At the eastern edge of the Sonian Forest, a new world begins. In the sloping landscape around Overijse, Hoeilaart, Tervuren, Bertem and Huldenberg, a striking number of greenhouses pop up. For more than a hundred years, this has been the grape-growing region of Belgium. Even today, the local delicacy, the refined Flemish Brabant table grape, is still grown here with great care. But above all: this is also a unique setting for delightful bike rides, with wide panoramas and elegant stops.
Discover the eight must-sees on the 'Royalroute', a classic grape cycling tour on the cycling network of Flemish Brabant.
1. Huldenberg Castle
With its elegant spire towers, windows with white shutters and park garden, Huldenberg Castle is a beautiful sight. This is the birthplace of the table grape. From 1861, the baron's gardener, a certain Felix Sohie, began growing grapes here in greenhouses. You cannot visit the castle, but it is a perfect backdrop for a selfie. Fascinating contrast: the street art across the street. The colorful images of five " toy racers" pay homage to classic spring races, such as the Brabantse Pijl.
Kasteelpark 1, Huldenberg, near bicycle junction 27
- Tip: Book a night in B&B Park 7, located in the quiet castle park. You will enjoy a luxurious room, a wellness area and a breathtaking view of the castle ponds.
2. Most beautiful tree in Flemish Brabant
At a small chapel at a crossroads in rural Duisburg, a beautiful lime tree is growing. Believed to be over 250 years old, it is the biggest, thickest and oldest tree in the area. From this spot you have a fantastic view of the region.
Crossroads of Huldenbergstraat and Oliestraat in Duisburg (Tervuren) 650 m from intersection 25
3. Old and new conservatories
The long Groeneweg in Overijse totally lives up to its name. First you drive through a narrow corridor of greenery, past chic old and new villas. Then a landscape of wonderfully wide panoramas over the undulating region unfolds. Here, besides the fields, fields and horse pastures, you can see the two typical grape greenhouses of the region. The older greenhouses have rounded corners, recent greenhouses can be recognized by their straighter "kink" - which allows for easier upright work.
Groeneweg in Overijse, between bicycle junction 25 and 26
- Tip: On this road, a family business has been growing the Flemish Brabant table grape for three generations: in August and September, serrist Ronald Vanderkelen cuts the ripe grapes fresh for you.
4. 'Eye level' on the border of Neerijse and Leefdaal
At the highest point of the Duisburg Plateau you look out over a patchwork of fields, forests and hollow roads. Here, artist collective Observatorium installed a striking work of art: a three-dimensional logo inspired by the landscape with its typical hollow roads. 'Eye level' resembles an eye literally and figuratively resting on the land. A unique place to pause and look with full attention.
Langestraat, Huldenberg, at bike junction 3
5. Old church in Vossem
In the village of Vossem, be sure to step inside the seemingly banal St. Paul's Church. And not just for the coolness. The small, intimate church dates back to the 12th to 13th centuries, but was later thoroughly rebuilt. Nevertheless, you can still clearly see some Romanesque style features and old medieval murals.
Village square Vossem (Tervuren), at bike junction 45
6. Tervuren Park: royal allure
To rest, picnic, stroll around or for sightseeing: the majestic Park of Tervuren is not to be missed. Once a hunting domain for dukes, centuries later it became a royal summer residence with impressive deciduous trees, elegant French gardens, statues, ponds, fountains and a baroque chapel. The AfricaMuseum and Africa Palace are also located here.
Keizerinnedreef Tervuren, at bike junction 61
7. Visitor Center Dru!f
Visitor Center Dru!f tells the story of local grape growing, with tasty varieties such as Royal, Muscat, Leopold III and Baidor. They do so using, among other things, authentic utensils, such as old clipping shears, photographs of the past and fascinating timelapse images of growing grapes. For the children, there are interactive elements and games.
Waversesteenweg 2 in Overijse, near bicycle junction 40 (and 26)
8. Extra: Off to Tuscany or Little Switzerland
Hoeilaart is also a real grape community with active serrists and a wonderful country road: in the Koedaalstraat you suddenly enter another country. Call it Little Switzerland or green Austria ... in any case, you suddenly feel far from home. Among other things, you cycle here past the domain of grape grower Mia Michiels, who is happy to give you a guided tour after making an appointment.
Koedaalstraat in Hoeilaart, between bicycle junction 30 and 41
Norbert Van Herentals, J.B. Blommaertstraat 12 in Hoeilaart, 1.8 km from cycling junction 30.
Practical
Six attractions are located on the grape Royal route (33.2 km) that starts from Overijse. Nodes and map can be found here.
Want to see Hoeilaart and the beautiful Koedaalstraat? Drive from node 60 via 49 - 44 - 30 - 41 to node 40. With this extension, the route becomes 40 km long.
The Druivenstreek is hilly, on the route there are a few tough inclines. Those who do not like sporty cycling are better off choosing an e-bike.
Shopping & picnicking
Erik and Marie-Anne Van Camp not only grow juicy table grapes, but also have a store selling vegetables, fruit, home-grown grapes and excellent local produce.
Snack & terrace
At Tervuren Park, you can eat tearoom snacks at the Spaans Huis or sample fine aperitif dishes by TV chef Jeroen De Pauw at Canapé. Delicious Italian food is available at Neo Gusto, with terrace on Gemeenteplein in Hoeilaart.
Party!
In late summer there is plenty of partying in the Druivenstreek. They do this by no means just to put the Flemish-Brabant table grape in the spotlight. The festivities include dazzling performances, DJ sets, night markets, expos, fairs, fun sports competitions and all sorts of entertainment (including for the kids). Ambiance guaranteed with annual Druivenfeesten!
Explore the Druivenstreek even more extensively? For more inspiration, routes, serrists and activities, click through to visitvlaamsbrabant.be/druif
Accommodation
If you really want to experience the region, opt for an overnight stay nearby.
Some of the offerings:
't Klooster
A former monastery, transformed into a unique accommodation with 14 rooms and a large sleeping loft. Suitable for groups up to 48 people.
dockxstays.be
B&B Baron's House
A charming B&B in the old coach house of the Castle of Neerijse, on the edge of the Doode Bemde nature reserve.
baronshouse.be
Duckwing Outdoor
Stay in a spacious tipi tent in the green, on a quiet location near the National Park Brabantse Wouden.
duckwing.be
Bergendal
A campsite surrounded by fields and forests. Perfect for those who love simplicity and tranquility.
bergendal.green
Hotel Rastelli
Stay in a cozy three-star hotel by the Park of Tervuren. In the restaurant you will taste local flavors.
hotelrastelli.be
La Vista
Modern design accommodations with large windows and views of the greenery, near the Arboretum of Tervuren.
lavista.house
More lodging options at
visitvlaamsbrabant.be/logging
