldsburg take part in Erfgoeddag and develop new activities for the occasion. This allows you to tailor your stay to your interests as a cultural, active, or varied experience.

More travel ideas

For additional destinations to include in your travel plans, you can also visit Waasmunster, Nevele, Hoeselt, Stekene, Lokeren, Aalst, Ronse, and De Pinte.

For the overarching travel overview: East Flanders.