Exploring the Leuven Region as an International
When I arrived in Leuven in late September as an international student, everything seemed picture perfect. The sun was still shining, casting golden light on pastel-colored buildings that looked like they had been plucked straight out of a Wes Anderson film. The city immediately charmed me with its quiet parks like Dijlepark and the peaceful, cobbled paths of the UNESCO-listed Groot Begijnhof. Walking past old stone bridges and centuries-old houses felt like stepping into a storybook. I fell in love with the city right away.
But as any newcomer to Belgium soon learns, the weather changes quickly. Within weeks, the skies turned grey, and endless rain seemed to wash away my sunny disposition. My Mediterranean soul missed the warmth, and as university assignments piled up, I found myself slipping into a quiet, reluctant routine, commuting between campus and my tiny student studio, barely seeing daylight. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was struggling. It wasn’t just homesickness; I was stuck.
Then, one cloudy afternoon, a Belgian classmate dragged me on a hike. I wasn’t in the mood, but I went, and it changed everything.
We walked through Bertembos, a forest just a short distance from Leuven, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe again. The crunch of leaves under my feet, the light filtering through the trees, the smell of fresh earth—it all helped me feel like myself again. Sometimes it’s as simple as hearing the birds sing or feeling the wind on your face. Nature has a quiet way of helping us slow down and breathe.
Coming from a highly urbanized city, I never imagined I'd find this kind of natural retreat so close to where I live. But Bertembos is exactly that, a hidden gem for anyone craving a little calm, a little clarity, and a lot of green.
Where is Bertembos?
Bertembos is located in the municipality of Bertem, within the province of Flemish Brabant - the same province as Leuven. As part of the Green Belt (Groene Gordel in Dutch), this forest offers a peaceful, scenic walk surrounded by lush greenery, wide-open views, and quiet woodland paths—perfect for a June day out.
The Bosstraat separates the area into two parts: Bertembos and Eikenbos. The trail offers a peaceful walk through varied landscapes—woodland paths, open clearings, and gentle hills. The forest lies along a ridge, so you’re often treated to sweeping views over the countryside.
Eikenbos hosts a wonderful playground and picnic area for families, called ’t Vossenhol. Children can enjoy a climbing wall, hills, tunnels, willow huts, a sandbox, shelter, and even a small amphitheater. Picnic benches are available in both the play forest and the recreational zone of Bertembos.
The forest is also FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council), meaning it's managed responsibly according to international environmental and social standards.
A short walk into the center leads to Sint-Pieter’s Church, a Romanesque church originally built in the 11th century and restored in 1935. It adds a touch of history to your nature adventure.
What Makes This Forest Special?
Bertembos offers a rewarding and varied walking experience shaped by its unique landscape and rich biodiversity. Positioned on the crest of a hill, it provides wide-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. This elevated setting—one of the highest points in Bertem—gives the forest an open, airy quality that is especially striking in clear weather.
The character of the forest changes with the seasons. In early spring, the ground is carpeted with white wood anemones (bosanemonen), creating a striking natural display. By June, the forest is enveloped in dense green foliage, offering welcome shade and a sense of calm, making it an ideal environment for a summer walk.
Wildlife is an integral part of the Bertembos experience. The forest is home to numerous bird species, including hawks, buzzards, treecreepers, and black woodpeckers. Blue tits are also frequently seen darting between branches. In quieter moments, particularly at dawn or dusk, it is sometimes possible to spot roe deer along the forest edges.
The walking route through Bertembos spans around 7 km and is composed of a mix of surfaces—paved, unpaved, and cobblestoned. This diversity makes the trail both interesting and moderately challenging, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
How to Follow the Route
The walking trail is clearly signposted with hexagonal red and white signs to stay on the loop. You can start your hike from Bosstraat, 3060 Bertem, near house number 187 or from Gemeenteplein, 3060 Bertem.
How to Get There from Leuven
By Public Transport: Take a bus from Leuven to Bertem (check the De Lijn app or website for the best route and timing). From the Bertem center, it’s a short walk to the forest entrance.
By Bike: It’s also a scenic bike ride from Leuven to Bertem, especially on a sunny June day.
By Car: Parking is available along Bosstraat near the starting point.
For info on accessible and inclusive tourism, you can reach out to: iedereentoerist@vlaamsbrabant.be
Discover more information about this hike here.
If you're new to Leuven and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t underestimate the healing power of a walk in the woods. We often rush through our days without noticing the birdsong, the light shifting through leaves, or even our own breath.
So pack a snack, bring a friend—or go alone—and let yourself be surprised by how much better you’ll feel after a few quiet hours among the trees. Nature is closer than you think, and sometimes, it’s exactly what you need.