Still up in the air about this summer’s best day trips? These ten activities are a stone’s throw from the capital and 100% bucket list-worthy. Good times await!
1. Coloma Rose Garden @ Sint-Pieters-Leeuw
At the heart of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, the sprawling 15-hectare Coloma estate beckons you to explore its exceptional rose garden. Over 3,000 rose varieties from every continent – 300,000+ roses all told – put on a splendid show. However, summertime is when they capture hearts by the hundredfold. Nothing beats the fragrance, colour, and velvety texture of these roses in full bloom. Wander the Red and White Garden, the Flemish Garden, and the Vintage Rose Garden. Your enchanted tour ends in the enchanting International Garden. And the best part? There’s no entry fee! More info here.
2. Canoeing on the Zenne
Nothing quite beats the heat like water. Time to head south-west of Brussels for a unique canoe trip on the Zenne River. Hop in a three-seater (family) canoe for an exciting ride with up to two other people. For an hour and 15 minutes, you’ll sail the 6.3 km course between Lot and Drogenbos. Here’s when you can book your summertime canoe adventure: 14/07, 28/07, 11/08, 25/08, 08/09, 22/09. Cast off is at 10 am and 1 pm. More info here.
3. Reconnecting in the Sonian Forest
The Sonian Forest is a lush and varied slice of UNESCO World Heritage just outside Brussels. Disembark at Groenendaal Station and step straight into the heart of this primaeval forest, which is also Flanders’ largest stretch of woodland. Some of its trees even exceed the ripe old age of 2,000! It’s also been an integral part of the Brabantse Wouden National Park since last year. All the more reason to disconnect from your tech and reconnect with nature’s bounty. While you’re there, why not roll back the clock? Look for the remains of the old horse racing track near Groenendaal and marvel at the Royal Lodge that’s still intact. More info here.
Binnenplein kasteel van Gaasbeek ©Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant
4. Gaasbeek Castle
Gaasbeek Castle might just be the prettiest castle in the country. At least, that’s how we see it… Nestled among the Pajottenland hills, this majestic building has stood the test of time for 800 years. But this isn’t just any castle. It’s also a cultural hotspot, hosting all kinds of spectacular exhibitions. For instance, the Rebels Echoes expo is on display until 3 November. Nationally and internationally acclaimed artists tune in and establish a special rapport with this multifaceted location. Finish off your castle tour with a stroll through the lovely museum garden, based on 18th and 19th-century castle gardens. More info here.
5. Bike rides and tasty bites
Follow the Zenne River to cycle the straight and narrow through Brettanomyces Bruxellensis and Brettanomyces Lambicus’ breeding grounds. Say what? These wild yeasts have twirled and danced through the air on the riverbank for centuries, the perfect catalyst for spontaneous fermentation. It’s the secret to lambic beer’s heady goodness. Well, that and the hearts, heads, and hands of Pajottenland’s genius lambic brewers. This bike route introduces you to the fascinating world of lambic and geuze and invites you to drink up and enjoy the region’s treasures.
Start with coffee and pastries at Falco Bike & Coffee Shop. Take a pitstop for lunch at Oud Beersel Alehouse, and reward yourself at the end of the day with a lambic tasting at Den Herberg Brewery & Café. More info (in Dutch) here.
Africamuseum ©Erard Swannet
6. A day in the life of...Tervuren!
Visit Tervuren for a day packed with inspiration. Tip #1? Start with the AfricaMuseum. Learn all about Congo’s story yesterday – as a former Belgian colony – and today. Plus, you’ll interactively explore the rituals, languages, art, and geography of the entire continent! Feeling peckish? Savour some fresh air and picnic in the serenely beautiful Warande Park. Tip #2: order a tasty picnic basket from Slagerij Breugel. Ready to move on? The Warande Walk whisks you through the park – once the hunting grounds of the Dukes of Brabant – and treats you to its most beautiful spots. More info here.
7. Meise Botanic Garden:
Meise Botanic Garden is another one of Flemish Brabant’s dream day trips. It’s one of the world’s largest botanical gardens with plants from every continent. Journey from the savannah flats to tropical rainforest and everything in between. And don’t forget the garden’s latest marvel: the castle pond’s new island garden. Follow the 400-metre winding walkway across the water to learn more about wetland flora and fauna. New worlds await behind every bend. More info here.
8. Grimbergen Abbey Brewery
Grimbergen’s new abbey brewery blends the best of historic, tried-and-true brewing traditions with new, innovative techniques. What’s in it for you? One-of-a-kind, premium beers in limited editions. You get to be your own guide on your journey of discovery into Belgian beer tradition, brewing techniques, and the genius gears that make Grimbergen tick. More info here.
Vilvoorde
9. Vilvoorde by boat
Enjoy the good life and board the water bus in the heart of Brussels (to sail your way to Vilvoorde. While this trip is worthwhile in itself, a visit to the trendy town of Vilvoorde is an absolute must! Back in the day, it was all grey, grind, and heavy industry. But Vilvoorde has radically transformed itself into a city full of good vibes and promise in recent years. Need proof? Just visit Asiat Park. Once a military site covered in huge warehouses, hangars, and military installations for NATO and US Army training exercises, it’s now a hub for circular business, creativity, sports, and fun. More info here.
10. Back to nature in the Doode Bemde
Ready to disconnect and escape the city? Take a deep breath and head to the Doode Bemde Nature Reserve in Neerijse. This nature reserve is a beautiful patchwork of small fields, poplar plantations, wetland forests, meadows, brushwood and reed beds, ponds and canals. Don’t forget to take your wellies or waterproof shoes. It can get pretty soggy out there. All set to reconnect after a perfect day? Enjoy a local craft beer at De Kroon Brewery. More info here.
Brewery de Kroon in Neerijse
Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant
