Dilbeek is part of the Pajottenland on the outskirts of Brussels. There are different themes to consider when choosing a place to stay: castle and local history, outdoor trails, protected nature or a tasting. You can tailor your discoveries to the topics that interest you most.

Castle and mill history

Kasteel de Viron was built in 1862 for the de Viron family and now serves a ceremonial function. A guided tour explains the castle’s history and the architecture of Jan-Pieter Cluysenaar. If you plan to take a tour, check its availability before your trip.

The Watermolen van Pede, also called Pedemolen, is listed as protected heritage in Sint-Gertrudis-Pede in Schepdaal. Its history probably dates back to the end of the 14th century. The mill is also a starting point for walks and cycling tours. Unlike the castle, built in 1862, the mill’s history probably reaches back several centuries further.

Traces of farming and transport

Huisje Mostinckx is one of the last surviving clay farmsteads in Dilbeek and recalls the area’s former hop cultivation. The Tramsite van Schepdaal tells a different story: it displays historic trams and locomotives, as well as Leopold II’s royal carriage. The Sint-Alenatoren also offers a glimpse into the past. It is probably a remnant of the original settlement of the lords’ vassals, which was located in Dilbeek. Together, these sites place the history of transport technology alongside a royal exhibit, highlighting two different historical themes.

Trails and navigation

The Archicultuur wandeling is marked with thematic signs, not numbered hiking junctions. The Bruegelwandeling starts at the car park opposite the Sint-Annakapel at Herdebeekstraat 1701 in Itterbeek (Dilbeek). The Lambiek-Bruegelroute is 33.5 kilometres long and starts at the Sint-Annakerk in Dilbeek. These offer different points of reference for your planning: thematic trail markers, a clearly specified starting point or a stated total distance.

Nature, farm and tasting

Wolfsputten is a 90-hectare protected nature reserve. You can walk there among orchids, butterflies and songbirds, though you are not guaranteed to encounter particular species on every visit. Het Neerhof is a youth and family farm run by the Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie. Another highlight is Brouwerij Timmermans, which has been operating since 1702. A guided tour ends with a tasting.

A note on planning your journey

De Lijn bus routes R29, R36 and R10 stop at the “Gemeenteplein” stop. If you plan to use these routes, check the timetable before departure, as bus routes and stop information may change.

Discover more destinations: Groot-Bijgaarden, Schepdaal, Oud-Heverlee, Zemst, Bekkevoort, Zoutleeuw, Rebecq, Steenokkerzeel.

For the broader travel overview: Brabant.