Boutersem offers a range of options for your stay: paths through its sub-municipalities, churches and chapels with histories of their own, and landscapes in the Velpe Valley. You can tailor your trip to suit whether you want to cover longer distances, explore religious heritage, or combine nature with historic buildings.
Paths through the landscape and sub-municipalities
The Landbouwleerpad is 28 kilometres long and can be covered on foot or by bicycle. Its signposted route passes through Boutersem’s sub-municipalities and links information panels near notable farmsteads. Biodiversity is also covered along the route. At 28 kilometres in total, the Landbouwleerpad is a distinct focus for planning your trip; you can choose between the two stated ways of getting around and make time for it in your schedule.
The Velpehoevewandeling offers a different perspective on the landscape. It passes through the Velpe Valley, by fields, orchards and several noteworthy historic buildings. The Malendriesbeektal is a particularly valuable side valley of the Velpe. Together, these details give an impression of the landscapes around Boutersem: one route runs past fields, orchards and historic buildings, while another takes in a characteristic side valley.
Churches, chapels and local heritage
The Sint-Hilarius Church preserves, in the oldest part of its organ, a testament to the late 17th or early 18th century. The Sint-Remigius Church is defined architecturally by a Neoclassical façade and sandstone. In Neervelp, the village centre is protected. Each place has a different point of interest: at Sint-Hilarius, it is the dating of part of the organ; at Sint-Remigius, the design of the façade; and in Neervelp, the protected village centre.
The Sint-Annakerk in Roosbeek (Boutersem) serves a different purpose: it was converted into an activity centre and museum for local religious heritage. After a trial period, this use was made permanent. The chapels in Boutersem are part of the cultural heritage and often also of folk culture. Religious devotions in the form of novenas and processions are still held at many monuments.
The Kleine Kringwandeling links churches and chapels in Vertrijk, Roosbeek, Butsel and Boutersem. It brings together the theme of religious heritage across several named locations. This makes it a practical route option if you want to see not just individual buildings, but churches and chapels in different sub-municipalities.
History at two locations
At the Oorlogssite Honsem, a replica of a historic Belgian reconnaissance aircraft stands on an old runway. It depicts the Renard R31, which was manufactured in Belgium. Visitor information at the site relates to the period just before and during the Second World War. The municipal museum offers a different point of reference: it is located in the attic of the OCMW building at Oude Baan 24.
The Battle of Boutersem is another historical point of reference. On 11 and 12 August 1831, the armies of King Leopold I and the Dutch Crown Prince Willem clashed there. The two historical themes focus on different periods: Honsem points to the period just before and during the Second World War, while the battle was a specific event in August 1831.
Practical information for your stay
Several GR routes pass through Boutersem and are easily accessible from Vertrijk railway station. If you want to include a hike in your plans, this is a useful point of reference for accessing these routes. The Kleine Kringwandeling and the Velpehoevewandeling have different thematic focuses: one on churches and chapels, the other on the Velpe Valley with its fields, orchards and historic buildings.
A weekly market is held in Boutersem every Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the car park of the Cultureel Centrum at Kerkomsesteenweg 55. As the time and location may change, check the details before your visit. It is also advisable to check the opening hours in advance if you plan to visit the municipal museum. This will help you fit the market, museum and other activities into your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Zemst, Bekkevoort, Ramillies, Steenokkerzeel, Rixensart, Ottignies-Louvain-La-Neuve, Sint-Kwintens-Lennik, Zaventem.
Go to the regional travel overview: Brabant.
